When I say I’m a sucker for a war movie, I really mean it. From Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk to Spielberg’s Saving Private Ryan, you couldn’t ask for more exceptional examples within this genre. However, it seems that Edward Berger’s All Quiet on the Western Front has created another dimension of film in this ever-growing industry. I must say, a true masterpiece is an understatement. Set in the midst of WW1, we are presented with a young Paul Bäumer (played impeccably by Felix Kammerer) who, along with his friends, enlists to fight in what for him is a heroic adventure to protect his country. Their excitement and anticipation to engage in combat forebodes the gruesome and horrific tale that is to come. We see the patriotic teens slowly diminish into unidentifiable pawns, with their faces becoming masked in the blood and filth of the trenches. The cruel realities of warfare are quickly introduced to Paul and his comrades as there are no heroes involved in this violence, no goodies and baddies, just people being used to boost egos and become unrecognisable killing machines.
Thanks to being based on Erich Maria Remarque’s anti-war novel we welcome a new perspective, from the German viewpoint. With the whole film being scripted in German dialect, leaving an unforgettable impression. With parallels to Sam Mendes’ 1917 and some of the panoramic shots sharing aspects of Spielberg’s War Horse, the chilling scenery and astounding cinematography builds intensity throughout the film. What truly made this film into an Oscar-worthy production is the thrilling soundtrack. While watching this film I must say the haunting notes repeatedly played when approaching imminent danger made me feel as if I was watching a horror movie. With my anxiety levels bursting through the roof and the tensions high, all I could do was sit still with my mouth gaping wide. Another major plus for me was that I barely recognised any of the actors. Admittedly, my knowledge of German-speaking performers isn’t extensive; however, it was refreshing to see new and upcoming people displaying their flawless talents. Daniel Brühl, best known for his role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, played Matthias Erzberger excellently. This allowed the audience to completely dissociate themselves from their current life and live through this harrowing account of what mankind is capable of.
Berger doesn’t hold back, leaving the audience feeling crushed between the anguish of the current scene and the misery of impending loss.
The characters expertly portrayed in All Quiet on the Western Front have no luck like in other war movies- without giving away any huge spoilers, any flukes and near misses end in casualty and what begins to seem like a respite from the bloodbath of war only ends in more grief. The gore and ferocity of warfare is certainly not stricken from the scenes as nearly all locations are filled with pools of blood and gruesome victims in different stages of decay. While many films cut out anything too graphic Berger doesn’t hold back, leaving the audience feeling crushed between the anguish of the current scene and the misery of impending loss. Through suppressed sniffs on my part I realised that this isn’t a film, it’s an experience that will leave you second guessing humanity and the bloodstained world we live in today.