From Deseret News archives:
A Midnight Clear
Midnight Clear, A
Film review
"A Mignight Clear" has special local interest as it was filmed in 1991 in the snow-covered mountains near Park City (with the old Park City High School, built in 1905, doubling for interiors as a 17th-century chateau).
In some ways this is a throwback to another era. We don't often get big-screen movies about World War II anymore. But the sensibilities are certainly modern and its anti-war message clear, if a bit obvious.
The ensemble drama is narrated by the nominal lead character, Will Knott (Ethan Hawke), focusing on a small infantry squad in the Ardennes Forest around Christmas time. They are assigned to occupy a deserted French chateau and watch for enemy activity.
The activity they encounter is quite unexpected, however, as a group of German soldiers contacts them, apparently offering to surrender. But there is a condition they want it to appear they've been taken in a fight, so they stage a mock battle. But will it remain so, or is it some sort of perverse trap?
As written and directed by former actor Keith Gordon (adapting the novel by William Wharton), the film is spare and sensitive but mostly eschews sentimentality.
There are some stark and memorable images here, as when the simple act of taking a bath becomes a ritual and a moment when the young soldiers come upon a pair of frozen bodies, enemies who appear to be doing a death dance. There's also a comic snowball fight and a stirring moment when the German soldiers put up a makeshift Christmas tree and begin caroling, as the American GIs eventually join in.
The performances are uniformly good by a number of familiar young actors and the atmosphere is exceptional, conveying the chilling essence of the unknown that soldiers in combat face, as well as the climactic cold in this case.
"A Midnight Clear" is rated R for violence, gore and profanity, as well as a flashback sex scene and some nudity.
Recent comments
i do agree this is a remarkable film. I just happened to
switch on...
dave | Dec. 21, 2007 at 2:11 p.m.
This movie is truely one of the best war movies ever. I
believe it...
Eric | March 3, 2004 at 11:44 a.m.
I just finished watching this movie in my german class and
let me...
Jeff | Dec. 24, 2003 at 2:49 p.m.
Cast: Peter Berg, Kevin Dillon, Arye Gross, Ethan Hawke, Gary Sinise, Frank Whaley.
Find a Movie Theater
- Wildcats pounded by the Tribe 5:40 p.m.
- Cougars lead Utes 13-6 at halftime 4:56 p.m.
- TSA gets Grinchy with snow globes 4:34 p.m.
- Luxury resort in depressed Rhode Is. 4:34 p.m.
- Jones' joy for life remembered 4:09 p.m.
- Fantasy is reality for BYU professor 4:05 p.m.
- 'A Christmas Story' opens this week 4:05 p.m.
- Art gallery exhibitions this week 4:05 p.m.
- Special exhibits and programs 4:05 p.m.
- Utah concert calendar 4:05 p.m.
- Cave to be sealed with body inside
- Predicting the unpredictable: BYU wins
- Vegas, Poinsettia bowls or bust
- Glover gives Utes last-second upset
- BYU football: 5 keys to victory
- Cougars turn back Wildcats'
- Running game key to BYU offense
- Man trapped in Nutty Putty cave dies
- Woods, wife unavailable for interview
- Idaho woman dies after fall
- BYU would like friendlier rivalry
272 - Thunder rolls by Jazz
136 - Letters: Rushing to judge Palin
134 - Editorial: Poor welcome for Palin
113 - Man trapped in Nutty Putty cave dies
113 - Cave to be sealed with body inside
113 - Letters: Trump card for believers
98 - Rivalry Week is highly profane
88 - Utah, BYU are top choices for bowls
76 - Hall's legacy measured today
75
Great review Seth! Keep 'em coming!
My dad worked really hard for my money. To heck with all of you!
Here is logic for you. Store sells only 18 laptops a few years ago for...
OK, just Googled "Thomas Lipscomb" and "Obama" and found nothing but...
This game further illustrates how neither of these teams are as good as...
I wanted to hear more about Perrin and Matt in the book, they're my favorite...
I can not amagaine what you guys have gone threw the last cupple of days. I...
...no result BYU owns Utah!!!!
I was so sad when Jordan died, but I am now excited to read the latest...
I loved this book! It was a return to the old story. Finally, I am enjoying...



