Christmas Story : La Véritable Histoire du père Noël

Let's assume that even Santa Claus was born some day in the past. That he was a small boy that grew up to be the mythical figure of legends and bedtime stories. What would he have been like, as a boy, as a man starting the Christmas tradition of giving gifts, as an old, bearded man driving reindeer sled? Well, if that has aroused your interest, then this is the movie for you. Filmed mainly in Finnish Lapland, it's a beautiful film to behold. The rural, medieval fishing village offers a breathtaking setting for young Nikolas' beginnings and the bleak winter grandeur of Lapland practically screams Christmas at you. The music is also the very best Finland has to offer and as a whole you can find no fault in the production values or the technical aspects. The acting is also topnotch. I especially love Kari Väänänen as Iisakki, the aging carpenter who takes Nikolas under his wing and makes him the toymaker the world knows him as. Such a perfect blend of curmudgeon and grumpy warmheartedness. The rest of the actors are equally talented and they really sell the whole premise. With the sole exception of Hannu-Pekka Björkman, playing the role of adult Nikolas, that of Santa Claus. He's a good actor, don't get me wrong, and it's really the script's fault instead of his, but his take on Santa Claus is way over the top. And yes, it's a more realistic take on Santa's origins, but did they really need to make him so unhinged. The only reason this Santa wasn't locked in a looney bin was that they hadn't been invented yet. And no, that doesn't ruin the film and it's really just a pet peeve of mine, but I prefer my Santas to be a lot more dignified than this. As a whole Christmas Story has potential to become a classic. It practically is one already in Finland where it is shown every Christmas Eve as the main movie of the night. That's how good it is.

I never tried understand the origin of Christmas and Santa Claus after years I grown up. I must say that I almost forget the meaning of Christmas. After this movie, all memories just came out from my mind, all memories from my childhood and so deeply buried there. All blurs are getting more and more clear. Even the day I received my first Christmas present. At that night, my mother told me the tales about Christmas and Santa Claus. At that night, I couldn't fall asleep and tried my best opened my eyes to wait Santa. But last thing I remembered was the moon, it was so big and bright....... After so many years, this remarkable movie has brought all these beautiful things back to me again, especially, it is before the Christmas. I must say what a coincidence! Anyway, I highly recommended you to watch this movie, especially with your families before the Christmas. And, I also hope you can remember all good things again!

Enjoyed this film with Close Captioning on. Very very enjoyable at Christmas. Give no notice that it was made in Finland. My colleagues here in the US will find it a good film. Sit back and enjoyed this none traditional offering of how St Nick came to be. Definitely a I Believe type of film for all of us.

Please don't watch it in 'Dub.' Watch in 'Sub.' the beautiful actors' voices & accents capture the essence of the acting more than just what they're saying. Wonderful film for family & snuggling up with popcorn by the fire for a almost perfect Xmas treat!

Add this to your Christmas tradition as we have so many lessons so much heart in this beautiful film and amazing cinematography. The actors are fantastic and this is 1 of those magical films that just make you feel better. I have no idea why I haven't heard or seen this but I'm extremely happy I did. With the year we've had it's just what the doctor ordered!! Trust me WATCH THIS FILM EVERY CHRISTMAS!!!