All Quiet on the Western Front Reviews

(OK) Great, everything big pacifist oriented in films as "1917" is already here. The travellings from the trenches, that running view as that from rats or mice (there are sequences with rats also) are so elocuent, not just a technical achievement. And feelings, passion, between friends and generartion, scenes un the hospital, Tom coming from the 'dying room', the boots of the dead; and first of all remember that all the passion began in a classroom.

There are war films that celebrate our men in uniform and then there are films like All Quiet on the Western Front - the so called anti-war film. Despite its age All Quiet is one of the stand-outs in the genre - at least in terms of its depiction of the brutality of war. Even through a modern lens the trench warfare shown here is shocking and the rapid camera pans that give a sense of the immensity of carnage on a battlefield will stick in your mind.

The plotting and characterization lack the impact of the battle scenes but there is some success in giving a face to the generally faceless victims of war. All Quiet on the Western Front is bleak, disturbing, horrific but still resonant today.

The despair of war is starkly pictured in this film. A beautiful scene, where the main character, Paul, realizes the beauty in running after he sees his friend die.

Since this movie has a very good reputation, I was really eager to check it out and I had some rather high expectations. To be honest, even though some older movies are still considered as classics, in fact, they feel rather dated and I’m not always a fan of them (especially comedies like ‘Some Like It Hot’ or ’Breakfast at Tiffany's’). However, some other movies are still as powerful as when they were released decades ago and this movie was definitely one of those. Basically, it is one of the first great war movies and the whole thing was quite impressive to behold. Indeed, it was just terribly realistic and greatly done and even though this flick was very old, I thought the whole thing was still completely spellbinding. It gives such a bleak view on the concept of war and, as a result, this movie belongs to the great anti-war features. I also liked the fact that it didn’t focus on a single character, there is no hero here and that’s the best way to deal with this subject because, in a war, it is never about the individual but always about the group. Basically, it is a great classic, it is definitely worth a look and it is pretty much a must see for any decent movie lover.

All Quiet On The Western Front has always been a landmark of cinema. It was one of the very first sound films and one of the first Best Picture winners so I couldn't afford to miss this one! When I watched it, I absolutely loved it! It was filmed amazingly for its time and the special effects in the action scenes were awesome too! I mean, compared to action war films nowadays like Saving Private Ryan and Black Hawk Down, the effects are quite cheesy but still very good obviously. I was impressed that they managed to film it because it was only 12 years after World War I and 9 years before World War II. It is a very dark war film that I think I would call a psychological war film because it tells the story of one's struggles in World War I when in combat and when seeing those suffer out of combat.


This is an English language film (made in America) adapted from a novel by German author Erich Maria Remarque. The film follows a group of German schoolboys, talked into enlisting at the beginning of World War 1 by their jingoistic teacher. The story is told entirely through the experiences of the young German recruits and highlights the tragedy of war through the eyes of individuals. As the boys witness death and mutilation all around them, any preconceptions about "the enemy" and the "rights and wrongs" of the conflict disappear, leaving them angry and bewildered. This is highlighted in the scene where Paul mortally wounds a French soldier and then weeps bitterly as he fights to save his life while trapped in a shell crater with the body. The film is not about heroism but about drudgery and futility and the gulf between the concept of war and the actuality. Louis Wolheim delivers a great performance as Paul Bäumer.


Lewis Milestone directed this film really well! His work changed the world of cinema. It is probably one of the first action films that have ever been made. Despite Lewis Milestone creating a film that changed cinema, he is nowadays an extremely underrated director!


Overall, All Quiet On The Western Front is a very dark war film that is a landmark of cinema. True accomplishment that became one of the very first sound films ever!

"We live in the trenches out there. We fight. We try not to be killed, but sometimes we are. That's all."

Brilliant, relentless and heart-wrenching anti-war drama is still as powerful now as it was when released almost 80 year ago.

All Quiet on the Western Front is a classic war movie that is tragically overlooked due to its age, which is a real shame. The film is set during World War I from the perspective of a number of German teenagers brainwashed into thinking that fighting and dying for the Fatherland is glorious and a high honour.

Upon reaching the battle-grounds, no-one is ready for what they are exposed to. The whole film mainly follows young German Paul Baumer (Ayres) who lives to see many of his friends meet their untimely demise.

Told in grainy black and white, the movie feels like old documentary footage rather than a staged movie. It's this effect, coupled with the great performances that make this movie so memorable and classic.

The powerful anti-war themes underline the true malicious nature of humanity. The film was originally very controversial and was banned in many countries due to the relentless war themes, including some truly spectacular battles. For a 1930s movie, the battles look absolutely fantastic. Sure, modern audiences may be disappointed with the gore aspect but there are plenty of brutal scenes of stabbings, people getting mowed down with machine guns, limbs being blown off and the use of explosives.

All Quiet on the Western Front is a montage of memorable scenes that are remembered in film history. For those familiar with the movie, each scene is unforgettable and lead up to the final shot of a man reaching for a fatal butterfly.

Overall, All Quiet on the Western Front is a classic war movie that still delivers a powerful message decades after it was made. The anti-war themes are a prominent feature, and the final shot really hits home. Highly recommended!