Yes it's got lots of cliches and I have no idea how close it is to truth but I really enjoyed the performances. Some excellent scoring too. A good Sunday afternoon film. One of the hidden gems on Disney+
18 Reviews
Great Disney TV movie.
Njs20168 May 2021
Fantastic family-friendly WW2 story
HotToastyRag22 October 2017
In Denmark during the thick of WWII, Benedick Blythe wants to impress Hitler by suddenly rounding up all the Jews in his district, even though the Nazi occupation has left the townspeople alone for three years. He gets the bright idea of arresting everyone in a surprise attack on Rosh Hashanah, but Patrick Malahide, a sympathetic Nazi, warns those in danger. With only a few days' notice, everyone pulls together to hide their friends and smuggle them to safety in Sweden.
While this is a Disney TV movie, it's actually pretty exciting! Sam Waterston takes the lead, since he's a doctor and can hide hundreds of people in his hospital. His wife, Mia Farrow, is reluctant to help at first because she fears for her children's safety, but she quickly gets on board and helps out. Both Sam and Mia, who have previously been in four films together, have a comfortable and caring chemistry, and they both give great tension-filled performances.
Miracle at Midnight is a wonderful true story that's inspiring and heartfelt. Director Ken Cameron doesn't make it feel like a typical TV movie, and those who particularly like WWII-set films will enjoy learning about this little-known story. Even audiences who don't normally like these types of movies because of the gruesomeness might make an exception for this one. It's completely family friendly and could even be shown in schools. With great acting and some very smart suspenseful scenes, this is a great movie to pop in after dinner on a school night.
While this is a Disney TV movie, it's actually pretty exciting! Sam Waterston takes the lead, since he's a doctor and can hide hundreds of people in his hospital. His wife, Mia Farrow, is reluctant to help at first because she fears for her children's safety, but she quickly gets on board and helps out. Both Sam and Mia, who have previously been in four films together, have a comfortable and caring chemistry, and they both give great tension-filled performances.
Miracle at Midnight is a wonderful true story that's inspiring and heartfelt. Director Ken Cameron doesn't make it feel like a typical TV movie, and those who particularly like WWII-set films will enjoy learning about this little-known story. Even audiences who don't normally like these types of movies because of the gruesomeness might make an exception for this one. It's completely family friendly and could even be shown in schools. With great acting and some very smart suspenseful scenes, this is a great movie to pop in after dinner on a school night.
Great entertainment, yet more than that
Melissa Alice20 May 2004
This was a very captivating movie. A Danish family becomes involved in helping Jews. The son (Henrik) is in the resistance and keeps it a secret from his family, sure they would forbid him to continue because of the danger. The father, a doctor, decides he must do what he can to help the Jews when he hears of the news of the Germans coming to route out and kill Jews. He hides a family (friends of theirs) in the attic. There are many tense and action-packed scenes. The acting is great. I wish the people didn't feel they had to lie to save the Jews, though. (Corrie Ten Boom is a good example of someone who hid Jews and told the truth, being put in a concentration camp herself. What strong belief that is.) There were also a couple of kisses (if you worry about that kind of thing), but nothing more than that. Overall I give this movie a solid thumbs up and it is a striking example of the bravery of many people during the war.
a Danish story
Kirpianuscus5 March 2018
At first sigh, another film about Shoah. in fact, a touching film about family. and friendship. and survive. eulogy to so many anonimous lifes who were the axis of the change of world, in profound sense. a film about duty, in same measure. at first sigh, one of many TV films . but significant for a motif escaping from the ordinary formulas. because it reminds. old , great stories reminding to us ourselves. so, a Danish story.
Another Holocaust Movie!
Sylviastel7 June 2007
Another Holocaust Movie starring Law & Order Sam Waterston (yes, he can do more) and Mia Farrow as a Danish couple who help and assist Danish Jews to flee the country to Sweden. Of course, everybody knows the history of the holocaust and those few who assisted. In this story, the Christian Kosters help aid the Danish Jews. It's another story about good Christians who helped the Jews in Europe during a dark time in it's history. I don't think the German Nazis and Gestapo in this film is accurately portrayed. Believe me, they were much more vicious. Denmark was one of the few countries that helped their Jews because they didn't have the same anti-Semitism that other countries including Germany, Austria, Poland, Czech, and Russia had at the time according to this film. Denmark should be applauded for it's behavior. I'm not knocking the story but this film was shown to middle school American children. While it's just another Holocaust movie, it's not as good as Schindler's List or others. It was shown because it was not rated but the children could see it because it lacked the viciousness of usual Holocaust films.
Good, but wanted more.
sjwestbrooks25 June 2022
Miracle at Midnight is a good movie for families to see. It depicts what Holland was like during World War II in a family friendly way. The acting and production value is professional, and the sets and music are spot on.
This is a TV movie, however, and has the flaws of one as well. In the urge to run under 90 minutes, the film often creates various subplots, then seems to forget about them. A lot of the characters (who are supposed to be Danish) speak with Irish accents, and the editing could've been worked on a bit more.
Despite these flaws, Miracle at Midnight is a great way to introduce your family to World War II.
This is a TV movie, however, and has the flaws of one as well. In the urge to run under 90 minutes, the film often creates various subplots, then seems to forget about them. A lot of the characters (who are supposed to be Danish) speak with Irish accents, and the editing could've been worked on a bit more.
Despite these flaws, Miracle at Midnight is a great way to introduce your family to World War II.
Miracle at Midnight-A Rosh Hashanah in Denmark to Remember ****
edwagreen23 July 2007
Outstanding film reliving the events of Rosh Hashanah, 1943 in Denmark. After occupying the country for 3 years, the Nazis chose the solemn Rosh Hashanah holiday to arrest people.
The film showed the courage of the Danish people in hiding the Jews on that fateful night. There had always been a strong feeling of toleration towards all groups in Denmark unlike the other European countries. Did not the king of Denmark wear the obligatory Yellow Badge when all Danish Jews were required to do so?
Sam Waterston and Mia Farrow are excellent as the surgeon and his wife, both of whom aid in the rescue attempt.
This is a fine film detailing the human spirit. Anne Frank would have been so proud of the actions of the Danes as she so ardently believed that all people are basically good.
The film showed the courage of the Danish people in hiding the Jews on that fateful night. There had always been a strong feeling of toleration towards all groups in Denmark unlike the other European countries. Did not the king of Denmark wear the obligatory Yellow Badge when all Danish Jews were required to do so?
Sam Waterston and Mia Farrow are excellent as the surgeon and his wife, both of whom aid in the rescue attempt.
This is a fine film detailing the human spirit. Anne Frank would have been so proud of the actions of the Danes as she so ardently believed that all people are basically good.
A Real Story
Gys20005 March 2005
I have always been a big listener to my grand mothers stories about the freedom fighters in World War 2. During "Drengene Fra Sankt Petri" my eyes wouldn't dry up, but during this movie, my soul cry'ed, triumf'ed and all other known & unknown feelings came out. This "Real Story" tells about how the common Dane fought the Nazi, and it couldn't be more real. It's the first time I've seen a movie about the Danish Freedom fighters, that wasn't Danish. But hey, we are a little country with a big voice. I only wish that people see this movie and change the opinion about Danes, from the ones that lasted 12min in defence but fought the whole war from the inside and saved several 1,000. Please see this movie.
Overly dramatic and uninspiring.
imdb-821215 December 2015
This movie was recommended to our family by the local elementary school. Unfortunately the entire movie is plodding and tired. It was like sitting through someone filing their nails for an hour.
The movie follows a surgeon and his family living in Denmark during the German occupation of WWII and their sober subterfuge of all things Jewish, including the people.
While the movie starts off slow, building the narrative of "German eyes everywhere", it culminates in a mediocre anti-climax that barely registers on the feelings scale. The characters try (very transparently) to become the underdogs while the evil Nazis go overboard to be seen as evil oppressors. While this is a typical story arch, Miracle at Midnight seems unable to grasp its own storyline with a touch of believability.
Save yourself the trouble and rent another movie. This one falls flat.
The movie follows a surgeon and his family living in Denmark during the German occupation of WWII and their sober subterfuge of all things Jewish, including the people.
While the movie starts off slow, building the narrative of "German eyes everywhere", it culminates in a mediocre anti-climax that barely registers on the feelings scale. The characters try (very transparently) to become the underdogs while the evil Nazis go overboard to be seen as evil oppressors. While this is a typical story arch, Miracle at Midnight seems unable to grasp its own storyline with a touch of believability.
Save yourself the trouble and rent another movie. This one falls flat.
I love this movie!!!
Princess-4720 March 1999
This is such a great movie. I taped it off TV and I watch it at least once a week. I really love war movies, but I have to say that this one is the best I've ever seen. It portrays the war in a nonviolent way. I also have to say that Justin Whalin and Nicola Mycroft are great actors and actresses, some of the best I've seen. I hope they do more acting. For those of you who have not seen this movie, I recommend that you see it because it is so great!!
This film is worth your while
Romani_grl8 October 2008
Warning: Spoilers
This film is worth your while. While it does have some flaws that will make it unworthy of the Movie Guru's- its message is great. Previous comments on this same film have focused on the geographical errors and bad accents and forgetting about the whole "bravery and courage in the face of evil. The fact that this story is not taught in every history class is shameful. It is set during the Nazi occupation of Denmark and tells the story of the Christian citizens standing up to the Nazi's by saving the lives of their Jewish population. It may not be a great action film or have brilliant speeches, but it does have an element that every family should learn from- to stand up against the evil in the world, to fight any way you can to do what is right.
surprisingly historically accurate
Pgoel30 July 2006
Warning: Spoilers
I have spent about a year researching the Danish resistance. One of my research topics was the standard narrative around the Danish resistance. I heard of this movie and thought it would follow the standard narrative closely.
Yet, it treats the story with historical care, mentioning the August rising, and the pre-existing resistance and much more.
Yes, the acting...leaves a lot to be desired. Sam Waterson and Justin Whalin, excellent actors in other venues but not here.
But the excellent script and emotional nature of the story makes it a great watch!
It is written in a way that the whole family can enjoy. teenagers will enjoy the slightly rebellious Henrik. Adults will enjoy the story. Their is a small love story and a greater story of friendship, patriotism, and good triumphing over evil.
Yet, it treats the story with historical care, mentioning the August rising, and the pre-existing resistance and much more.
Yes, the acting...leaves a lot to be desired. Sam Waterson and Justin Whalin, excellent actors in other venues but not here.
But the excellent script and emotional nature of the story makes it a great watch!
It is written in a way that the whole family can enjoy. teenagers will enjoy the slightly rebellious Henrik. Adults will enjoy the story. Their is a small love story and a greater story of friendship, patriotism, and good triumphing over evil.
Beautiful movie!
Soledad-219 July 2001
I don't think this movie is very well known because I have never heard of Miracle at Midnight until my recent visit to a video store. I'm glad I decided to buy it because it was worth it. It's an excellent movie, with a great script and a fantastic cast. I wish to recommend it to everyone interested in war movies. Miracle at Midnight is beautiful and its message will stay with you forever. It's a gem!
Not perfect but a wonderful depiction of this amazing story
skpn1236 August 2018
The Jews in this film are at times depicted a little stereo-typically but just loved this true story of the events in Finland late in 1943. May the descendants of all who so bravely helped always be blessed by the courage of their family. Mia Farrow is of course fabulous in this story as the at first reluctant wife of the Doctor who spearheaded the rescue of 7,500 Jews in Copenhagen.
Quite Intriguing. Nicola Mycroft is a rising star.
bab6822 January 1999
With all the the extravagant World War II films out, Miracle at Midnight offers a less intense war film, but don't get me wrong this quite an emotional film that touched me in many ways. I particularly enjoyed the work of Nicola Mycroft who is a gem of an actress. She is a rising young star, and I predict ten years down the road she will be one of the screen's great sex symbols. Mycroft steals every scene she is in. Her brother, Jon, is also a spectacular actor, and it is unfortunate that he has had to do low-budget porn instead of larger projects. I would like to see the two of them together in a project. Marrow and Waterson are tremendous actors, and they don't disappoint in this film. This is a movie that will slowly win many fans as it makes away around. Remember: Watch out for the Mycroft duo.
Could have be good, but
jelleoelle1 February 2003
The story is fine, but nothing special. Same story as other movies on helping jewish people during the war. What really bothers me about this movie is the unrealistic way they go about hiding the jewish people.
In reality, the jewish people were not so stupid, as in the movie, that they were wearing jewish clothe and jewish hats, while trying to hide from the germans who was comming to get them. Ofcourse in reality they did everything they could to not look jewish and they certainly did not wear jewish clothes or hold jewish ceremonies in a hospital where they knew the germans could walk in any minute. This movie could have been good, but this unrealistic stupidity througout the movie ruins it.
In reality, the jewish people were not so stupid, as in the movie, that they were wearing jewish clothe and jewish hats, while trying to hide from the germans who was comming to get them. Ofcourse in reality they did everything they could to not look jewish and they certainly did not wear jewish clothes or hold jewish ceremonies in a hospital where they knew the germans could walk in any minute. This movie could have been good, but this unrealistic stupidity througout the movie ruins it.
Pride, unconditional love for others...
RosanaBotafogo14 April 2021
What a beautiful film, about the rescue of Danish Jews, in which 95% of the Jewish population of Denmark were saved, thanks to brave and human people, very beautiful to be seen, and if the German people had done the same thing, perhaps the story it could be very different, few, very few did it... Pride, unconditional love for others...
Extremely inaccurate.
brandyfan11 February 2003
Ok, so if you're going to do a film about Denmark how about doing some research first? This film has so many errors it's not even funny. The accents are laughable, the buildings look Irish (I know it was filmed in Ireland) & the scenery looks nothing like Denmark at ALL. They have a scene where the father & his son are walking on a beach and in the background plenty of rocks can be seen. Now the only place in Denmark that has rocks is Bornholm, an island that takes 13 hours to sail to from Copenhagen. Avoid this like the plague.
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