Adapted from Erich Maria Remarque's novel of the same name, All Quiet Western Front transports its spectators on a journey through the trauma and anguish of the First World War.
War breaks out in Germany in 1914. Paul Bäumer and his classmates quickly enlist in the army to serve their fatherland. No sooner are they drafted than the first images from the battlefield show them the reality of war.
Remarque's novel was written from his own experiences as a German war veteran and director Edward Berger ensures that the authenticity and personal meaning of the 1928 text translates in a watch focused largely around the senses, allowing its viewers to almost feel the scenes depicted.
A piercing, aggressive tune is a reoccurring theme throughout the film's most poignant moments. Nominated for 9 Academy Awards including 'sound', 'visual effects' and 'original score' All Quiet on the Western Front (a colloquial expression meaning stagnation, or lack of visible change, in any context) is a work of art detailed to perfection, the effort in emphasising every moment, manipulating the senses and displaying the honest hurt of combat.
The contrast of the friendship between Paul and his classmates at the start of the spectacle to the time in the war zone foreshadows what is truly important in life. The glimpses of silent scenes against the loud, chaotic conflict which is vividly filmed with such evocation, highlight the horror of battle and remind us that love and family are far greater than power and greed.
A visual, heart-breaking international picture. For me, down as one of the Great War films of all time.
War breaks out in Germany in 1914. Paul Bäumer and his classmates quickly enlist in the army to serve their fatherland. No sooner are they drafted than the first images from the battlefield show them the reality of war.
Remarque's novel was written from his own experiences as a German war veteran and director Edward Berger ensures that the authenticity and personal meaning of the 1928 text translates in a watch focused largely around the senses, allowing its viewers to almost feel the scenes depicted.
A piercing, aggressive tune is a reoccurring theme throughout the film's most poignant moments. Nominated for 9 Academy Awards including 'sound', 'visual effects' and 'original score' All Quiet on the Western Front (a colloquial expression meaning stagnation, or lack of visible change, in any context) is a work of art detailed to perfection, the effort in emphasising every moment, manipulating the senses and displaying the honest hurt of combat.
The contrast of the friendship between Paul and his classmates at the start of the spectacle to the time in the war zone foreshadows what is truly important in life. The glimpses of silent scenes against the loud, chaotic conflict which is vividly filmed with such evocation, highlight the horror of battle and remind us that love and family are far greater than power and greed.
A visual, heart-breaking international picture. For me, down as one of the Great War films of all time.