All Quiet on the Western Front - 1930

"At last....the motion picture!"

Starring: Lew Ayres, Louis Wolheim, and John Wray

Genre: War and Drama

Duration: 133 min. (2 hrs. 13 min.)

Interesting Fact: During the film's German release, the Nazis (not yet in power) interrupted screenings by shouting martial slogans and releasing rats into the theaters (imdb.com). The movie was eventually banned by the Nazi party.

We leave behind the 1920s with All Quiet on the Western Front. This film gives a new perspective on World War I. War seems to be a popular theme, but let us not forget that it was shot when the country was only fresh out of WWI by a little over a decade. It is filmed and written from the viewpoint of the Germans. This was a bold move of the filmakers if you ask me.

In the beginning of the film, we see schoolboys who think they know everything. Their teacher encourages them to fight for the "Fatherland." They head off to war thinking that they will find glory in their ranks. Soon, however, they see that war is nothing but death and dying.

This is a truly beautiful film that relates the realistic side of war to the masses. It has very violent scenes and gore is definitely not excluded. Yet, I agree with the filmakers opinion in that it is necessary to the film. In order to show how gruesome war is, the violence needs to be portrayed. As we follow Paul, we sympathize with him, and even forget that he is German. All of his friends are dying around him and there is nothing that he can do to stop it.

My favorite scene was the gut-wrenching truth revealed when Paul revisits his old classroom and teacher. His monologue is so moving that I chose it as my favorite line. The end, which I won't ruin, is just as artistically and tastefully powerful. This movie is an epic.

Favorite Line:

Paul Baumer: I heard you in here, reciting that same old stuff. Making more iron men, more young heroes. You still think it's beautiful and sweet to die for your country, don't you? 

[Kantorek nods firmly]

We used to think you knew. The first bombardment taught us better. It's dirty and painful to die for your country. When it comes to dying for your country it's better not to die at all! There are millions out there dying for their countries, and what good is it?

Rating: Cryable (That powerful kind of bittersweet feeling)