All Quiet on the Western Front - The Memorable TV DVD Review

Distributor: Universal (1930)
Certificate: G | Region 4 Pal Format
Available to Rent
Director: James Whale
Extras: Yes
Reviewer: Fred Hamer

ANYONE IN IT WE KNOW?

Lew Ayres

WHAT’S IT ABOUT THEN?

In 1998 movie audiences were disturbed at the horror of war while watching "Saving Private Ryan" however this is not the only film to do this. But in 1930 Academy Award winning ( best picture best director) All Quiet On the Western Front shocked it's audiences about the senseless sacrifice of life in World War 1.

This film starts with the excitement of signing up to defend the Fatherland and the respect that goes with this, then to Boot Camp where bodies and spirits are broken under the orders of the sadistic sergeant major but far far worse is to come. Because they are now sent to the front, the scene with the train arriving whilst in the background like an ocean, troops are making their way to the battle front is visually stunning and throughout this film I continually marvelled at the quality the of filmmaking by the director.

But the new recruits are pinned down by two solid days and nights of artillery fire each day is like a year each night is like a century , it is little wonder that some of the recruits went into hysterics, then the deathly silence that means the enemy is about to attack. In the trenches the Germans are ready the machine gun ready to kill and mortally wound any enemy soldier who is caught in it's deadly arc but still they come and keep coming. This battle scene took my breath away not because of the action but the brutality of it frighteningly portrayed.

At the end of the first battle half the

company are dead, the injured are taken to an Army Hospital where an average of 20 soldiers a day die from their wounds or because of the savage surgery they have had. For the rest back to the front line attack or retreat there is a battle to be fought. The film follows the plight of some of these recruits there dreams their terrors are plain to see. It is not a happy story but then war never is, the front line scenes are a living hell for those unlucky to have be there

SO IS IT ANY GOOD?

This is a very fine film even by todays standards, the fact that this was made in 1930 (when peoples memories of the war were still extremely vivid) gives even more credence to it. Universal have lovingly digitally restored this film so that now a brand new audience will have the opportunity to appreciate it. Some of the scenes may make some people squirm, other scenes may take your breath away. It gives I believe a creditable account about the hardship of life in the trenches in World War 1. Highly recommended, a legendary movie.

ANY SPECIAL FEATURES?

None