What makes this scene even better is at first Sprink is singing in German to his troops, but during "O Come all Ye Faithful", he switches to Latin as he goes out in to no mans land, why? Back during those years most of those men had gone to church, in some form, and back then hymns were sung in Latin, especially during important holidays. He sang latin because it was a language the Germans, Scots, and French would all know.
Except for the fact that the gas chambers were working overtime at this moment. Except for the fact that Germany was trying to conquer the world. They were "all together" for maybe one evening and were murdering each other at all other times and there is one bad guy here. The Germans. Is anyone confused? Read a book.
These guys didn’t wanna fight, they were only following orders.. but no matter what side you wanted to win, you still remember them to this day over 100 years later. God bless their souls.
"It's always the old to lead us to the wars It's always the young to fall Now look at all we've won with the saber and the gun Tell me, is it worth it all?" -- Phil Ochs, I Ain't Marching Anymore
War is sometimes necessary. When you’re running out of supplies and have nothing to trade. You will *fight* for your survival. War is ingenious in a way. Not only are you stealing food from the enemy. You’re reducing the mouths you need to feed. Now it’s not the most beautiful thing to do and witness. But, the trolley problem.
@@pumpkingamebox If not for evil, there would be no war. But the evil in war is not men on a field; it’s what brought them out there that ought to be damned. When will the world know true peace? When there is no more evil, or no more strength to stand against it? Remember that All People are brothers and sisters, children from parents, Souls.
@@AerYdmyg Well, a failed harvest is certainly bad. But to call it outright evil? Idk. I don’t believe in good and evil. I’m what they call a moral nihilist. Things just happen in life. We just have to deal.
When your enemies start singing happily it's something terrifying. It makes them human, and it gets a lot harder to kill them once you start to feel that they are equal to you.
this is so true, all the pre-war propaganda villainies the enemies, but only when you look the enemy soldiers in the eye, you realize that the enemies are not monsters, but human, no different from you.
@@freepilot7732 not because of the soldiers, but the officials and commanders that wished the war to continue, you know, the ones not really doing the killing
Ik.. but I still killed 8 pipers in blood & iron (I only killed pipers because they were surrendering and shouting peace at the top of their fucking lungs in a roblox game)
This has become one of my favorite history stories in recent years the fact that one German soldier singing Silent Night was enough to pause a war even if it was for one night. Absolute chills.
Inst it. Still its nearly incredible that they kept killing each other after this again. Fully aware, theire were killing by brothers and be killed by them. Its absurd, because war is absurd.
it happened on multiple parts of the front. it ws not just one incident, s i heard. so peace seems to be a part of human nature as well as war...and that makes me kinda hopefull...
My grandfather lost an arm and a leg in that conflict. One of a couple of dozen "pals" who joined up (they all lied about their ages.) Of those pals only 4 returned, none of them whole. More than one community in the UK found itself without menfolk at war's end. He remembered escorting some German prisoners away from the line. Decent enough lads he reckoned, frighteningly young and fighting for their country just like he was. I don't think he ever hated anyone in his life, except for "that bloody sergeant!" He was peripherally involved in the mutiny, and blown up by a shell shortly afterwards. Lay 2 days in a pile of dead before someone noticed him moving. His field amputations done with alcohol in lieu of anaesthetic. He lived to 75 years old, but shook his head and simply walked away when people who had never seen service got jingoistic about crown and country. He similarly dismissed clergymen - he had seen too many encourage men into the slaughter "with God on their side." When he died, we found a boxful of medals we didn't even know he had. "You smug-faced crowds with kindling eye, Who cheer when soldier lads march by, Sneak home and pray you'll never know The hell where youth and laughter go."
Unfortunately they were ... photos were destroyed, french and german media censored everything, some media in britain talked about it. In some places (because it happend in many areas) they fired artillery at the people gathering, or were sent to difficult areas on suicidal missions.
@@TheJadenYukl there were also some place where some people refused to fight, those are mostly the people sent to other front lines. And what made some flee, and on the russian side eventually help the government being overthrown I haven't found any proof in people being executed tho. The public opinion was also harsh about them in london, but most people didn't understand how bloody this war was at that time.
The best part about this is these men are embodying Christ’s gospel. This is one of the most powerful and beautiful moments in history. Thank you for sharing this!
Who knew that Scottish bagpipes and German Tenor Opera could be such a beautiful combination. Even if the languages and instruments are foreign, they all know the same songs by heart. In the end we are all God’s children and we all deserve peace and happiness. Merry Christmas ❤️
A bit late for a reply maybe, but the truth of the matter is that Christmas tree's weren't a global thing by that point. It is a tradition with pagan roots, and thus only germany and a few other "pagan" countries, such as the entirety of Scandinavia. If I'm not mistaken, the French and Scottish soldiers had never seen a Christmas tree before, hence their suspicion
Most of the soldiers from these lines during the truce had to be replaced, as they refused to fight one another after this. Soldiers had to be taken out and new ones brought in. Many German soldiers were seen as traitors and were sent to Russia to die. On the way there, they sang the songs that the Scots sang about home. This is one of the greatest things that's happened in human history. It was a time, even if for a short time, of peace.
@@elements1168 honestly looking at his arts, I think he could easily be famous for being one of the best artist in bistory but chose to become famous as the most cruel and evil man in the world
Oh yes, you're right, sir. This is much better than the opera in Berlin. You are currently singing on the stage of humanity, saving souls in a soulless war.
I did this once in dota 2, I was radiant side when I was alone at mid I switch farm spot at dire's mid position, later the dire mid player got confused for few seconds and afterward proceed to mirror my actions. Later on the other players picks up the funny mid players' behavior and the whole map become friendly enough to 10v1 roshan lol
Yeah, never forget to bring your bagpipes to whereever you go on this planet, it's worth it! BTW: Could you please tell me the title of the first song, the one the scots Lt. starts to sing before the german soldier reacts by Stille Nacht? Thx in advance. Cheers pal!
@@fennecabumukallalabdulmasi3867 It's called "I'm Dreaming of Home". Actually not a traditional Scottish song (though it certainly sounds like it could be), but one written for the movie.
It took one night, for these men to acomplish what politicians and generals couldn't. The human spirit has immeasurable strength and if we all could see this, we as a world could come together and set aside our differences, our fears, and our hate, we could be so much more. Every year UA-cam recommends this video, and every year i renew my vow to continually hope and pray for all peoples, soldiers, and governments to see the error in wars and divisive rhetoric, and come together as one voice. It is just a hope, but one i continually pray for.
It's hard to kill an enemy on it's own, because they're still a person in any case. But I imagine there was a spike in desertions on the 26th of December...
One of my favourite Christmas movies and anti-war stories ever. It's hard to keep a straight face when watching this. I have a book with collected letters from soldiers of both sides that told their families about that night. No one wanted to fight; everyone wanted peace, truce and to go back home. Merry Christmas everyone
What do you expect? They're french. Edit; I mean no disrespect, just saying it in a stereotypical way, but not TOO disrespectfully, just wanted to make people laugh.
From the beginning to the end of this war, the Governmeny supplied their troops in bottles and bottles of wine, always more, while their food was still absolute garbage. Their goal was to maek them so drunk that they would never think about rebelling.
I come back to this every year and it always makes me tear up as it shows the true nature of humans and how we can lay down arms and interact like normal human beings even in war.
Powerful scene. It serves to remind us that these men didn't really want to harm one another. They were simply pawns in a sick bureaucratic game of chess.
There is also a small drama and "out of band' conversation going on here too. First, the Scots sing in English, then the Germans sing in German. Finally, Father Palmer (Scot) suggests with his bagpipes, and Sprink (German) accepts a compromise song: "Adeste Fideles" a song in Latin (a neutral language).
One of the most touching scenes in any movie, when the piper starts to play and the singer is stunned for their enemy's forgotten humanity being relight
This will always be my favourite scene from any movie, ever. Purely because it shows the humanity that can shine even in the darkest of times. Something I think we all need to see more nowadays
My great grandfather was part of the Scottish bagpipe regiment during WWI and was part of this Christmas truce. Unfortunately a few years later he was mustered gassed and well he did survival my Grandmother had to drain his lungs out every few hours and past away 2 years later. I have his military photo in my living room and it makes me so proud that he was part of my family tree and I still have the chanter from his bagpipes from WWI hanging up on my wall.
@@ryanawilson8549 Thank you buddy. I just wish I had the chance to meet him. Everyone said he was a larger than life guy and one of the nicest guys youd ever had the chance to meet.
Know that your Great Grandfather was the the greatest of men. For a night he was not a soldier or combatant fighting a war, he was a healer of worlds soothing the plight of man.
Just watched it once again for this year's Christmas Eve. Just seeing Sprink, Anna, and Jorg (the harmonica) made me really feel for them: the boys drafted together, and Anna fearing for her lover's life, as they were living high life as artists. Same goes for all characters, and the plot twist that the French Major General was Audebert's dad... This sequence is the best, humanity realized...
Magnificent songs for an equally magnificent film, a tribute to these men who fraternized for one holy night, while everything around was nothing but chaos. In memory of all these men sacrificed more than a century ago during the Great War. In memory of all the veterans of all wars (including my grandfather in the French army, mobilized in the Pacific during WW2).🕯
*I cry every time I watch this.. you know why? Because this ACTUALLY HAPPENED! MY great grandfather was there and I'm LUCKY ENOUGH to have been TOLD THIS FROM HIS PERSPECTIVE! I HAVE A DIARY HE LEFT ME AND IT'S HIS DIARY IN THAT VERY DITCH, COVERED IN DIRTY, MUD, BLOOD, AND I'M BLESSED TO HAVE IT IN MY POSITION*
My Great Grandfather wrote a letter saying that "We traded Bully Beef for cigars with our German friends". It is not likely we can ever know what took place during this Christmas event but each year on November 11th I watch this and imagine him saying "We are Scottish". My Great Grandfather Pte.Ronald MacKinnon PPCLI kia 9/4/1917.
Мой дед воевал первую мировую войну, гражданскую, великую отечественную прошел с первого дня до победы, давайте жить дружно люди. С Рождеством христовым.
You are right, they want to go home to have peace and happy family but this war only bring misery and pain as for the devil want the world to be in chaos. This scene show us this war is just nonsense for the politician bitter pride for themselves.
Поверьте. Когда сидишь в окопах, в такие моменты хочется покоя. В рожденственском перемири приняли около полумиллионна человек. И не важно кто это был- немец, русский, француз и тд
It’s honestly the best piece of music I’ve ever heard. They don’t do it in the soundtrack and I find that ashame. Because this is probably the most important scene of the film.
I have my old grandfathers WW1 documents up in the loft .Trench orders book .Soldiers pay book while on active service etc .I found a hand written piece of paper in his wallet with lines from the bible .Just a simple piece of paper .On one of the documents it states he was transferred to reserve .He was a Scotsman..A very nice clean decent hard working skilled man .Worked in the RR on the Merlin engines later in life .My grans brother drowned in the Red Sea .Everybody lost somebody.If you drive through the villages in Scotland every one has a memorial to the dead .It's ridiculous the amount of names on them .Even tiny villages have a long list of young men taken in that stupid war.
Could not agree more! A salute to all of you from a retired captain (long, long time ago) of the German army, still proudly wearing the airborne wings.
The singer’s face when he hears the bagpipes is so hopeful and full of joy. I imagine, in his head, he was thinking that this is his stage, that man was his orchestra, and this will be the performance of a lifetime
On this lovely late evening of May 1st, 2023, I wish you a peaceful christmas eve. I was never good at dates, but this emotion is what the world needs more of. Cheers!
- There must be war! + We have music. - War I said! +...and chocolate... - War!.. + ..also lots of wine.. - but war... + ...and a little kitten :) - ...there must be truce!
There's a reason this story is legendary among the annals of warfare. Never before or since has there been such a spontaneous display of brotherhood and peace between enemies on the battlefield.
That's not entirely correct. The christmas truce is certainly the most prominent example and the most mythologised, but there are other examples. To name just one, it is well documented that during the crimean war soldiers from opposing factions frequently shared rations and tobacco with each other. Not to mention that there was a certain tradition during WWI and other wars to allow the enemy to retrieve and bury their dead as well as retrieve and treat their wounded without disturbing them. And since those occasions were often used to do the same with their own dead and wounded it often came to small fraternisation situations like for example helping the enemy to dig graves or even sharing some medicine and other supplies. There were also often unoffical ceasefires after particulary heavy engagements due to sheer exhaustion where the soldiers just agreed to not shoot each other simply to get some rest.
@@KingQwertzlbrmpf your right but I think his point has more to do with how horrifying WW1 was with all the new technology and the way the war stagnated with that technology, that it happened. And on such a large scale. This is a legendary event cause you had 2 whole ARMIES (not really more like brigades but that really here or there) stop fighting and killing each other for a night and celebrate Christmas together. That is what makes this truly a moment that is likely to never happen again.
@Kabuki Kitsune That actually was a couple days after the war was officially over. Also as a fun side note, the us troops called their wehrmacht allies the "tamed krauts" ^^
About the Cat: The cat scene is partly allegory, and partly historical. There actually was a cat that travelled between the German and French lines, amazingly he was executed by French Officers as a "spy". The director uses him here as a microcosm (small mirror) of the larger image. The cat does not care what the battle lines are, he will do what a cat will do. The soldiers try to impose their idea of loyalty and ownership upon him, much like the Generals, Politicians, and Clergy try to impose their will upon the soldiers. The name(s) for the cat are a comedic nod to the fact that most languages in Europe have common roots and/or influences. The Germans call him Felix, and the French call him Nestor. "Felix" comes from the Latin for "Happy", and "Nestor" is from the Greek for "Traveller". So the cat is a "Happy Traveller" or "One who is happy while travelling".
The ending for this movie is very sad, yet amazing. Eventually people learn about this truce from the letters sent by these soldiers to their families. Superiors are going to replace these "traitors". The most heartbreaking moment was when they were punishing the germans for "treason": They were sent directly to Russia to literally die there, without the possibility to visit home. When they're put in the train wagon and called traitors, they start to sing the song the Scots were singing about home, showing what they've learned from the encounter with their brothers. This pisses off the general, as they ride away in the train to their death... with no fear... singing. I LOVE THIS MOVIE
It's TRUE, the german 92 division would get decimated in poland a few months later going against the russians. The french division would make a counter attack 5 days later, and it would fail. The Scots were transferred to help hold the line with the canadians at the battle of the somme
It makes sense, killing someone isn't easy and it's usually done through a form of dehumanization to stay sane. This would make firing upon the enemy incredibly painful due to you no longer being able to dehumanize your "enemy". This is why fraternization with the enemy has been punished very harshly historically speaking, since it removes any fighting spirit, and effectively grinds the hostilities to a halt. It would also be better for a soldier from a psychological point of view, to move him away from any enemy he's socialized with, since the mental scarring will be a LOT more severe if the person you're shooting is someone you've had positive social interactions with.
@@ButterBoyism Quote from Magnificent 7, Midnight: "YOU GOTTA HATE WHAT YOU'RE FIRING AT!!" Yea, it's painful once you realise that your enemy is also human and is in the same situation as you. Scared, clueless about your nature, just told to kill for his country in order to protect your loved ones from "monsters".
@@PALATA-Gaming In reality it's less about hate, and more about normalizing the idea that the people you're killing aren't people. I've a few friends who has been in actual combat and almost all of them refuse to see the people they fought as human. One in particular was a british sniper, or something similar. He always uses dehumanizing terms when talking about middle easterns, because of his experiences. To him they're an "it", not a "they". This is very logical when you actually think about it, if someone like him aknowledged them as people, he'd have to deal with the fact that he's done horrible things to other human beings (from what he's told me, not everything that goes on in a warzone, is ethical). As long as the people you kill are just "things", then you don't have to lose sleep over it. The second they become human to you, then it'll haunt you forever.
Does anyone who pledged, for their country, but more importantly miss their friends , came here. I am so happy that I met them... From all walks of life, speaking of which, there is not a day that goes by, see you on the re-org.
Its not an accurate version, but oh, it makes me smile. Then cry. The sound of the pipes may annoy, if you hear someone practicing, but an accomplished piper can bring tears just filling the bag! Glad to be Scots!..ps, want to defeat an enemy? Get the antagonists to play Grand theft Auto, or, since they are all quite old, Space invaders! Yes,im that old too!
If you really believe that, you are indeed stupid. Heck, just look around you. It's not the old and bitter causing gangs to kill each other in our streets. There are hundreds of such examples.
@@JustSad66 There is something about pipes that reaches deep in our feelings. Heck, they still play pipes in Dune and it is 10,000 years in the future. :)
My grandfather was at the Somme and lost two brothers in the first world war . He was a runner my mother told me was 16 when he joined up looked thirty half way through
Interestingly, or at least to me, when the Scottish and German men start singing together after getting out of the trench, they are singing the tune to "O Come all ye Faithful". However, unlike the previous number, "Silent Night", the German man is singing in Latin, instead of German. This is because Latin was still considered a universal language, and central to Christianity. When he starts singing in Latin, he is symbolically putting all of their enmity aside. Edit:wow that's a lot of likes 😀 if you thought this was interesting, read through the replies. There's a lot of interesting idea and conversation going. Wishing yall a merry Christmas during a difficult year
You speak of a great scene. It is a kind of negotiation: First, The Scots sing in English. Next, The Germans sing in German. Finally: Father Palmer suggests (by playing a few notes on the bagpipes) a compromise: "Lets sing in a neutral language?" Nickolaus Sprink (the Tenor) accepts the proposed solution, and both sides sing in Latin.
It's not a duel, it's a dance. If it was a duel, each one will change the tune, but no! They amplify each other's beautifully! But I see your point and I agree with you completely!
All these men sitting in the trenches in 1914 were born in the 19th century. They were still 19th century men with 19th century mentalities. We can't understand how they thought because of when we were born. We find it impossible to comprehend in our day and age 100 years later after that epitome of industrial war - World War 2 - and the post WW2 era of dirty insurgent warfare, but these men believed that they were civilised gentlemen. Fighting your enemy one day and singing Christmas carols with him the next is something that was not impossible to the 19th century mind. Not when your opponent was another European like yourself. It was quite simply how gentlemen treated each other even in war. Sadly that mindset perished in the industrial slaughter in the 4 years to follow.
Interestingly the European respect all soldiers alike, and the french even gave a medal of honor to Harlem Hellfighters (a group of black soldiers from New York) because they fought alongside them. Unfortunately back then, The US didn't want to recognize these men's bravery and honor in the war. The european are much more civilised, as shown like in this movie.
That mindset perished not in the industrial slaughter, but when people allowed their "leaders" to dehumanize their enemy for them through propaganda. No matter when, no matter why, no matter how the conflict erupted, that man opposing you does so for his comrades in arms, his homeland, and his own beliefs. You might think them misguided, you might think them wrong, but the same goes for yourself in *his* eyes. The moment you consider yourself "justified" and your opponent a "lesser being", you've just arrived on exactly the level you're accusing your opponent of. You start thinking that talking is pointless and war the only solution. If you're amenable to some notable words even if they're from a fictional series, search for "Zygon War Speech" from Dr. Who.
Why is it that cats are..... well cats. That cat us playing both sides. Food and a warm bed from both the French and the Germans. The worst part? The ABSOLUTE worst part???!!! There kitty's.... and therecuteandfluffyandsmushable.... so fluffy
the war could not be ended by just them. its a nice dream but even if the circumstances where right and word spread quickly of what had happened there on that night, still things would have been the same afterwards. and if you watch the entire movie (joyeux noel), the next day they dont fight, they play soccer (or football, dependant on where you come from) as a last note i would like to add that the evens depicted here did actualy happen, this is based on reality. i dunno if its the first time, but it was certainly the last. it was durring this exact period of time where the man accross the feild changed from 'opponent'- a person which is competing for the same goal as you- to 'enamy'- a being which wants to destroy all that you beleived in, all your dreams, and all your hopes. from opponent to hated enemy, though the people them selves did not change, only the propaganda did.
What's really sad is that few of the bloodiest battles in modern history happened after the Christmas celebration, including with the introduction of toxic gas. :(
This is especially true of world war I. A war which was caused by tension between powers rather than a real offense. I would differ about something like WW2. I don't think British or Americans could have had a christmas truce with Nazis. The key here is that both sides were fighting for not a whole lot of reason.
Tbh WWI was a lot more attrition based warfare and no mans land engagements. WWII would have MUCH less because of Tanks, bombers and more weapons. Because of attrition warfare being so slow in progression it also weakens morale to a point where some soldiers get desperate, rebelious or suicidal. Few has the resolve to demonise the enemy from then on. WWII would have attrition warfare much less which means less of a glorious opportunity to show humanity.
@@chrisc1926 Well The British were fighting because germany ignored Belgium neutrality. They commited numerous war crimes. The men knew this quite well.
As a young boy in the 60's I worked with a man that joined the British army at the outbreak of WW1, aged 16, went to France and fought through it, all 5 years. I never heard him say a bad word of those he fought, and he never lost his humanity...
If you get a chance, go and see the Opera Silent Night, it's about the Christmas truce. My cousin Kevin wrote it and we saw it opening night at the Philadelphia Opera House and were amazed.
Thanks dear '@@samgray49' !!!! WELL MARRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL IN ADVANCE !!!! 19:30 PM FRIDAY 4TH.DEC.2020 !!!!! JITEN PATEL GUJARAT INDIA EMAIL jzpatel.2011@rediffmail.com OR MOBILE 00-91-9004648715 THANKS FOR READING...jzpatelut...
There are two pieces of music that make me old man cry: this one, sung in the movie "Christmas Truce of WW 1" and the violin in "Schindler's List" of WW 2.
@@afriendlycadian9857 No, I'm honestly running out of voicelines more than anything. I'm Happy I made you laugh as the comments were just jokes. I was just using Soldiers Response for Dominations as a joke. The first comment was his Domination for Demoman and the second was a Voice line for Dominating another Soldier and Demoman, Respectfully.
I’m proud to be part of this brotherhood, you’ve earned the right to wear green you are part of of my family regardless of race religion or nationality
I am a war history maniac, and I am actually majoring Korean War history in a graduate school, preparing for my dissertation. This movie, and the Christmas Truce in 1914, is all that I need to keep studying War history. sometimes a miracle can bloom from the hell itself.
Humanity and war is like the jing and jang. Both of them is needed to show eatch other what is better and they can not function without either of them batting eatch other out. In war, humans has the greatest challenge to be humane and to trive and raise above the carnage. There will be traitors, heros and death. But also brotherhood, humanity and love
Sun Moon so, I hope the two sides of Korea could have such a night like this, but you guys should remove that landmines stretching all over 38th paralel.
Woah that statement kinda blew my mind ^. It's so true. We need disasters and war to appreciate peace and prosperity. We need rainy days to appreciate sunny days. The human mind is such a weird place.
When I was a young teen in Rural Atlantic Canada ,and seemed a born history buff , I met more than 10 WW 1 Vets and met a man with the same experience and was lucky enough to hear it from him . He shared tea and smoke with Jerry as he called them . It had really set in his soul , he teared as he told story and now , 50 years later viewing this .his story to me comes back . We should all hold these pawns of rich men in esteem and don;t forget they served and died cause they were drafted or sold the package . Peace Greed is the enemy of all
Friend read " August 1914" by Barbara Tuchman if you haven't already. Best war treatise I've ever read. It may make you look at the French differently.
@@zirium6276 the only ones who were oppressed were those who rebelled mainly in the Jacobite rebellions. Anyone who claims to be oppressed is an independence SNP supporter or is not from our country
Tohle by měly vysílat na Vánoce všechny televize místo Mrazíka.....příběh který dokonce ani dnes není uvěřitelný a i tak se opravdu stal....pokoj všem duším co musely padnout ,,aby jsme dnes mohli žít a nadávat jak jsme utlačovaní´´ (sarkasticky)
Gonna do a thing here I swore years ago to never do...I'm an old man, 62 yrs. old and I am setting here in my living room crying like a baby. I guess sobbing would be a better description of it...And with tears flowing down my cheeks, I am unashamed. I remember hearing about this from my grandfather when I was a little boy. At the time I cried and was comforted by him, a great whiskery hug, that smelled of his pipe tobacco and felt like love...Now I sit in my house and think of him and the years that have gone by since...These men climbed out of their miserable trenches and, for a moment, the war for them was a thing of the past or no more...They sang, danced, shared food and gifts...Then marched back into their mud lined pits to continue the war...I have seen first hand, with these old eyes the evil that men can do to one another in the rage of battle. Indeed, I have participated in it to stay alive....no excuse...for there can be none, nor forgiveness either, at least not within ones self...The fact that we have to learn to walk, talk, feed ourselves is life. Our parents instruct and we learn...But who teaches us to hate?...Its a question I have never had an answer for...Those men walked out into "No Man's Land" to engage in the purest act of being human there is...The world would have us at each others throats with rock and claw, yet these men answered a call of faith and for a little while, were truly the men that God had intended them to be...Love this story and the truth it contains...I'm done now...Gonna grab my keys and go visit my grandkids that live nearby, maybe even stop and get them presents...I'm going to hug them, maybe tell them this story and even though I don't smoke, if they need a hug, well...Papa has many, many hugs left in him...I have shared more about my service here in these few words than I have with my own family. Although I have 3 notebooks full of them and my family will be able to have them when I am gone...i do not wish to open that Pandora's box while I am living...hurt's...Now, get ready G-kids...here comes Papa...
I signed in here just to give this a thumbs up. I too remember my grandpa telling us kids about this Amazing feat happening. He was not there but he had heard about it when he was in France during WW I. This was the only thing about that war he spoke of. A Hobbit, Thank you for sharing.
@@gaijin909 my grandfather. while old enough, had broken his left knee at about 14 and had a limp so was exempt from service. My grandmother had 3 younger brothers that went and came home. But they lost 2 of them and quite a few neighbors to the Spanish Flu almost immediately....
@@rahn7 One from The Shire...rahn7 I thank you, and send my heartfelt best wishes to all those with a tender soul...My own soul has been besmirched by my past self. Or at least by the things he did to stay alive...I am at ease now, and even though I will never be able to forgive my actions, the love of my children and their children give me contentment. I understand and agree with the fact that there really are things in the world worth fighting for, but I pray that my grand children never have to make the choice I did...Again, thank you and I am honored by your response...
Germany: *It's felix..*
France: *No it's Nestor*
*And thus have the war continued.*
WW2 it was because nobody held hitlers beer
yes
This really brings a whole new meaning to a catfight....
@@Poondsp things is ww2 would happen even if hitler died earlier
@pepe bruh
All wars are civil wars. because all men are brothers
How are all men brothers??
Mr. lavalava
lol
+Mr. lavalava or maybe it's just a different shade of skin
Yeah, i have no idea, i just did it for the pussy .
+Mr. lavalava FUCKING GOLDEN
The German soldier thanking the French officer in French after being poured his drink was a great touch
Original version of this french moovie...
What makes this scene even better is at first Sprink is singing in German to his troops, but during "O Come all Ye Faithful", he switches to Latin as he goes out in to no mans land, why?
Back during those years most of those men had gone to church, in some form, and back then hymns were sung in Latin, especially during important holidays. He sang latin because it was a language the Germans, Scots, and French would all know.
Oh, i didnt know that. That's very thoughtful of him.
@@JoCosGameThe officers and older Scots may have known some, The young not so much proabably.
@@HistoryColourized like religion it's all shit
Yes and we see the French soldier singing along to your point.
It has been 105 years now. 105.
Merry Christmas, everyone.
thank you very much. same to you. stay healthy. best wishes from Germany
Best wishes from America
Best Wishes from Canada :)
Best wishes from Australia !
Late but best wishes from England
We will never fight against our brothers again.
Greetings from Germany
freagle123 Merry Christmas and greetings from Western Australia. Be well.
@@lindseymurphy3386 Thanks and Merry Christmas to you, be well too. :)
No, no I hope we never do again. But humanity still has a major fight left in it. Happy New Year.
Greetings from America
@@jiveassturkey8849 war mongers
The best part of this scene is that the German officer is singing "Come All Ye Faithful" in Latin. A language that brings all 3 of them together.
That's because they were Roman Catholic. Latin was and still is the official language of Holy Mother Church.🙏
@@kaiserwilly4234 Glory to God in the highest, and peace to his people on Earth. Peace and Love to everyone, for we all children of the same God!
@@GnomaPhobic Amen.
Except for the fact that the gas chambers were working overtime at this moment. Except for the fact that Germany was trying to conquer the world. They were "all together" for maybe one evening and were murdering each other at all other times and there is one bad guy here. The Germans. Is anyone confused? Read a book.
These guys didn’t wanna fight, they were only following orders.. but no matter what side you wanted to win, you still remember them to this day over 100 years later. God bless their souls.
Yeah and I'm sure youre the same one wishing death on russian soldiers in ukraine...no?
"only following orders" is not a defense.
Soccer
“War is young men dying and old men talking”
- Franklin D. Roosevelt
And that’s exactly what he did
"It's always the old to lead us to the wars
It's always the young to fall
Now look at all we've won with the saber and the gun
Tell me, is it worth it all?"
-- Phil Ochs, I Ain't Marching Anymore
War is sometimes necessary. When you’re running out of supplies and have nothing to trade. You will *fight* for your survival.
War is ingenious in a way. Not only are you stealing food from the enemy. You’re reducing the mouths you need to feed. Now it’s not the most beautiful thing to do and witness. But, the trolley problem.
@@pumpkingamebox If not for evil, there would be no war. But the evil in war is not men on a field; it’s what brought them out there that ought to be damned. When will the world know true peace? When there is no more evil, or no more strength to stand against it?
Remember that All People are brothers and sisters, children from parents, Souls.
@@AerYdmyg Well, a failed harvest is certainly bad. But to call it outright evil? Idk.
I don’t believe in good and evil. I’m what they call a moral nihilist. Things just happen in life. We just have to deal.
When your enemies start singing happily it's something terrifying. It makes them human, and it gets a lot harder to kill them once you start to feel that they are equal to you.
this is so true, all the pre-war propaganda villainies the enemies, but only when you look the enemy soldiers in the eye, you realize that the enemies are not monsters, but human, no different from you.
Yet they started again. Many died after this.
@@freepilot7732 not because of the soldiers, but the officials and commanders that wished the war to continue, you know, the ones not really doing the killing
We can live as a Humanity in Creative society with thrive and peace and with no war
#allatraunites
Ik.. but I still killed 8 pipers in blood & iron (I only killed pipers because they were surrendering and shouting peace at the top of their fucking lungs in a roblox game)
This has become one of my favorite history stories in recent years the fact that one German soldier singing Silent Night was enough to pause a war even if it was for one night. Absolute chills.
Inst it. Still its nearly incredible that they kept killing each other after this again. Fully aware, theire were killing by brothers and be killed by them. Its absurd, because war is absurd.
It’s not real. It did not happen. For f**ks sake. It’s debunked
it happened on multiple parts of the front. it ws not just one incident, s i heard. so peace seems to be a part of human nature as well as war...and that makes me kinda hopefull...
@@rafaelstoll3305They refused to fight after this and the higher ups was forced to reassign these men to continue the fight
My grandfather lost an arm and a leg in that conflict. One of a couple of dozen "pals" who joined up (they all lied about their ages.) Of those pals only 4 returned, none of them whole. More than one community in the UK found itself without menfolk at war's end.
He remembered escorting some German prisoners away from the line. Decent enough lads he reckoned, frighteningly young and fighting for their country just like he was. I don't think he ever hated anyone in his life, except for "that bloody sergeant!"
He was peripherally involved in the mutiny, and blown up by a shell shortly afterwards. Lay 2 days in a pile of dead before someone noticed him moving. His field amputations done with alcohol in lieu of anaesthetic.
He lived to 75 years old, but shook his head and simply walked away when people who had never seen service got jingoistic about crown and country.
He similarly dismissed clergymen - he had seen too many encourage men into the slaughter "with God on their side."
When he died, we found a boxful of medals we didn't even know he had.
"You smug-faced crowds with kindling eye,
Who cheer when soldier lads march by,
Sneak home and pray you'll never know
The hell where youth and laughter go."
Nicely written.
As a former soldier, you moved me greatly tonight.
Germany : it's Felix...
France : No, Nestor.
Me : Let's just call him Netflix
🤔
Nestfix
and that kids was how netflix was born
Amazing!
lol
"No one will criticize us for laying down our rifles for Christmas Eve"
No, soldier. We exalt you all for doing so.
Nearly 106 years later these men are admired for what they did.
Amen!
Unfortunately they were ... photos were destroyed, french and german media censored everything, some media in britain talked about it. In some places (because it happend in many areas) they fired artillery at the people gathering, or were sent to difficult areas on suicidal missions.
@@martinchab1 dude, serious? i heard that in the next day they refused to fight.
@@TheJadenYukl there were also some place where some people refused to fight, those are mostly the people sent to other front lines. And what made some flee, and on the russian side eventually help the government being overthrown
I haven't found any proof in people being executed tho.
The public opinion was also harsh about them in london, but most people didn't understand how bloody this war was at that time.
The best part about this is these men are embodying Christ’s gospel. This is one of the most powerful and beautiful moments in history. Thank you for sharing this!
Who knew that Scottish bagpipes and German Tenor Opera could be such a beautiful combination. Even if the languages and instruments are foreign, they all know the same songs by heart.
In the end we are all God’s children and we all deserve peace and happiness. Merry Christmas ❤️
*Puts up a Christmas tree*
"Commander, I don't like the look of this."
A bit late for a reply maybe, but the truth of the matter is that Christmas tree's weren't a global thing by that point. It is a tradition with pagan roots, and thus only germany and a few other "pagan" countries, such as the entirety of Scandinavia. If I'm not mistaken, the French and Scottish soldiers had never seen a Christmas tree before, hence their suspicion
*ITS A DIVERSION*
Lol
@@Arthelin Christmas tree was broadly spread in France since 17th century, coming from alsatian tradition.
"I think we should surrender."
Most of the soldiers from these lines during the truce had to be replaced, as they refused to fight one another after this. Soldiers had to be taken out and new ones brought in. Many German soldiers were seen as traitors and were sent to Russia to die. On the way there, they sang the songs that the Scots sang about home. This is one of the greatest things that's happened in human history. It was a time, even if for a short time, of peace.
iirc, in a German sector, Hitler was a corporal that time and reported his men for their actions
what a prick
@@erichvondonitz5325 he is crazy patriotic but it's sad that an artist became like this
@@elements1168 He was pretty much a weeb for German, a Wehraboo to be exact. Idk why he wanted to become chancellor tho
@@elements1168 honestly looking at his arts, I think he could easily be famous for being one of the best artist in bistory but chose to become famous as the most cruel and evil man in the world
@@erichvondonitz5325 it all goes back to family which most likely the reason for why he became like that
Oh yes, you're right, sir. This is much better than the opera in Berlin. You are currently singing on the stage of humanity, saving souls in a soulless war.
As a combat vet, this brings a tear to my eye!
Thanks for your service and a happy new year!
Happy new year mr@@steinehaufen
With others to say "Thank You" for your service . SFC Ret.
When your playing in a public server and manage to convert everyone friendly
I like that
That One guy trying to sneak up on the other site was try harding
And then a spy backstabs everyone
Michael Dickson or a pyro just comes and kills everyone
I did this once in dota 2,
I was radiant side when I was alone at mid I switch farm spot at dire's mid position, later the dire mid player got confused for few seconds and afterward proceed to mirror my actions. Later on the other players picks up the funny mid players' behavior and the whole map become friendly enough to 10v1 roshan lol
trust the scots to start a party in the middle of humanities worst moment proud to be one joyeux noel
But how does one befriend a Scottish and live to tell the tale
Frohe Weihnachten
Yeah, never forget to bring your bagpipes to whereever you go on this planet, it's worth it! BTW: Could you please tell me the title of the first song, the one the scots Lt. starts to sing before the german soldier reacts by Stille Nacht? Thx in advance. Cheers pal!
@@fennecabumukallalabdulmasi3867 It's called "I'm Dreaming of Home". Actually not a traditional Scottish song (though it certainly sounds like it could be), but one written for the movie.
In truth I think it was the French who clapped upon hearing a German singing rather well. But truce's did happen along the lines but not every where.
It took one night, for these men to acomplish what politicians and generals couldn't. The human spirit has immeasurable strength and if we all could see this, we as a world could come together and set aside our differences, our fears, and our hate, we could be so much more. Every year UA-cam recommends this video, and every year i renew my vow to continually hope and pray for all peoples, soldiers, and governments to see the error in wars and divisive rhetoric, and come together as one voice. It is just a hope, but one i continually pray for.
This is so powerful... The fact this actually happened makes me so hopeful for humanity despite its faults.
a great deal of theatrical license taken in this movie but very moving nonetheless.
These are the real people in wars, the problem is not the soldiers is their goverments and high autorities 😶
They actually had to reposition a lot from this alone because a lot of men refused to fire at command after the fact.
dont be, those are only glimpses of a species way beyond its moral prime
@@aahnecroth I'm aware of our future however It's nice to see glimpses of what it could be.
"It's Felix."
"No, it's Nestor."
"No, Felix."
"See, It's Nestor. Nestor's heading for the French side."
Creative Corner NO ITS FELIX HE IS SIMPLY GATHERING FRENCH SECRETS
And the truce ended because of a cat... hahahaha
"fuck yo chocolate. his name is Nestor.."
And the war rages on
And just like that they started fighting
its really hard to kill your enemy once you've shared champagne with them right?
i cant imagine gow hard it was the next day then
thats why superiors prohibit them from socialising with the enemy
It's hard to kill an enemy on it's own, because they're still a person in any case. But I imagine there was a spike in desertions on the 26th of December...
TheCrazyKid1381 I doubt that. Plus i know that only several hours later they resumes the fire fight
Nah,Crazy kid is right. Many of them were replaced and reassigned.
I feel that, when I like to take a vengeance but mercy stops you to do that.
One of my favourite Christmas movies and anti-war stories ever. It's hard to keep a straight face when watching this. I have a book with collected letters from soldiers of both sides that told their families about that night. No one wanted to fight; everyone wanted peace, truce and to go back home. Merry Christmas everyone
Ever since I found out about this moment in human history, I watch it every single year on the exact day. It brings me joy, and a reminder.
To those who don't like bagpipes: I'm Scottish, they resonate in my soul. I don't expect you to understand but that's how it is.
I live in central America and I love the sound of that instrument.
I personally don’t really listen to bagpipe songs all that much, but when I do it’s fascinating.
@@ricardomora9913 @Alex Yoblick then we are brothers across the world. :)
@@DarkParagon I'm glad to hear that.
I'm from Froggyland and I dream of visiting Scotland mainly for three things : whisky, redheads and of course bagpipes.
I love how the french obviously have bottles prepared xD
What do you expect? They're french.
Edit; I mean no disrespect, just saying it in a stereotypical way, but not TOO disrespectfully, just wanted to make people laugh.
From the beginning to the end of this war, the Governmeny supplied their troops in bottles and bottles of wine, always more, while their food was still absolute garbage. Their goal was to maek them so drunk that they would never think about rebelling.
@@argoniananthony894 In France, there always a bottle of alcohool ready.
Priorities
Tu n'imagines pas à quelle point 😂 même les plus petit villages ont des bars
I come back to this every year and it always makes me tear up as it shows the true nature of humans and how we can lay down arms and interact like normal human beings even in war.
Something about the blending of Scottish bagpipes and a man singing his heart out in German will bring a tear to my eye every time.
Powerful scene. It serves to remind us that these men didn't really want to harm one another. They were simply pawns in a sick bureaucratic game of chess.
They're actors!
@@wullymc1 it's based on truth you fool!
@@wullymc1 this was an actual event that happened on Christmas morning during WW1
@@anthonybump1956 I know it was!
Humanity's nativity is its greatest and most difficult flaw. We love each other at the end, but we know how MANY things happen.
The look on the German actor's face when he realized his enemy was playing for him... that got me.
There is also a small drama and "out of band' conversation going on here too. First, the Scots sing in English, then the Germans sing in German. Finally, Father Palmer (Scot) suggests with his bagpipes, and Sprink (German) accepts a compromise song: "Adeste Fideles" a song in Latin (a neutral language).
One of the most touching scenes in any movie, when the piper starts to play and the singer is stunned for their enemy's forgotten humanity being relight
This will always be my favourite scene from any movie, ever. Purely because it shows the humanity that can shine even in the darkest of times. Something I think we all need to see more nowadays
My great grandfather was part of the Scottish bagpipe regiment during WWI and was part of this Christmas truce. Unfortunately a few years later he was mustered gassed and well he did survival my Grandmother had to drain his lungs out every few hours and past away 2 years later. I have his military photo in my living room and it makes me so proud that he was part of my family tree and I still have the chanter from his bagpipes from WWI hanging up on my wall.
Well said brother
May he RIP
@@ryanawilson8549 Thank you buddy. I just wish I had the chance to meet him. Everyone said he was a larger than life guy and one of the nicest guys youd ever had the chance to meet.
Know that your Great Grandfather was the the greatest of men. For a night he was not a soldier or combatant fighting a war, he was a healer of worlds soothing the plight of man.
@@scottyweimuller6152 I wish to see that picture brother your great grandfather was part of the greatest moment humans never witnessed since then
One of the reasons I hope parallel universes exist, is because hopefully in at least one of them, world war one ended at christmas 1914.
I know there has to be one
Out there some where in an alternative reality, humanity has seen the folly of war, and has a deeper understanding and respect for life and each other
@@jonmararbiter0721 no
Parallel universes are bullshit and left at conspiracies LOLOLOL
Wow. That's a powerful thought, and I do hope its true. Imagine how different that world could be.
Just watched it once again for this year's Christmas Eve. Just seeing Sprink, Anna, and Jorg (the harmonica) made me really feel for them: the boys drafted together, and Anna fearing for her lover's life, as they were living high life as artists. Same goes for all characters, and the plot twist that the French Major General was Audebert's dad... This sequence is the best, humanity realized...
Magnificent songs for an equally magnificent film, a tribute to these men who fraternized for one holy night, while everything around was nothing but chaos.
In memory of all these men sacrificed more than a century ago during the Great War.
In memory of all the veterans of all wars (including my grandfather in the French army, mobilized in the Pacific during WW2).🕯
*I cry every time I watch this.. you know why? Because this ACTUALLY HAPPENED! MY great grandfather was there and I'm LUCKY ENOUGH to have been TOLD THIS FROM HIS PERSPECTIVE! I HAVE A DIARY HE LEFT ME AND IT'S HIS DIARY IN THAT VERY DITCH, COVERED IN DIRTY, MUD, BLOOD, AND I'M BLESSED TO HAVE IT IN MY POSITION*
PLEASE TELL US MORE !! I REALLY WANT TO KNOW MORE what's written in the journal ?
agreed. would love to hear what it was like for that. it would be a great honor
My Great Grandfather wrote a letter saying that "We traded Bully Beef for cigars with our German friends". It is not likely we can ever know what took place during this Christmas event but each year on November 11th I watch this and imagine him saying "We are Scottish". My Great Grandfather Pte.Ronald MacKinnon PPCLI kia 9/4/1917.
You should be very proud. That’s a piece of important history. The best piece of ww1 memorabilia 🇬🇧🫡
More than one area to my knowledge.
In my humble opinion.
The best Christmas Movie. Without elves and magic deers, no grumpy old men visited by spirits, no boys mocking thieves.
hubble opinion
"Hubble"
Podrick i have gone mad. Hubble Bubble Wobble.
Podrick, i have gone mad. Hubble Bubble Wubble.
"Die Hard" tho
Мой дед воевал первую мировую войну, гражданскую, великую отечественную прошел с первого дня до победы, давайте жить дружно люди. С Рождеством христовым.
Joyeux Noël, puissent nos pays ne pas s'affronter à cause des traîtres qui dirigent la France.
Wir müssen aus der Geschichte lernen. Lasst uns in Frieden zusammenleben.
The Piper playing come all ye faithful to set the song then letting the singer choose the key he can sing in then rejoining in that key was perfect.
In this war, we all had a common goal.
To go home.
You are right, they want to go home to have peace and happy family but this war only bring misery and pain as for the devil want the world to be in chaos.
This scene show us this war is just nonsense for the politician bitter pride for themselves.
Wise words there brother
Alive, right? They’re gonna come home alive right? Not in bodybags or worse just a piece of paper and some last words right?
Nerd Anime dude. Seriously?
We never learn until we press the button then boom we never learn
"felix!"
"no it's nestor"
and thus the war resumed
the real reason why the war continued
@@captain_noo BAHAHA
Felix-Nestor War
Just name it Netflix 😆
@@mcbigweener Fuck you and your stupidity 🖕🏼dumbass
Поверьте. Когда сидишь в окопах, в такие моменты хочется покоя. В рожденственском перемири приняли около полумиллионна человек. И не важно кто это был- немец, русский, француз и тд
Merry Christmas my communist enemy
"It's Nestor!" "No, it's Felix!" "No, it's name is Nestor!" "It's Felix!" * Gunshots *
A German singer singing Christmas tunes accompanied by Scottish Bagpipers. A beautiful mix of culture and peace that Makes me cry every time.
It’s honestly the best piece of music I’ve ever heard. They don’t do it in the soundtrack and I find that ashame. Because this is probably the most important scene of the film.
pretty sure americans would have started shooting ^^
@@battowsai I doubt it. All soldiers wish for the cessation of hostilities regardless of nationality
I have my old grandfathers WW1 documents up in the loft .Trench orders book .Soldiers pay book while on active service etc .I found a hand written piece of paper in his wallet with lines from the bible .Just a simple piece of paper .On one of the documents it states he was transferred to reserve .He was a Scotsman..A very nice clean decent hard working skilled man .Worked in the RR on the Merlin engines later in life .My grans brother drowned in the Red Sea .Everybody lost somebody.If you drive through the villages in Scotland every one has a memorial to the dead .It's ridiculous the amount of names on them .Even tiny villages have a long list of young men taken in that stupid war.
@@battowsai not really considering the United States wanted nothing to do with ww1 and ww2 but was forced into it
As an old soldier and officer, I can not watch this without crying.
No matter where you served thank you for putting your country first. Merry Christmas
Same as someone who has watched a few war movies
As a service member as well, that also gets me to the core. And yes, we French always have bottles ready lads.
Could not agree more! A salute to all of you from a retired captain (long, long time ago) of the German army, still proudly wearing the airborne wings.
@@gregoreisenhorn6499 INQUISITOR EISENHORN IS NOT FRENCH
As a soldier would gladly shake the hand of any soldier friendly or foe who fought serving one's country all respect to those who've served and will
Exactly, you shame yourself if you have no honour.
Brings a tear to my eye when I watch this every Christmas 😢. Peace to all this Christmas time 🕊
Merry Christmas 🙏✝️
Greetings from Poland.....MERRY CHRISTMAS❤
The singer’s face when he hears the bagpipes is so hopeful and full of joy. I imagine, in his head, he was thinking that this is his stage, that man was his orchestra, and this will be the performance of a lifetime
German Officer: "This isn't the Berlin Opera"
German Singer: "You're right. This is better than Berlin."
I come back to this scene frequently just for the look on his face, absolutely superb
One of my favorite actors. US viewers may not know it, but this cast is more or less "star studded" with famous european actors.
@@darthakaya love your comment gave me a laugh lol
He did say it was better than Berlin.
Inside every trench, plane, tank, there's a human inside
Ghost Guardian is that from Bf1?
**SEVEN NATION ARMY STARTS PLAYING**
And inside every human there's a soul
drones
@@josephliao9733 You beat me to it. There was no human inside the plane that killed General Soleimani.
As a war/history nut with a dream of one day serving in the Armed forces this scene hit me hard today!Shout out to all vets from all countries!👀👌
On this lovely late evening of May 1st, 2023, I wish you a peaceful christmas eve. I was never good at dates, but this emotion is what the world needs more of. Cheers!
“You are not machines, you are men. You have the love of humanity in your hearts”
-I forgot who said this
Chaplin in the great dictator
The greatest speech of one of the best silent actors in history
@@hagamapama fun fact: his uniform was found in an art collection in my hometown in switzerland :D
Chaplin
@@raphaelott5907 Das wusste ich auch noch nicht.
Music, chocolate, wine, and cats. A true microcosm of humanity
More like 20+ year old single millenial women
Not to mention the bagpipes!
@@Alchrat Only weirdos don't like music, chocolate and wine (dogs over cats for me, though)
@@samtrotter7177 i like both
- There must be war!
+ We have music.
- War I said!
+...and chocolate...
- War!..
+ ..also lots of wine..
- but war...
+ ...and a little kitten :)
- ...there must be truce!
That German man has a gorgeous voice
the artist is not the singer ;-)
music is an expression of the human spirit and it can often bypass borders, languages and more. what a beautiful moment in human history.
There's a reason this story is legendary among the annals of warfare. Never before or since has there been such a spontaneous display of brotherhood and peace between enemies on the battlefield.
That's not entirely correct. The christmas truce is certainly the most prominent example and the most mythologised, but there are other examples. To name just one, it is well documented that during the crimean war soldiers from opposing factions frequently shared rations and tobacco with each other. Not to mention that there was a certain tradition during WWI and other wars to allow the enemy to retrieve and bury their dead as well as retrieve and treat their wounded without disturbing them. And since those occasions were often used to do the same with their own dead and wounded it often came to small fraternisation situations like for example helping the enemy to dig graves or even sharing some medicine and other supplies. There were also often unoffical ceasefires after particulary heavy engagements due to sheer exhaustion where the soldiers just agreed to not shoot each other simply to get some rest.
@@KingQwertzlbrmpf your right but I think his point has more to do with how horrifying WW1 was with all the new technology and the way the war stagnated with that technology, that it happened. And on such a large scale. This is a legendary event cause you had 2 whole ARMIES (not really more like brigades but that really here or there) stop fighting and killing each other for a night and celebrate Christmas together. That is what makes this truly a moment that is likely to never happen again.
hehe, anals of warfare
@Kabuki Kitsune Sabaton did a song about that stand. Very good song
@Kabuki Kitsune That actually was a couple days after the war was officially over. Also as a fun side note, the us troops called their wehrmacht allies the "tamed krauts" ^^
France: It’s Nestor
Germany: No it’s Felix
Me: Shut up and just call it Netflix.
It’s the other way around
Jason
Amazon Prime
ja und der krieg wäre vorbei 👍
Kyle Dumangas ha ha ha 😂 this should have way more likes lol 😆
what a powerful scene. It brings out so much emotion.
no more brother wars 😢
About the Cat:
The cat scene is partly allegory, and partly historical. There actually was a cat that travelled between the German and French lines, amazingly he was executed by French Officers as a "spy".
The director uses him here as a microcosm (small mirror) of the larger image. The cat does not care what the battle lines are, he will do what a cat will do. The soldiers try to impose their idea of loyalty and ownership upon him, much like the Generals, Politicians, and Clergy try to impose their will upon the soldiers.
The name(s) for the cat are a comedic nod to the fact that most languages in Europe have common roots and/or influences. The Germans call him Felix, and the French call him Nestor. "Felix" comes from the Latin for "Happy", and "Nestor" is from the Greek for "Traveller". So the cat is a "Happy Traveller" or "One who is happy while travelling".
That is some really interesting attention to detail!
I never thought of that. Thank you!
poor cat
and just like that, the truce was ended by a cat hahaha jk
Yeah, I've read about that cat in Ernst Junger's memoirs, just don't remember the part where it got executed.
The ending for this movie is very sad, yet amazing.
Eventually people learn about this truce from the letters sent by these soldiers to their families.
Superiors are going to replace these "traitors".
The most heartbreaking moment was when they were punishing the germans for "treason":
They were sent directly to Russia to literally die there, without the possibility to visit home.
When they're put in the train wagon and called traitors, they start to sing the song the Scots were singing about home, showing what they've learned from the encounter with their brothers.
This pisses off the general, as they ride away in the train to their death... with no fear... singing.
I LOVE THIS MOVIE
What name this movie
It's TRUE, the german 92 division would get decimated in poland a few months later going against the russians.
The french division would make a counter attack 5 days later, and it would fail. The Scots were transferred to help hold the line with the canadians at the battle of the somme
It makes sense, killing someone isn't easy and it's usually done through a form of dehumanization to stay sane. This would make firing upon the enemy incredibly painful due to you no longer being able to dehumanize your "enemy". This is why fraternization with the enemy has been punished very harshly historically speaking, since it removes any fighting spirit, and effectively grinds the hostilities to a halt. It would also be better for a soldier from a psychological point of view, to move him away from any enemy he's socialized with, since the mental scarring will be a LOT more severe if the person you're shooting is someone you've had positive social interactions with.
@@ButterBoyism
Quote from Magnificent 7, Midnight:
"YOU GOTTA HATE WHAT YOU'RE FIRING AT!!"
Yea, it's painful once you realise
that your enemy is also human and is in the same situation as you. Scared, clueless about your nature, just told to kill for his country in order to protect your loved ones from "monsters".
@@PALATA-Gaming In reality it's less about hate, and more about normalizing the idea that the people you're killing aren't people. I've a few friends who has been in actual combat and almost all of them refuse to see the people they fought as human. One in particular was a british sniper, or something similar. He always uses dehumanizing terms when talking about middle easterns, because of his experiences. To him they're an "it", not a "they". This is very logical when you actually think about it, if someone like him aknowledged them as people, he'd have to deal with the fact that he's done horrible things to other human beings (from what he's told me, not everything that goes on in a warzone, is ethical).
As long as the people you kill are just "things", then you don't have to lose sleep over it. The second they become human to you, then it'll haunt you forever.
Does anyone who pledged, for their country, but more importantly miss their friends , came here. I am so happy that I met them... From all walks of life, speaking of which, there is not a day that goes by, see you on the re-org.
Such a well done scene. My eyes watered when they all clapped for him. Music can literally transcend language.
When you need faith in humanity... the war could have ended that night...
***** SSSHHH! STOP RUINING MY DREAMS!
and of course, after that every army took steps to make sure this didn't happen by ordering more raids to foster hate for the enemy
Palora SHUSH YOU!
I'm saying, there may be humanity, but we let others turn us inhumans.
Palora All for the sake of obeying authority
kinda like the electroshock experiment
“War is when the young and stupid are tricked by the old and bitter into killing each other.”
- Niko Bellic
aye,SAOR ALBA GU BRATH
when video games characters were wiser than politicians ...
Its not an accurate version, but oh, it makes me smile. Then cry. The sound of the pipes may annoy, if you hear someone practicing, but an accomplished piper can bring tears just filling the bag! Glad to be Scots!..ps, want to defeat an enemy? Get the antagonists to play Grand theft Auto, or, since they are all quite old, Space invaders! Yes,im that old too!
If you really believe that, you are indeed stupid. Heck, just look around you. It's not the old and bitter causing gangs to kill each other in our streets. There are hundreds of such examples.
@@JustSad66 There is something about pipes that reaches deep in our feelings. Heck, they still play pipes in Dune and it is 10,000 years in the future. :)
My grandfather was at the Somme and lost two brothers in the first world war . He was a runner my mother told me was 16 when he joined up looked thirty half way through
Interestingly, or at least to me, when the Scottish and German men start singing together after getting out of the trench, they are singing the tune to "O Come all ye Faithful". However, unlike the previous number, "Silent Night", the German man is singing in Latin, instead of German. This is because Latin was still considered a universal language, and central to Christianity. When he starts singing in Latin, he is symbolically putting all of their enmity aside.
Edit:wow that's a lot of likes 😀 if you thought this was interesting, read through the replies. There's a lot of interesting idea and conversation going. Wishing yall a merry Christmas during a difficult year
Damn.. The director of this film is so far above anything made today.
very interesting, very cool. Thanks for pointing this out, Jack
You speak of a great scene. It is a kind of negotiation:
First, The Scots sing in English.
Next, The Germans sing in German.
Finally: Father Palmer suggests (by playing a few notes on the bagpipes) a compromise: "Lets sing in a neutral language?" Nickolaus Sprink (the Tenor) accepts the proposed solution, and both sides sing in Latin.
wow thanks for the comment
an incredible thing to share, thank you
In my opinion "the duel" between a German singer and a Scottish piper, is one of the most moving scenes in the history of cinema.
It's not a duel, it's a dance. If it was a duel, each one will change the tune, but no! They amplify each other's beautifully! But I see your point and I agree with you completely!
Fast forward about 40 years and the British army began to be based in Germany and a lot of British soldiers married Germans
a duet, the opposit of a duel
The fact this actually happened proves that music and god can rewlly bring us together even in the worst of times.
The power of Christmas
All these men sitting in the trenches in 1914 were born in the 19th century. They were still 19th century men with 19th century mentalities. We can't understand how they thought because of when we were born. We find it impossible to comprehend in our day and age 100 years later after that epitome of industrial war - World War 2 - and the post WW2 era of dirty insurgent warfare, but these men believed that they were civilised gentlemen. Fighting your enemy one day and singing Christmas carols with him the next is something that was not impossible to the 19th century mind. Not when your opponent was another European like yourself. It was quite simply how gentlemen treated each other even in war. Sadly that mindset perished in the industrial slaughter in the 4 years to follow.
Interestingly the European respect all soldiers alike, and the french even gave a medal of honor to Harlem Hellfighters (a group of black soldiers from New York) because they fought alongside them. Unfortunately back then, The US didn't want to recognize these men's bravery and honor in the war. The european are much more civilised, as shown like in this movie.
druivm 6
They were fighting against other men , ww2 they were fighting Against insane ideology’s .
That mindset perished not in the industrial slaughter, but when people allowed their "leaders" to dehumanize their enemy for them through propaganda. No matter when, no matter why, no matter how the conflict erupted, that man opposing you does so for his comrades in arms, his homeland, and his own beliefs. You might think them misguided, you might think them wrong, but the same goes for yourself in *his* eyes. The moment you consider yourself "justified" and your opponent a "lesser being", you've just arrived on exactly the level you're accusing your opponent of.
You start thinking that talking is pointless and war the only solution.
If you're amenable to some notable words even if they're from a fictional series, search for "Zygon War Speech" from Dr. Who.
i noticed how civilised european were by that time, and still are of course. I appretiate how they treated each other in WW1, gentleman til the end.
"Nestor is heading for, the French side"
Germans: "Traitor!"
Why is it that cats are..... well cats. That cat us playing both sides. Food and a warm bed from both the French and the Germans. The worst part? The ABSOLUTE worst part???!!! There kitty's.... and therecuteandfluffyandsmushable.... so fluffy
@@SSIronHeart what?
@@luckysonningshen480 that cat probably slept better than most of those soldiers. It’s called playing the field and knowing your strengths.
Underrated comment
You mean "Verräter!"
Scottish soldiers in this movie are a bunch of cool dudes, them providing back up music and an audience to the German soldier is a great gesture ❤️❤️
I watched this and started crying when the French guy opened the bottle of Champaign. Beautiful!
The war could've ended there I can't imagine how painful it is to fight the next day after a glorious holiday like this
Richthofen Friedrich unfortunately these events happen in the western front (or few others idk) only
Richthofen Friedrich ikr I agree
the war could not be ended by just them. its a nice dream but even if the circumstances where right and word spread quickly of what had happened there on that night, still things would have been the same afterwards.
and if you watch the entire movie (joyeux noel), the next day they dont fight, they play soccer (or football, dependant on where you come from)
as a last note i would like to add that the evens depicted here did actualy happen, this is based on reality. i dunno if its the first time, but it was certainly the last. it was durring this exact period of time where the man accross the feild changed from 'opponent'- a person which is competing for the same goal as you- to 'enamy'- a being which wants to destroy all that you beleived in, all your dreams, and all your hopes. from opponent to hated enemy, though the people them selves did not change, only the propaganda did.
Richthofen Friedrich truly a beautiful moment amidst the carnage that was world war 1
What's really sad is that few of the bloodiest battles in modern history happened after the Christmas celebration, including with the introduction of toxic gas. :(
This is such a great scene because this is, humanity. Nobody wants to be there, they don't want this. In a war. Everyone just wants to go home.
Except a lot of them did want to be there. The australians for one group volunteered.
This is especially true of world war I. A war which was caused by tension between powers rather than a real offense. I would differ about something like WW2. I don't think British or Americans could have had a christmas truce with Nazis. The key here is that both sides were fighting for not a whole lot of reason.
Tbh WWI was a lot more attrition based warfare and no mans land engagements.
WWII would have MUCH less because of Tanks, bombers and more weapons.
Because of attrition warfare being so slow in progression it also weakens morale to a point where some soldiers get desperate, rebelious or suicidal. Few has the resolve to demonise the enemy from then on.
WWII would have attrition warfare much less which means less of a glorious opportunity to show humanity.
@@chrisc1926
Well The British were fighting because germany ignored Belgium neutrality. They commited numerous war crimes. The men knew this quite well.
Whosshenanigans...i agree brother..thesame feelings when i was in the frontlines..
Très beau film Joyeux Noël. Respect pour ces soldats ❤. Vouloir oublier cette guerre rien qu'une journée. C'est mémorable.
As a young boy in the 60's I worked with a man that joined the British army at the outbreak of WW1, aged 16, went to France and fought through it, all 5 years. I never heard him say a bad word of those he fought, and he never lost his humanity...
The German opera singer thanks the Frenchman in French for the champagne. That was huge.
I noticed that too. The little details add so much.
If you get a chance, go and see the Opera Silent Night, it's about the Christmas truce. My cousin Kevin wrote it and we saw it opening night at the Philadelphia Opera House and were amazed.
Thanks dear '@@samgray49' !!!! WELL MARRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL IN ADVANCE !!!! 19:30 PM FRIDAY 4TH.DEC.2020 !!!!! JITEN PATEL GUJARAT INDIA EMAIL jzpatel.2011@rediffmail.com OR MOBILE 00-91-9004648715 THANKS FOR READING...jzpatelut...
They all seem to understand each other.
Ja. Und dann will er ihm von seiner Schokolade etwas abgeben und er ist böse misstrauisch und dann nimmt er Alles . Typisch
Who got chills when he sang with the guy with bagpipes
I cried with manly tears. I had to watch other war movies
@для товарищ Silent Night and O Come All Ye Faithful
I did.
6:26 challenging look. like 'let's see if you know this'
I’ve re watched this at least 10 times and at that one in particular part I get chills
There are two pieces of music that make me old man cry: this one, sung in the movie "Christmas Truce of WW 1" and the violin in "Schindler's List" of WW 2.
THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH FOR SHARING THIS LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY WITH THE WORLD AND BEYOND THAT PLEASE DOS EXSIST
Can we pause for a moment and appreciate that Daniel Bruhle speaks English, French and German with perfection and no accent at all?
And Spanish
Vell he îs spanish Deutsche
I came here to look for this comment!😊
Bist du bei mir
Yes, and I have enjoyed his German-speaking films. He is very talented.
"But we're not English! We're Scottish!" :-D
Scotland is not a real country. You are just an Englishmen with a dress!
The Kreigsmarine Them is fighting words...
@@thekriegsmarine5621 those are some big words me we lad want to back em up eh
@@thekriegsmarine5621 made me laugh more than anything you trying to get the enemy to die laughing?
@@afriendlycadian9857 No, I'm honestly running out of voicelines more than anything. I'm Happy I made you laugh as the comments were just jokes. I was just using Soldiers Response for Dominations as a joke. The first comment was his Domination for Demoman and the second was a Voice line for Dominating another Soldier and Demoman, Respectfully.
*Christmas is something special that people around the world can share*
*Even enemies*
I’m proud to be part of this brotherhood, you’ve earned the right to wear green you are part of of my family regardless of race religion or nationality
I am a war history maniac, and I am actually majoring Korean War history in a graduate school, preparing for my dissertation. This movie, and the Christmas Truce in 1914, is all that I need to keep studying War history. sometimes a miracle can bloom from the hell itself.
Humanity and war is like the jing and jang. Both of them is needed to show eatch other what is better and they can not function without either of them batting eatch other out. In war, humans has the greatest challenge to be humane and to trive and raise above the carnage. There will be traitors, heros and death. But also brotherhood, humanity and love
Sun Moon so, I hope the two sides of Korea could have such a night like this, but you guys should remove that landmines stretching all over 38th paralel.
Woah that statement kinda blew my mind ^. It's so true. We need disasters and war to appreciate peace and prosperity. We need rainy days to appreciate sunny days. The human mind is such a weird place.
When I was a young teen in Rural Atlantic Canada ,and seemed a born history buff , I met more than 10 WW 1 Vets and met a man with the same experience and was lucky enough to hear it from him . He shared tea and smoke with Jerry as he called them . It had really set in his soul , he teared as he told story and now , 50 years later viewing this .his story to me comes back . We should all hold these pawns of rich men in esteem and don;t forget they served and died cause they were drafted or sold the package . Peace Greed is the enemy of all
Friend read " August 1914" by Barbara Tuchman if you haven't already. Best war treatise I've ever read. It may make you look at the French differently.
RIP to the soldiers of WW 1.
May God rest your souls.
Christopher Thrawn we will Remember them
Amen
RIP soldiers in WW2
Unless they enjoyed killing then may there souls learn a lesson
May they rest in piece
If this doesn’t bring a tear to your eye you might want to check if you still have a pulse
Its amazing how God brings enemies together in friendship on holy nights
Germans: sulking
French: being vigilant
Scotts: party
We do love a good party.
@@josephgold208 shut the fuck up about things you don't understand
@@loyalpiper he ain’t wrong
@@zirium6276 the only ones who were oppressed were those who rebelled mainly in the Jacobite rebellions. Anyone who claims to be oppressed is an independence SNP supporter or is not from our country
And somewhere there ...
Russians: already drunk
Legend says the war almost ended that night, but they went back to war over whether the cat was called Felix or Nestor.
The cat of course had orchestrated this due to their superior power
@@thecatpersonuk9962 In truth the cat was executed for being a traitor which was ridiculous.
@@cspiercy7163 u wot m8
FOR NESTOR WE FIGHT AAAAARGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
@@gamerboyss5310 FOR FELIX!!!!!
What a powerful scene. The fact this actually happened shows just how amazing the human race is, even in one of the darkest wars of all time
Tohle by měly vysílat na Vánoce všechny televize místo Mrazíka.....příběh který dokonce ani dnes není uvěřitelný a i tak se opravdu stal....pokoj všem duším co musely padnout ,,aby jsme dnes mohli žít a nadávat jak jsme utlačovaní´´ (sarkasticky)
Gonna do a thing here I swore years ago to never do...I'm an old man, 62 yrs. old and I am setting here in my living room crying like a baby. I guess sobbing would be a better description of it...And with tears flowing down my cheeks, I am unashamed. I remember hearing about this from my grandfather when I was a little boy. At the time I cried and was comforted by him, a great whiskery hug, that smelled of his pipe tobacco and felt like love...Now I sit in my house and think of him and the years that have gone by since...These men climbed out of their miserable trenches and, for a moment, the war for them was a thing of the past or no more...They sang, danced, shared food and gifts...Then marched back into their mud lined pits to continue the war...I have seen first hand, with these old eyes the evil that men can do to one another in the rage of battle. Indeed, I have participated in it to stay alive....no excuse...for there can be none, nor forgiveness either, at least not within ones self...The fact that we have to learn to walk, talk, feed ourselves is life. Our parents instruct and we learn...But who teaches us to hate?...Its a question I have never had an answer for...Those men walked out into "No Man's Land" to engage in the purest act of being human there is...The world would have us at each others throats with rock and claw, yet these men answered a call of faith and for a little while, were truly the men that God had intended them to be...Love this story and the truth it contains...I'm done now...Gonna grab my keys and go visit my grandkids that live nearby, maybe even stop and get them presents...I'm going to hug them, maybe tell them this story and even though I don't smoke, if they need a hug, well...Papa has many, many hugs left in him...I have shared more about my service here in these few words than I have with my own family. Although I have 3 notebooks full of them and my family will be able to have them when I am gone...i do not wish to open that Pandora's box while I am living...hurt's...Now, get ready G-kids...here comes Papa...
I signed in here just to give this a thumbs up. I too remember my grandpa telling us kids about this Amazing feat happening. He was not there but he had heard about it when he was in France during WW I. This was the only thing about that war he spoke of. A Hobbit, Thank you for sharing.
@@gaijin909 my grandfather. while old enough, had broken his left knee at about 14 and had a limp so was exempt from service. My grandmother had 3 younger brothers that went and came home. But they lost 2 of them and quite a few neighbors to the Spanish Flu almost immediately....
I've never commented on a UA-cam video before but this really moved me. God bless you A Hobbit.
@@rahn7 One from The Shire...rahn7 I thank you, and send my heartfelt best wishes to all those with a tender soul...My own soul has been besmirched by my past self. Or at least by the things he did to stay alive...I am at ease now, and even though I will never be able to forgive my actions, the love of my children and their children give me contentment. I understand and agree with the fact that there really are things in the world worth fighting for, but I pray that my grand children never have to make the choice I did...Again, thank you and I am honored by your response...
Thank You, Hobbit, for sharing!! It means more than words can say!!