Rating: 
Summary: Remarkable
Review: An exceptional film encapsulating the humanity that can and does exist even in the darkest of times. A Midnight Clear is one of the best on screen representations of war - and those who are charged to fight - that I have ever seen.
Rating:
Summary: So quiet...
Review: A Midnight Clear is one of the most beautifully done war filmsI've ever seen.What I like most most about it is that the makerstook the glory out of it like we see in so many other war movies. It's quiet when it needs to be quiet, and violent when it needs to be violent and it is never overdone. From the opening shot of the chateau to the final scene, the film keeps you in a sort of peaceful, yet anxious trance. I thought that the comparison of a savage war on top of the tranquil beauty of a snow covered forest was put together marvelously. All in all, this is a movie that EVERYONE, young and old should see. END
Rating: 
Summary: Soldiers and Snowballs
Review: I tried several times to rent this. The rental place determined it had been stolen. I know why now. This picture ranks with many of the coming-of-age war pictures that question war and its meaning. I am a high school teacher and would love to integrate this fine film into my war unit. However, because it is rated "R", like what war movie worth its celluloid isn't, will have to be a suggestion. I will,however, investigate the book. I was moved by this film's integrity and honesty. Hooray again for Gary Sinese and Peter Berg. As always, Ethan Hawke captures the eye and the heart. Enjoy a picture worth your time.
Rating:
Summary: Strangely non-violent; makes you root for humanity!
Review: This is one of the most hauntingly beautiful (war-) films I have seen. The plot is based on the authors own war-experience, and on other well documented "Christmas truces" during WW1. The American soldiers in the story, who, if presented with a combat situation would probably have shown the same degree of bravery as any others in their army, are given the opportunity to show initiative combined with compassion, in trying to arrange the surrender of a small group of disillusioned Germans. They are presented with a unique opportunity to practice the ethic "love thine enemy", exactly at the season when one of the most significant advocates of that idea is celebrated! The realistic story makes it clear why it is not "sappy" or "corny" to wish to show kindness to your fellow-human. A very moving story, in which the element of hope transcends the actual outcome. I actually prefer this film to "Private Ryan" (a very different kind of film), in that it plays mainly in just one starkly beautiful location, and relies on emotional truth, rather than physical realism produced by massive - and technically brilliant- special effects. I have seen it twice now, and it gets me every time. This is no action-movie "junk-food": it's more like a very subtle gourmet dinner, so find a good friend (if possible), pour a glass of wine, light a candle, and don't be in a hurry! ;-)
Rating:
Summary: Is it a war movie or isn't it?
Review: This movie can be used as an example of what cinema is supposed to be. Yes, I have read some of the other reviews with their negative comments about the language and the depiction of American soldiers, but in this film's defense it WAS wartime and I'm certain that there were some soldiers who served bravely but nevertheless did not embrace the luster that the "last good war" was giving off on the homefront. What this film is trying to do is show the smaller, less significant aspects of World War II and the human side of the soldiers, a number of years before Saving Private Ryan. The plot is a little slow and it takes a while to develop, but this is balanced nicely by some interesting character developments. Sometimes you have to accept what is happening at face value and wait for its meaning to be explained later, but that's a minor point. The cast are not huge names (except for, I guess, Ethan Hawke & Gary Sinise but this was years before either really took off) but the acting is pretty good. Not fantastic, but good enough. One of the more appealing aspects of this film is that it isn't in-your-face movie-making, but is instead probably the quietest war movie you'll ever see. The word that springs to mind immediately is "competent", which doesn't sound like too much of a praise but it is exactly what makes this movie worth it. On a personal level, I found it fascinating to question actual World War II veterans about events similar to what was in the film. It wasn't until then that I could put my finger on what this movie's overall appeal was, but I think it is because most of us would probably behave similarly were we to be placed in the same circumstances the film depicts.
Rating:
Summary: A classic, classic film
Review: A masterpiece of a film, that should be viewed by all. Very, very underrated movie, exellent acting and directing in this WWII Testament. A movie perfectly suited for my generation of teens and of the future, as a powerfull reminder of all that is lost through war.
Rating:
Summary: My favorite movie of all time.
Review: One of my favorite themes is the "Loss of Innocence". This covers that theme in way that others cannot. If you like "Memphis Belle", you'll love this film.
Rating:
Summary: Touching to the soul
Review: As a soldier myself I share some of the feelings of these men. This is a great movie to sit down and watch, without too much violence that seems to come with war movies now days. Most of the movie is curiosity with some humor, and little anger and sadness. It's an all around wonderful movie to watch, and I would reccomend it to anyone.
Rating:
Summary: Saving Private Ryan for the thinking man
Review: This movie caught my eye when it aired on Bravo not too long ago. I only caught a couple of minutes and decided to rent it. The first time i watched it, it disappointed me. I thought,'Hey! It's a war movie!Where's all the action?'However, the second time I watched it, I realized that it wasn't a movie about war. It's a movie about peace. The film was wonderful in its originality. The plot goes like this: It's winter 1944. A small unorthodox intelligence platoon is sent to await a German offensive. They set up shop at a large French chateau, and all goes well until they here voices in the night. German voices. Some germans are camping not too far away. however, they're not interested in fighting....they want peace. they believe the war is almost over, and they don't want to die. The Americans agree to take them as prisoners, then release them after the war is over. But something goes wrong with the agreement, and we learn that war...and peace...can be hell. The cast is strong: Gary Sinise is almost frightening as Wilkins; Frank Whaley playing the innocent and tragic priest Mundy; and Ethan Hawke as the sympathetic seargant Knott. This film is an overlooked and underrated classic. I'd call it Saving Private Ryan for the Thinking Man.
Rating:
Summary: Haunting, moving, mood inspiring,enlightening,great.
Review: I've seen this movie several times. After the first few viewings I began to realize how brilliant the cast was in it's ability to lose individual parts to the whole. Kevin Dillon would hardly stand out until you saw the movie the second or third time. The characters don't get old upon repeated viewings. I read the novel in 1982, the year it came out, and could not belive it took nearly ten years for the movie to be made. A great war movie in the tradition of Battleground. It doesn't rely on the pyrotechnics nor the sentimentality of "Ryan".
| 
