Guest reviewer Kiyotaka has a look at All Quiet On the Western Front, nominated for nine Academy Awards.
(Spoilers below.)
Before we get into discussing the movie, we all need to know about the Western Front, one of the major theatres of war during World War I. The battle was fought between Germany and France, mainly focused on offensive, with massive artillery bombardments and infantry. Trenches, machine guns, and barbed wires were majorly used during attacks and counter attacks, which caused collective casualties of more than three million.
This was a battle mainly fought using trenches that are fortified. Several tactics like poison gas, aircrafts and tanks were used to deal massive damage on both sides. Eventually the war ended with the German government surrendering in the armistice of 11 November 1918.
Plot
The movie adopted from the novel of the same name is set in the final battles between Germany and France in World War I. Paul Baumer and his three friends, eager to join the front lines in the hopes of becoming war heroes, face the reality and horrors of war. Trapped and forced to fight against his will, Paul’s journey of endless suffering begins.
Cast
The film’s cast is superb, with standout performances from its lead actors, including Felix Kammerer as Paul Baumer and Albrecht Schuch as Stanislaus Katczinsky who breathed life into the characters. The two actors bring a real sense of camaraderie and brotherhood to their roles, and their interactions, though subtle, are some of the most powerful moments of the film.
Cinematography
Now let me talk about the visuals. The film is driven by its realistic depiction of war conditions which makes it true to life; the muddy trenches, puddles of mud filled with blood, and dead bodies scattered everywhere bring out the true terror of wars. The grandeur of the battlefields is captured well enough to send chills down the spine. The lifestyle of the soldiers in and out of the war are captured brilliantly, there are several minute details that add to the core of the film. The special effects and visual effects are also top-notch, and they add to the overall impact of the film.
Imagery
The movie’s brilliant use of imagery is one of the most beautiful ways of story telling, everything felt so surreal it had me hooked till the end.
Music
The music integrates perfectly with the story, a haunting score that captures the mood and tone of the film. Basically it adds to the already gloomy atmosphere and brings out a sense of chaos and urgency at times.
Irony
The title itself is the irony of the story and its conclusion. It’s ironic that Paul and his comrades survived the grueling war but died in the days of peace. Paul dies on a day where the official report said “all quiet on the western front,” almost like he was glad that the end had come. There was still fighting, and men still dying on both sides. The deaths of several thousands of soldiers for the empty ideals of nationalism and honor meant nothing, Paul’s death is made even more senseless by the extraordinary peace and calm that followed the day on which he dies.
Thoughts
The film is relentless in its way of telling a story of the horrors of wars, the visuals and audio compounded the impact it has on the viewer. The attention to little details was done brilliantly and the performances are top notch.
Though I have watched a few war based movies this is the first time I felt like I was watching an actual war, and everything was so raw to the point that it felt real. It left me with a deep impression on how futile wars are and how fragile human life is.
Kiyotaka is interested in movies, manga, anime and music. Find more on their instagram feed.