The storytelling format feels like a product of its time when WW2-centric war movies had a revival. It is an okay film. But I was more distracted by the aged storytelling format than the story itself.

This is a beautifully cruel movie. It is a war movie that doesn't pull it's punches, and yet it is one of the few that also doesn't glorify them. This movie is a story full of sharp edges and awful realities. It tells it's story and does not care for the feelings it rises. It is a bit predictable though.

If I could have rated this 5 * I would have (instead of 4.5). Well acted. Well written. Excellent plot developed well. Exceeded my expectations. The only nit: "Mother", played well by Gary Senise, should have been described in the narration as older, closer Gary Senise's actual age at the time.

There has got to be millions of war stories we will Never hear. This movie is so good. Acting, and casting is great. Just tears me up though when trying to help the German army guys. Really touches you on how we become humans again even in war time.... It's not the soldiers who hate or want to fight... It's the men in goverment.... need a movie where if the goverments want war... Let them go fight and stop sending our sons, uncles, fathers, friends..,. I bet there wouldn't be anymore war. Good movie

this is based on a fictional novel. the author says that it is based on his experience in the army in world war II but apparently it was all secretive and so therefore no one admitted to it being true other than him.

One of the better war movies ever made, but in no way a typical war movie. WWII is nearly over, and a platoon of German soldiers wants to surrender to a platoon of American G.I.'s. What begins as a promising, surprisingly non-violent encounter well...to say more is to give it away. Very good performances, and quite well directed. I can definitely recommend this one, even if you don't particularly care for war films.

War is clear but not cut Based on the novel by William Wharton It's Europe December 1944 and WWII is almost at an end Several soldiers are on the battlefield; Ethan Hawke, Peter Berg, Kevin Dillon, Gary Sinese, Frank Whaley They are assigned to capture a small squad of German soldiers posted in France's Ardennes forest, the main narrator is Will Knot as he recalls his experience on duty Tired of war, the Americans have already lost half their division in a recon patrol and discover that their German enemy is equally unwilling to fight A Jewish soldier Stan Shutzer interpreting, the Germans and Americans agree on a plan that will let the former surrender without violence -- but then, tragedy strikes Each of these soldiers before they shipped out were tight friends, all of them had a flexible system in place whether it was partying, women, or just looking out for each other It's good they're not one of those snobby war obsessed hotheads as they put aside obscenity as best they can to even treating a grieving lady with the utmost compassion The setting is nice, the score is quite soothing and atmospheric making you feel like you're there with the soldiers, and all of them have great chemistry It's a shame the actual war scenes don't kick in until the 92 min mark This doesn't do much as it should when it comes to characters but the wonderful acting from all these men make it commendable This is still a holiday war film that'll find its audience Human folly and fragile hope exist within us all when it comes to ending a war or just simply surviving it Cathartic as well as gut wrenching that's to say

It's a powerful, moving, yet frustrating little war story about the human condition and soldiers trying to come together to make peace during the holidays. It's wonderfully made with some great performances. And it keeps itself from being overly sentimental.

Every time the softly falling snow lulls you into thinking that the ice-cold midnight will soon give way to a warmer dawn, Kevin Dillon is there to remind Ethan Hawke to put the pin back into the live grenade he's holding in his hand.

A true classic showing the struggles of soldiers on both sides in WW2.

An incredible movie, one of my favorite war films of all time. a must see for anyone who has experienced life in a combat squad, Keth Gordon gets it right.

This was a moving and beautiful surprise! The story of opposing war factions setting aside the battle toward the end of WWII to celebrate Christmas is much more human than its corny premise would have you think. It’s a powerful tale with great acting, but the subtle and controlled direction allows the sobering drama to be punctuated with down-to-earth humor. A worthy reminder of other’s trials during the busy Christmas season.

good WWII pic way post WWII

A movie full of historical mistakes and cliches (German posts in the Ardennes before the main attack?, sunny days before Christmas Day 44? German soldiers called "nazis" by GIs? and the list goes on...). Except for the beautiful photography and sound track, the movie is just a messy gathering of inconsistencies.

Avec A Midnight Clear, Keith Gordon prouve qu'on peut faire un film de guerre extrêmement tendu, désespérant et plein de sens sans jamais montrer une seule bataille rangée. Ici, la violence est sourde, les personnages désemparés et l'escadrille décimée avant même le début de l'intrigue. Extrêmement touchant, passionnant jusqu'au bout, A Midnight Clear vaut aussi pour les interprétations remarquables de Gary Sinise, Ethan Hawke et Peter Berg. Un film bien trop méconnu.

A provocative and introspective World War II drama, A Midnight Clear explores the complexities of war. While on a recon mission in the Ardennes forest in the winter of 1944 an American intelligence unit comes upon a German platoon that wants to surrender. Starring Ethan Hawke, Gary Sinise, Peter Berg, and Kevin Dillon, the film has a strong cast. The performances however, aren't that good; but then neither is the writing. Still, the plot addresses some interesting issues of morality, along with the challenges faced by soldiers. Additionally, the sets and costumes create an authentic World War II look and feel. A Midnight Clear has some problems, but even so there's something compelling about the characters and their story.

A film set during WWII that will leave you thinking about it long after it's over. The stellar cast, led by a young Gary Sinise and Ethan Hawke, portay a platoon of American soldiers sent to secure a lookout position to await the advancing Germans. The subsequent interaction with an Germany army platoon evokes the true horror of war. The story inevitably takes a haunting twist that will stay with you long after the credits have begun to roll. Although light on action, I'd rank this with one of the best war movies ever made.

8/22/16 Netflix DVD A terrific ensemble cast with a number of young actors who went on to big careers. Shot in Utah but looking every bit like Germany the film explores the ambiguity, morality and senselessness of war. Ordinary soldiers on both sides who just want to survive and go home and show a humanity to each other that provides the heart of this film. Had to work really hard to find this DVD since it is fairly old. Well worth the effort.

Very underrated war film

Very underrated war film