A Christmas film set in France that causes friction between brothers. The title of this film could be misleading, as it is not the happy family film it sounds. Whilst I enjoyed this film and it had a nice ending - I felt awkward throughout in case my younger brother entered the room - this taking away the enjoyment of it.
Two brothers, Kevin and Léo are getting set up for Christmas when Kevin tries to ruin the Christmas magic for his seven year old brother.
I think this is a nice wholesome story with a twist, and a happy ending. The storyline is good, and I like the fact that Leo is able to get across to his big brother, that he doesn't spend much time with him, or know much about him, however I am a bit concerned about the storyline, and the fact that it may ruin the Christmas magic if the wrong child watches it. Kevin refers to Santa not being real too often in my opinion.
I specifically liked the start of the film where there are lots of views of the town's Christmas decorations. I felt the camera work was great as a whole throughout the production, and feel it would definitely be suitable for exhibition.
The costumes fitted the story as they were winter clothes and this short film was set at Christmas.
I thought the town where the film was set was a beautiful place. This film was a Christmas film, and all the Christmas lights and such really added to the feel of the film.
There weren't many sound effects or much music, just a little Christmas jingle here and there.
Léo (Gabriel Rocher) is a seven year old boy who was so excited for Santa to arrive until his selfish brother, Kevin, ( Gabriel Tibi) attempts to ruin it for him. Gabriel Rocher looks to be a good young actor with lots of potential, who played his lead role convincingly. Gabriel Tibi, who incidentally is also the director, plays the moody, selfish teenager to a high standard.
The director of this film's name is Gabriel Tibi, he is also an actor in the film.
This short film has English subtitles as this is a French film. The message I took from the film is that no matter how annoyed you are with your own life, you should not try to ruin it for others - especially children at Christmas time.
It indicates some truths that they might not know or that parents don't want them to know. My favourite part is towards the end of the film when the whole family are having Christmas dinner, and they are all happy and having a wonderful time together as a family. I give this film 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 11 to 18, plus adults. Reviewed by Katie F., KIDS FIRST!
What a delightful experience it was to watch the French film, Deux Freres et Le Pere Noel - Two Brothers and Santa Claus, delicately played by its writer and other actors. The banter of this modern day French family of four is dramatic and a little nerve-wracking, in a good way. The dialogue is in French with English subtitles.
The older brother, Kevin, breaks the news and tries to convince his seven-year-old younger brother, Leo, that Santa Claus is not real, and Leo goes to great lengths to investigate the subject and prove him wrong. There are touching moments that are very relatable. The whole family ignites as the predicament of when to tell Leo presses. Leo is busy writing his Christmas list while his older brother, who is high school age, pushes back on him. The final outcome is uplifting and surprising.
The production values of this thoughtful short film are rich; the camerawork is professionally shot and it's well directed. The establishing shots, the beautiful set designs, and the close-ups showing us the emotions of the young actors are all well executed. The younger boy, Leo, is such a talented actor as he shows his genuine upset over being told there is "No le Pere Noel (No Santa Claus)." All the actors helped set up his scenes, which they play out with dynamism. The music is trendy French source sound and thoughtful orchestral underscoring. A shout out to Gabriel Tibi who writes, directs, produces and acts (as Kevin) in the film for creating an interesting storyline and an admirable film.
The message of this film is two-fold. Is it wrong to tell children there is a Santa Claus? Isn't that lying? It's also a reminder that families are complex and messy, and what matters is that we continually peel back the layers of concern, and be grateful for the love and growth that our families provide us.
I give Deux Freres et Le Pere Noel 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 10 to 18, plus adults. Younger children would also enjoy it if they were French speaking or comfortable reading subtitles, By Nancy K., KIDS FIRST!
As Christmas Eve approaches, Léo, a naïve 7-year-old kid, searches for evidence to prove that Santa Claus really exists. His older brother, Kevin, tries to prove him wrong.
