235. All Quiet on the Western Front

All Quiet on the Western Front (1930)

Director: Lewis Milestone

Starring: Lew Ayres

John Wray

Louis Wolheim

IMDb Rating: 7.9

My rating: 7.5

"You think it's beautiful to die for your country. The first bombardment taught us better. When it comes to dying for your country, it's better not to die at all."

When it comes to anti-war films, there are few greater than All Quiet on the Western Front. The film does more from showing the harsh realities of war, than most films accomplish from just talking about it. The film begins by showing the young men enlisting to be filled with the ideals of glory. As the film progresses, each soldier that lives to see another day, becomes as damaged as his fallen ally. Men that were full of life are now hallowed versions of their former selves. The films visual message proves a valid point by not over analyzing, rather just letting the images tell the story.

Even though All Quiet on the Western Front was made eighty years ago this year, it's battle scenes still hold up as some of the greatest of it's kind in film history. The violence might be at a minimum, but you do get the feeling of being under attack. The scenes are met with loud explosions and gunfire that litter the air. It is too often in today's war films, that unneeded dialogue is inserted. There are of course the usual superiors barking orders. Although, this film really does lets the "battle" take center stage of it's battle scenes.

I would like to talk about one scene of this film. If you have not scene the film (and want to), please do not read on. The final scene of the film shows soldier Paul (Lew Ayers) laying in a trench peering though a hole in the wall. He spots a butterfly and smiles. When he lifts up to reach for it, a french soldier shoots him and he dies. This simple scene could be cut and shown individually and it would send the same message. In moments of peace, sometimes war still prevails. It's an image that easily stays with you, long after the credits roll.

Overall, I did enjoy this film. I remember watching it in high school, and not being too impressed. The film might be dated, but it's themes are still as strong as ever. The grit and realism of the battle scenes is striking and at times shocking. Also, the symbolism and simplicity makes this so much more than a "war movie." Regardless of your personal stance, if you like war films, I would recommend this film.