The troubled Vuillard family is no stranger to illness, grief, and banishment, but when their matriarch requires a bone-marrow transplant, the estranged clan reunites just in time for Christ... Read allThe troubled Vuillard family is no stranger to illness, grief, and banishment, but when their matriarch requires a bone-marrow transplant, the estranged clan reunites just in time for Christmas.The troubled Vuillard family is no stranger to illness, grief, and banishment, but when their matriarch requires a bone-marrow transplant, the estranged clan reunites just in time for Christmas.
- Awards
- 5 wins & 35 nominations
- L'avocat d'Henri
- (as a different name)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThe Fields Medal, noted as having been won by Elizabeth's husband, is a medal given to a mathematician under 40 who has made a major contribution to the study of Mathematics. Fields Medals are awarded every four years to up to four mathematicians.
- GoofsThe opening narration notes that Joseph was born in 1965, and that he died at age 6. However, we later see that his headstone gives 1968 as his year of death.
- Quotes
Sylvia - Ivan's wife: When did it happen?
Simon - Junon's nephew - the painter cousin: What do you mean?
Sylvia - Ivan's wife: I want details. She mentioned a decision you all made. Tell me where and when. Was it here?
Simon - Junon's nephew - the painter cousin: Easter vacation, 1991. At the community centre. You were next door.
Sylvia - Ivan's wife: I remember. Is Ivan aware of this?
Simon - Junon's nephew - the painter cousin: It's history.
Sylvia - Ivan's wife: Was Ivan with you? Or did you and Henri decide our fate behind his back?
Simon - Junon's nephew - the painter cousin: Ivan was there.
Sylvia - Ivan's wife: What did you say?
Simon - Junon's nephew - the painter cousin: Henri and I were talking about you. Guy talk. Ivan was quiet, smiling. Then he said, "If I don't get her, I'll never get over it."
Sylvia - Ivan's wife: What did you reply?
Simon - Junon's nephew - the painter cousin: I can't remember. "She's right for you."
Sylvia - Ivan's wife: Exactly! The exact words!
Simon - Junon's nephew - the painter cousin: "Take her, she's yours."
Sylvia - Ivan's wife: I'm not to be given, like a camel or a goat.
Simon - Junon's nephew - the painter cousin: I didn't give you. I was 27. An idiot. I was hollow. Still am.
Sylvia - Ivan's wife: Did you love me?
Simon - Junon's nephew - the painter cousin: Yes.
Sylvia - Ivan's wife: Do you love me?
Simon - Junon's nephew - the painter cousin: Yes.
Sylvia - Ivan's wife: Scumbag! You're part of the game! By choosing for me, you played.
Simon - Junon's nephew - the painter cousin: I was right. Ivan loved you infinitely.
Sylvia - Ivan's wife: It's your love that was infinite. You played my hand and you cheated. Now I'll never know my life. It's not mine. I wasn't free to prefer Ivan.
Simon - Junon's nephew - the painter cousin: Henri was there, too.
Sylvia - Ivan's wife: It's not the same. You really love me. Henri wanted sex, and got it. For 10 years, you've had no life. You're pathetic in your studio. You don't talk. You're sad. You spend Sundays doing the dishes, stealing glances, avoiding my kids. You're a failure, clinging to the Vuillards. You never got over me.
- ConnectionsFeatured in WatchMojo: Another Top 10 Best Christmas Movies of All Time (2017)
The great engine is the alcoholic son, who provokes everyone. One tool is the fact that his mother's got cancer and he and his nephew are the only one who can save her. The alcoholic uses it for attacks on the family and not at least the mother. And the characters are forced to develop, not necessarily for the better.
The humor keeps you interested in this chamber play and the 145 minutes never feel long. A quite French movie, but fully appreciable for all of us. A Christmas tale which is both dark and light.
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Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Official site
- Languages
- Also known as
- Câu Chuyện Giáng Sinh
- Filming locations
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Gross US & Canada
- $1,060,922
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $63,837
- Nov 16, 2008
- Gross worldwide
- $7,356,393
- Runtime2 hours 30 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 2.35 : 1