User reviews

I seem to be the first to write a review of this TV-film, which is a pity because Single Bells is one of the best Christmas comedies ever. I wonder if the film is ever shown abroad but nearly every year it is shown on the Austrian TV. Although in the meantime I know it by heart I still enjoy its black humor. A striking contrast to the many tame Christmas comedies made in Hollywood.

Best of all I like Inge Konradi and Johanna von Koczian as the two contrasting grandmothers, but all the actors are great: Mona Seefried as the frustrated housewife, Martina Gedeck as her career fixated sisters, and even the two child actors. Three years a sequence was made with the title "Oh Palmenbaum" (Oh palm tree)with the same characters celebrating Christmas on Mauritius. Although it didn't reach the level of the original it is still fun to watch.

This is Austrias must-see Christmas movie for the last 20+ years. In my family, we live it so much that we quote it like Goethe.

Celebrated in Austria for its black humour, the horrible characters (each in their own way) and its honest depiction of the worst Christmas ever, I'm not surprised that an international audience would not necessarily appreciate it.

This is the only reason why this movie can only have a 7.something rating. Absolute cult! ❤