All Quiet on the Western Front

Starring: Louis Wolheim, Lew Ayres, John Wray, Arnold Lucy, Ben Alexander
Directed by: Lewis Milestone
Rating: Not rated
Genre: Action, Drama, War
1930

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: A group of idealistic teens enlist to fight in World War I, but soon discover war is not as glamorous or exciting as they imagined.

Review:

Tim: All Quiet on the Western Front is easily one of the greatest anti-war movies ever made. It would be difficult to find a better war movie. The film is amazing, especially considering the time in which it was made. It is certainly an epic movie. What I loved about this faithfully adapted movie is that it shows war in a realistic light. For decades following this film, war would be glamorized on screen. This film views war as a horrible, crushing, death-filled endeavor. It is so fascinating to watch a group of young, idealistic boys turn into cynical, weary men. This movie works on many levels, and is quite powerful.

The cast is good, although relatively unknown. Lew Ayres is superb Paul Baumer. He gives the best performance of the film, and it made him a star. He is a believable everyman and I can't think of a better actor for the part. The rest of the supporting cast all give good performances as well.

At well over two hours, this is a huge, epic movie that requires a bit of work to get through. It is so interesting though, especially for American audiences, to watch a movie about our enemies, the Germans, and to feel sympathy for their troops. That represents one of the great facts about this movie- yes, it is about German troops, but it is so much more than that. This is a movie about all soldiers, regardless of nation or time. It has been said that war is hell, and this movie is determined to showcase that truth. It does so brilliantly.

All Quiet on the Western Front could really be called the First Great War Movie Ever Made. It features some terrific scenes, including the shocking, unforgettable film scene. This film won two Academy Awards, including Best Director and Best Picture. It is a classic movie that takes its place among the all time greats.



Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating- 8



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Saving Private Ryan, The African Queen, The Thin Red Line, We Were Soldiers, Dr. Strangelove Or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb, The Bridge on the River Kwai