The stage curtains open ...
When it comes to war movies, there are your epic films like "Bridge on the River Kwai", "Saving Private Ryan", and "1917". Then there are your from-the-hip films like "Inglourious Basterds", "Kelly's Heroe's", and "Von Ryan's Express". And then, there are movies like "A Midnight Clear", which is not your typical war movie, other than the fact that it takes place during WWII.
In a squad that started out with 12 soldiers, the remaining 6 (due to half of them being killed off) are sent on a reconnaissance mission to watch for, and report any sightings of Germans in a small clearing in some lost corner of the world. Cast against the harch cold of winter, they settle into a house and find that they indeed, are not alone. Things seem amiss however, when they hear voices coming from the surrounding woods one night directed at them. No attack happens, in fact, not even an attempt of an attack happens. On Christmas night, they are surprised when they hear singing, caroling in German and soon, both sides put down their arms to enjoy a rare night of peace in an uncertain time. But, of course ... not all good things can last.
I was surprised at the direction this film took. I felt the ending was inevitable, but the story was very different from anything I'd ever seen in a war movie before. I thought the acting was pretty decent, though the voiceover narrative by Ethan Hawke was a little hokey. There were a few humorous scenes in the movie - ie: the snowball fight between the two sides.
I did enjoy the movie, but it isn't really a stellar achievement, and it isn't a memorable film. There is nothing graphic in it, but it does levy the seriousness of war while showcasing characters who are trying to maintain their dignity and humanity in a dark time. This is worth a watch. 6 stars out of 10.
When it comes to war movies, there are your epic films like "Bridge on the River Kwai", "Saving Private Ryan", and "1917". Then there are your from-the-hip films like "Inglourious Basterds", "Kelly's Heroe's", and "Von Ryan's Express". And then, there are movies like "A Midnight Clear", which is not your typical war movie, other than the fact that it takes place during WWII.
In a squad that started out with 12 soldiers, the remaining 6 (due to half of them being killed off) are sent on a reconnaissance mission to watch for, and report any sightings of Germans in a small clearing in some lost corner of the world. Cast against the harch cold of winter, they settle into a house and find that they indeed, are not alone. Things seem amiss however, when they hear voices coming from the surrounding woods one night directed at them. No attack happens, in fact, not even an attempt of an attack happens. On Christmas night, they are surprised when they hear singing, caroling in German and soon, both sides put down their arms to enjoy a rare night of peace in an uncertain time. But, of course ... not all good things can last.
I was surprised at the direction this film took. I felt the ending was inevitable, but the story was very different from anything I'd ever seen in a war movie before. I thought the acting was pretty decent, though the voiceover narrative by Ethan Hawke was a little hokey. There were a few humorous scenes in the movie - ie: the snowball fight between the two sides.
I did enjoy the movie, but it isn't really a stellar achievement, and it isn't a memorable film. There is nothing graphic in it, but it does levy the seriousness of war while showcasing characters who are trying to maintain their dignity and humanity in a dark time. This is worth a watch. 6 stars out of 10.