Based on a true incident, the film dramatizes the events of Christmas Eve 1914, when troops in numerous sections of the Western Front engaged in an informal and unauthorized truce. Against the horrific brutality of the first World War, these young men, many really just boys, from France, England and Germany, called a halt to the killing and shared a moment of peace.

Written and directed by Christian Carion, "Joyeux Noel" focuses on one particular stretch of the front lines that serves as a microcosm of the war. We meet specific members of both sides of the conflict and find that the ordinary soldiers have more in common with one another than with the generals sending them to their deaths.

United through music and the Latin Mass, the soldiers share an experience that reveals their common humanity as well as the tensions of institutionalized hatred.

While this incident itself has become well known, less known is the fact that the officers and troops who participated were punished for fraternizing with the enemy in wartime. A priest who celebrated mass in "No Man's Land" was savagely criticized by his bishop.

"Joyeux Noel" was nominated for the Oscar for Best Foreign Film.

In writing about the film, critic Roger Ebert commented, "Its sentimentality is muted by the thought that this moment of peace actually did take place, among men who were punished for it, and who mostly died soon enough afterward. But on one Christmas, they were able to express what has been called, perhaps too optimistically, the brotherhood of man."

"Joyeux Noel" will be shown Tuesday, July 18, Wednesday, July 19, and Thursday, July 20 at 7:30 p.m. The film is rated PG 13 for some violence and a brief scene of sexuality/nudity. It runs 116 minutes and includes English, German and French with subtitles.

The Sunrise Theater is located at 250 NW Broad Street and ticket prices are $7 for adults, $6 for matinees, and $5 for children under 12. Sparkling water, beer, wine, sodas, candy and nuts, and delicious popcorn with real butter are available. Movies at the Sunrise are commercial free. Look for "Kinky Boots," which begins Friday.

Contact the theater at 910-692-3611 or www.sunrisetheater.com.