‘All Quiet on the Western Front’ is a must see

Source: Netflix

March 17, 2023

The new adaptation of “All Quiet on the Western Front”, directed by Edward Berger and released in 2022, illuminates aspects of war in a different way.

The victorious nature of war is taken out of the battle scenes and replaced with fear. There’s an ambiance of distress and distraught in every fighting scene, but a victorious tone is never present. This style, thematically, displays the destructive nature of war; which is different than other war-time films.

Continuing the sad tone throughout, “All Quiet on the Western Front” emphasizes the many contradictions of war, some lying within countries’ armies; while the general was eating until stuffed, living in his luxurious house, the military was starving, freezing, and dying off- all due to the generals’ push to continue forward. 

This movie shows the crippling fear and trauma soldiers endure, along with the little remorse they receive once they return home. 

Although the perspective is from the German side, the lesson “All Quiet on the Western Front” teaches is universal to war in general; there is no empathy for the true tortures of war; only after victory is achieved, is some sympathy allowed. 

The cinematography in “All Quiet on the Western Front” is stunning throughout the entire film: showing the gorgeous countryside of Germany in a despairing manner. 

Additionally, the acting from all characters, especially from the main character Paul- played by Felix Kammerer- is incredibly moving. They come together to portray the grim narratives in a sophisticated way. 

The new adaptation of “All Quiet on the Western Front” is a beautifully told story, and won 5 Academy Awards for its emotional, heart-wrenching storytelling.