Common Sense Media Review
By Tom Cassidy
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Average telling of amazing WWII true story; peril, violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 11+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Miracle at Midnight
What's the Story?
MIRACLE AT MIDNIGHT tells the incredible real-life story of a nation pulling together to save its Jewish population from deportation to Nazi concentration camps. Dr. Karl Koster (Sam Waterston), Doris Koster (Mia Farrow), and their two children coordinate the daring operation.
Is It Any Good?
The true account of how more than 7,000 Danish Jews were saved from deportation by an incredible citizen effort is a story well worth telling. With Miracle at Midnight, Disney has made a noble effort, producing a well-meaning movie that achieves what it sets out to do. However, by focusing on just one altruistic family -- the fictionalized Koster family -- and constrained by a TV movie budget, the end result feels somewhat minor in the face of the enormity of the real-life story.
A stellar cast, including Waterson and Farrow as the heads of the Koster family, bring all the necessary drama, threat, worry, and bravery to carry the movie. That said, the attempts at a Danish accent are patchy across the board, with much of the supporting cast sounding suspiciously Irish -- the movie was indeed filmed in Ireland. Miracle at Midnight paints with broad strokes but its palette is rich, with action, adventure, peril, moral dilemmas, and ethical discussions. Ultimately it's a great starting point to inspire further reading about an incredible feat of human kindness.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the historical framework of Miracle at Midnight. Does the movie teach us anything? How have other movies dealt with similar subjects?
Discuss the violence in the movie. Was it needed to highlight the severity of what was happening? What's the impact of media violence on kids?
How do the characters in the movie demonstrate compassion, courage, and teamwork? Why are these important character strengths?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : May 17, 1998
- Cast : Sam Waterston , Mia Farrow , Justin Whalin
- Director : Ken Cameron
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Walt Disney Television
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : History
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage , Teamwork
- Run time : 90 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : February 3, 2026
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