Cast
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Louis Wolheim
as Stanislas 'Kat' Katczinsky
Lew Ayres
as Paul Bäumer
John Wray
as Himmelstoss
Arnold Lucy
as Kantorek
Ben Alexander
as Franz Kemmerich
Scott Kolk
as Leer
Owen Davis Jr.
as Peter
Walter Rogers
as Behn
William Bakewell
as Albert Kropp
Russell Gleason
as Mueller
Richard Alexander
as Westhus
Harold Goodwin
as Detering
Slim Summerville
as Tjaden
G. Pat Collins
as Bertinck
Beryl Mercer
as Paul's Mother
Crew
Director
- Lewis Milestone
Producer
- Carl Laemmle Jr.
Reviews
barrymost
This very dark, intense film about the horror and brutality of war focuses on a group of young German soldiers fighting at the front during WWI. It's brilliant, raw, and compellingly honest. Lew Ayers, only 20 years old at the time, does a very fine job. Based on Remarque's famous book, this is a classic, stunning piece of cinema, which earned Best Picture and Director Oscars. The ending is haunting and very disturbing, and it will stay with you long afterward.
Would I recommend? Yes, but for more mature audiences who can really take it in.
Sep 8, 2019
Manuel São Bento
FULL SPOILER-FREE REVIEW @ https://www.msbreviews.com/movie-reviews/all-quiet-on-the-western-front-spoiler-free-review
"All Quiet on the Western Front is, by far, one of the best films of 2022! An emotionally powerful anti-war epic that portrays WWI in a cruel, merciless, disturbing, truly traumatic manner through the gradually more sensitive eyes of a German soldier.
A two-and-a-half-hour tense, brutal, extremely captivating runtime, primarily due to one of the most astonishing cinematographies in recent years - Roger Deakins would be proud of James Friend's masterful work, which deserved the big screen treatment. Equally impactful score (Volker Bertelmann). Hypnotizing performances.
I tend to avoid over-the-top reactions, but after observing countless lists with movies from the genre, it's challenging to find many that are superior to this brilliant adaptation by Edward Berger.
One of the best war films of the CENTURY!"
Rating: A
Oct 28, 2022
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, All Quiet on the Western Front examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Lewis Milestone brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1930, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of All Quiet on the Western Front took approximately 27 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $1.4 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 133 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 159 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 5 months to complete.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The film contains approximately 1045 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 1930, when this film was released:
- The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
- The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While All Quiet on the Western Front shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Italian for Beginners, which focuses more on action than character development, All Quiet on the Western Front offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like No End and Freaks explore similar territory, All Quiet on the Western Front stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: April 29, 1930
- Runtime: 2h 13m
- Budget: $1,448,864
- Revenue: $3,270,000
Where to Watch
