A Midnight Clear (1992)

This WW2 psychological drama plays out at Christmas. US GIs hold an isolated cabin in the Ardennes against a handful of Germans cut off from their main force. Combat-weary and short of rations, both sides are determined to survive.

Director:

Keith Gordon

Writers:

William Wharton (novel), Keith Gordon (screenplay)

Stars:

Peter Berg, Kevin Dillon, Arye Gross

1 nomination.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Peter Berg	...	Bud Miller
Kevin Dillon	...	Cpl. Mel Avakian
Arye Gross	...	Stan Shutzer
Ethan Hawke	...	Sgt. Will Knott
Gary Sinise	...	Vance 'Mother' Wilkins
Frank Whaley	...	Paul 'Father' Mundy
John C. McGinley	...	Major Griffin
Larry Joshua	...	Lieutenant Ware
David Jensen	...	Sergeant Hunt
Curt Lowens	...	Older German Soldier
Rachel Griffin	...	Janice
Timothy S. Shoemaker	...	Eddie (as Tim Shoemaker)
Kelly Gately	...	Young German Soldier
Bill Osborn	...	American Sentry
Andre Lamal	...	German Soldier

Storyline

Set in 1944 France, in the Ardennes forest region, an American Intelligence Squad locates a German platoon wishing to surrender rather than die in Germany's final war offensive. The two groups of men, isolated from the war at present, put aside their differences and share a Christmas celebration. The surrender plan includes a mock battle that turns bad when one of the soldiers is unaware of the surrender plan.

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Plot Keywords:

year 1944 | 1940s | europe | rifle | glasses | 

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Genres:

Drama | War

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language, war violence and a scene of sensuality

Did You Know?

Trivia

Filming took place during the coldest winter in Utah in 83 years. The temperature dropped about thirty degrees during the night, when much of the action takes place.

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Quotes

Will Knott: You know, you actually do look like an officer.
Bud Miller: I actually feel like an asshole.
Will Knott: That's about the same thing.

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Connections

Referenced in A Winter's War: Keith Gordon on 'A Midnight Clear' (2012)

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Soundtracks

It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
Written by Edmund Hamilton Sears (uncredited) and music by Richard Storrs Willis (uncredited)
Sung by Sam Phillips
Arranged and Produced by T Bone Burnett and Sam Phillips
Sam Phillips appears courtesy of Virgin Records

User Reviews

A Dead Boy Named Matt

There is the classic, or `Golden Age,' of WWII based movies, from the 50s, 60s and 70s; and then there is the age of ultra-realism: those movies about WWII (or any war for that matter), that because you can show more on film, be more graphic in war's depiction, and because cinema has changed so much, it allows us to see more of how war actual was, instead of the watered down versions we had been getting for years. Don't get me wrong. When most of us speak of such classics like `Sands of Iwo Jima,' `The Longest Day,' or `A Bridge Too Far' (and so many other great WWII movies), we are perfectly right to sing our praises of such timeless standards. Nevertheless, there is a good chance that we should be even more grateful for these modern WWII gems that have raised the bar to permit us a closer glimpse of how this war really felt to those who fought in it. I suppose all I can say at this point would be to watch `A Midnight Clear,' and perhaps you would understand why I would choose this movie to be ranked only behind the likes of `Band of Brothers' and `Saving Private Ryan.' Then watch some other modern ultra-real WWII flicks like `When Trumpets Fade,' `Das Boot' and maybe even `Cross of Iron;' and then gauge for yourself. `A Midnight Clear,' though not really smacking of anti-war themes, yet showing the futility and absurdity that only propels us to hold our breath; it is a perfect example of not only reality, but of how a WWII movie works with probably no more than 50 rounds fired throughout the whole film. Poetic (though not as much as `The Thin Red Line'), great dialog, and a premise that is built much on fact. Largely based upon a true story, and taken from the book by a WWII veteran that was actually there, this movie keeps great company among the new ultra-real films; and it simply moves me. I hope it moves you, as well. 9.4

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

24 April 1992 (USA)

Also Known As:

A Midnight Clear

Filming Locations:

Utah, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$5,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$46,938, 26 April 1992

Gross USA:

$1,526,697

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$1,526,697

Company Credits

Production Co:

A&M Films, Beacon Communications, Beacon Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

108 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1