I'd like first to address a few negative comments I read here. #1 this movie is anything but boring. It doesn't have car chases, nudity or foul language, nor is it suspenseful or tense. It is low key, and rightfully so, and has an inspiring, positive message. #2 Maybe the medals and other props aren't authentic, and the snow, always a problem for me in Hollywood movies, is obviously fake (real snow melts almost immediately when it lands on your hair, face or clothes). But the message is what's important here, not who sends it, or how it was sent! And finally #3 The acting is topnotch! Everyone was completely believable and this may be one of the best performances of Devane's career. Everything was very subtle in this film; nothing over the top as in some heartwarming films. I found the story very involving and engrossing. One small insignificant complaint of mine would be that a better method of phasing in and out of flashbacks would make it less confusing. But maybe that's my problem with attention spans. As for the ending, it is left for the viewer to determine its meaning. I agree it's not the greatest Christmas movie, but it's up there with the better ones.