Review of All Quiet on the Western Front (1930) by Jason M — 30 Jan 2016

This is one of my favourite films and easily one of the greatest war films of all time. We have the rare opportunity of viewpoint from the German side of WW1.

The battle scenes are some if not the most realistic ever shot. These scenes have been used as clips to substitute for real WW1 footage often. I am certain, most if not all directors shooting battle scenes of WW1 or WW2 have studied the techniques applied in this film.

The message is strong. The cinematography perfect despite lack of special effects and large Hollywood budgets. This film is as relevant today as it was in 1930 when it was realistic. This is early talking cinema at its finest.

A great film grips the viewer leaving them thinking well after, if not for days, about it further. This film gripped me like few have when I originally watched it. So much so, it was one of the rare few films that I actually re-watched as soon as it ended.

Saving Private Ryan and Full Metal Jacket are great war films, but this is better. This should be on every top 100 list of greatest movies of all time if not already.

I highly recommend that the current generation of viewership see this to realize what these poor young men were faced with physically and mentally in the trenches of WW1. It is a study on the loss of soul that they experience.