Silent Night in Algona

In so many cases such as this, labeling a production a "family movie" is code for "very cheaply done." This movie is no exception. On family-friendly streaming sites, you can find hundreds of these kind of micro-budget movies. The only wonder about Silent Night is why, when it is blatantly and painfully obvious, that you don't have much in the way of money, would you decide to do a historical drama? Why would the producers purposely highlight their key weakness? And judging by other reviews I see here, that weakness is crystal clear to anyone who isn't somehow tied to the movie. (Just match up the review names with the individuals listed in the production.)

In a world where film 'ratings' often are based on the bizarre or the wicked, comes a true story where genuine humanity and relationships prevail during a dark and difficult time in our nation's history.

Discover the 'little known' story of a small rural Iowa town where a World War II prison camp housed thousands of young soldiers, far from their German homeland. Meet the families from the community who are suffering economically and without their own soldier men and sons available to support their farming and harvest operations.

And experience the relationships that are forged when 'enemies' are thrown together to help one another through difficult times.

Relationships from that time have endured generations. The amazing half-life size Nativity Scene (gift from the prisoners) is still viewed by thousands each year. See the film, visit the community, and immerse yourself in a heart-warming depiction of a historic tale that the news headlines did not cover.

It may not be fair, but I judge it against big budget movies. This movie obviously didn't have a big budget, but it is a solid effort, for what it is.

I love WW2 movies, and I think this is great that a movie was finally made about a military operation back here in the US, namely a POW camp.

I wish this movie was done as a streamable mini-series of half hour episodes than a movie. The movie was too long, and there were too many different plot lines. It either needed to cut some story lines and shorten the movie, or, expand them, and make some episodes and get more in depth.

The mad/crazy drunk guy, was that Shooter from Hoosiers? Chop.

Generally I am not a fan of CGI in movies, but what was used in this movie actually worked really well. It was sub-par CGI, but it was used for the boy's dream sequence to a good effect.

The acting in the movie was hit and miss. Taylor Nichols as the Chaplain did a great job, and totally believable as a WW2 back home in America based chaplain. B. Rader did a great job as Eduard as well. Terrence Knox is still top notch. Not a big role in this movie, but that guy makes any movie/show better.

Many of the others seemed weekend dinner-theatre level, but for the budget I'm sure they had to work with, it is what it is.

The part written for the wife was well done. I don't know if I've had a character in a movie recently that honked me off more than her. I'm watching the movie, and thinking, "That f-in witch!"

The plot of the boy at the end was a bit much for me. It was done with a 2020s lens. I think a what, (12-14 year old farm boy in the 1940s?) would be quite capable to go missing and fend for himself. Even in the 1970s, my parents wouldn't have arranged a search party for a town kid such as myself until at least midnight. 'He'll come home when he is hungry."

Knowing the story of Algona and the camps, I thought the ending was very well done, and quite satisfying.

I endorse the movie, especially if you are from a small midwestern town like me. Not a lot of movies about our world. Grab some popcorn and a Sprite and have a night at the movies.

What a great story that was shared here and how it was back in Algona, Iowa during that time. This movie was absolutely terrific. The way the movie was produced I felt as if I was sitting next to the characters in the movie. The wide vary emotions of the different scenes took control and I was riveted trying to help those guys out. I loved the compassion and empathy that the LTC had for the German prisoners. I could connect with that feeling that he had hoping that our boys on the other side were being treated as well as they were treated here in the states. What a great example of leadership that he displayed for his men on how to treat the POWs correctly, including the the despicable Captain from the Provost Marshall office who needed it desperately.

I rented and have now purchased the movie. Definitely don't miss out on the history of WWII here in our country.

I love when forgotten true stories are brought to the screen! Tony Hornus does an outstanding job of directing DJ Perry's inspirational script. There are great performances throughout- especially the ones done in German with English subtitles which doesn't always play out well. Great great film that you can take the whole family to! The musical score compliments every scene and adds so much to what you are experiencing- the director of photography does a brilliant job of capturing the actors in a classic old Hollywood manner/ you feel like you are watching a Bogart and Bacall film in many scenes.