The Reel World: Holiday international film favorites
It's that time of year when we curl up on a couch to escape the hustle and bustle of the holidays with a good seasonal movie. Are you on your 17th viewing of Home Alone asking yourself, is there anything else out there? Let me humbly suggest some of the most popular international holiday films you can check out from the library. Can't speak the language? No worries, all of them have subtitles. And yes, before you ask, Die Hard is a Christmas movie!
Joyeux Noel (2005) (French) directed by Christian Carion
Oscar Nominated and winner of 6 major film awards and 11 nominations
Synopsis: In 1914 World War I was underway across Europe. Yet on Christmas Eve an extraordinary event unfolded. Several sectors of the Western Front declared an informal, unauthorized truce. Soldiers from opposing sides ventured into No Man’s Land setting aside the brutality of war to share a brief moment of peace and camaraderie. This film brings to life one such episode, depicting French, Scottish and German troops as they join in this rare celebration.
A Christmas Tale (2008) (French) directed by Arnaud Desplechin
5 major film awards and 37 nominations
Synopsis: Steely French matriarch Junon (Catherine Deneuve) learns she has leukemia. At the family Christmas gathering she asks her children and grandchildren to see if they are eligible to become bone marrow donors. This causes deep friction in the family, especially between Junon's daughter Elizabeth (Hippolyte Girardot) and son Henri (Anne Consigny), who already have a tumultuous relationship. Their mother's sickness also recalls the traumatic loss of their brother Joseph when they were children.
This film's impressive ensemble cast will keep you engaged in this black comedy about a chaotic family.
Three Wishes for Cinderella (2021) (Norwegian) directed by Cecilie Mosli
Best Picture Winner and 4 other nominations
Synopsis: Since her father's death, the kind-hearted and courageous Cinderella lives with her cruel stepmother and spoiled stepsister Dora. They treat her like a servant in her own house.
During one of her daily escapes to the forest, Cinderella prevents a couple of men from hunting wild animals. The handsome prince of the kingdom is one of them. The prince is immediately attracted to her, but he is expected to find a suitable bride at the next royal ball, which Cinderella is not allowed to attend. Equipped with a great deal of courage and empowered by her three magical hazelnuts, she decides to stand up for herself and determine her fate. Is she able to break free from her stepmother's tyranny and find true love?
Fanny and Alexander (1982) (Swedish) directed by Ingmar Bergman
Winner of 4 Oscar Awards, another 21 wins and 13 nominations
Synopsis: Witness the delights and conflicts of the Ekdahl family through the eyes of 10-year-old Alexander. This is a sprawling bourgeois clan in turn-of-the-twentieth-century Sweden. Ingmar Bergman intended Fanny & Alexander as his swan song, and it is the legendary director's warmest and most autobiographical film. A four-time Academy Award-winning triumph that combines his trademark melancholy and emotional intensity with immense joy.
May you have a relaxing holiday, and to all a good night!
