Remake of the tragic tale of a group of German recruits during World War I, whose patriotism soon turns to disillusionment.
Genre: Feature Film-Drama
Rating: UN
Release Date: 11-MAY-2004
Media Type: DVDTaken from the novel by Erich Maria Remarque, All Quiet on the Western Front is a devastating portrait by Delbert Mann (Desire Under the Elms, Marty) of a small group of German soldiers throughout the World War I.
The star-studded cast is headed by Richard Thomas (The Waltons) as Paul Baumer, and includes such award-winning actors as Ernest Borgnine, Ian Holm, and Patricia Neal. As both narrator and star, Thomas occasionally seems to reincarnate his familiar John-Boy persona, but creates a character that has many more levels than that television alter ego. Watching Paul as he watches all of his high school buddies die is a highly emotional experience. He returns to his home a different person, conflicted in his feelings about the Army and war, evolving from an idealistic schoolboy to a fearful and humble veteran.
The scenery and costuming in this period piece are well done, and surely contributed to its winning the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture Made for TV. Also contributing to the greatness of the film are the exceptional cinematography and special effects that, while realistically gruesome, truly emphasize the horrors of war. –Zachary Lively
Buy “All Quiet on the Western Front” For Only $4.68
March 29, 2008
#1
THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST WWII MOVIES I HAVE EVER SEEN. IT RANKS WITH “SAVING PRIVATE RYAN”, THE THIN RED LINE AND WHEN TRUMPETS FADE.
March 29, 2008
#2
This is a very good and tough movie. It is a big improvement from the 1930 version.
March 29, 2008
#3
The movie would be much better in it’s original widescreen format. The movie does not look that great on DVD. It should have been digitally remastered. Also, the drama inbetween the action scenes can be quite boring. And some good scenes were also edited out unfortunately.
Also, the characters are played by mostly english actors which means the movie was filmed in english instead of german, taking away historical accuracy. I would have rather read subtitles.
It’s still OK though!
March 29, 2008
#4
This film might be okay for the general public or high school classroom, but this film brings almost nothing to the table for WWI buffs or lovers of the novel. It’s hard to mention anything good about this film other than the fact that it is not as dated as the original film and is also in color.
Earnest Borgnine’s casting as Kat is simply laughable. The boys’ mentor in the trenches, the “old man,” was “old” only in comparison to the teen-aged boys who surrounded him. The battle scenes do not inspire fear or horror. Equipment, uniforms, and sets are inaccurate and “made for TV quality” at best. The acting is wooden and hallow.
This film is a waste of time and is scornfully referred to as “the Johnboy version” by WWI buffs. It is universally reviled.
March 29, 2008
#5
First of all, before reviewing this movie, please make sure you do not get the 1979 version of this film confused with the 1930 version. Paul did not die when reaching for a butterfly; he was drawing a bird. I, for one, do not see what everyone is raving about for this movie. I had to watch it in my history class and then write a paper on it. I found the acting very weak; especially in “touching” moments. When soldiers were falling on the battlefield, it looked like they tripped and fell. Perhaps for the time, the cinematography was satisfactory but there are much better war-time movies out today. I’m not saying this film has nothing to offer, though the book is much more powerful and beneficial in documenting a German soldier’s expereince in WWI.