Year: 1930
Director: Lewis Milestone
Country: US
Language: English
Although All Quiet on the Western Front claims not to be specifically anti-war, it’s difficult not to compare the bitter, realistic take on disillusionment with death and warfare against the fast-paced, high-octane endeavors of John Wayne in his equivalent of a "war film". This is not a patriotic action flick where we identify- and want to be- the main protagonist. This is hell & we are glad to have not participated.
A young soldier (Lew Ayres) faces profound disillusionment in the soul-destroying horror of World War I.
The front is full of terror; from the claustrophobic nature of the trenches to misery of continual shelling & the desperation for food when there is lack thereof. Several men can’t take the psychological stresses, often committing suicide via enemy bullet-fire rather than being buried alive in their dugouts. For 1930 there is a shocking amount of violence; the realistic atmosphere of dread and death make this quite a unique picture.
As the film works to unveil the tragedies of war, it proves to be even more remarkable by not choosing sides. Rather we are all, regardless of nationality, victims of a cruel and unusual war. The fear of parents, who realize that their sons are going off to their deaths, is an idea that can be understood by all. Nearly every aspect of warfare is covered here, from cowardice to sacrifice. It it a commendable picture.
Some moments come off as heavy handed and borderline preachy, especially when the anti-war dialogue becomes a bit repetitious, but ultimately it is a very important film that doesn't feel dated despite being over 80 years old. All Quite in the Western Front is remarkable; truly worthy of being "Best Picture" for that year.
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