All quit on the western front - Movie Review Example

The movie itself begins by relating the way in which young Paul was encouraged to join the German military soon after the outbreak of the First WorldWar. Spirits are high in the belief and Fatherland and virtue pervade many of the scenes that appear within the first portion of the film. However, with the anticipation of a quick victory and the manner through which patriotic virtue would see Germany triumph over its foes becoming less and less likely, the emotions that are represented within the film change significantly.

Instead of bright faced and virtuous young men that exist on the frontlines of defending their nation, the soldiers, along with Paul, are represented as ghostly figures that exists from day-to-day; facing the ever present reality of death and seeing the untold horrors of war firsthand. As the film progresses, the realization that a hopeless situation has been engaged further depresses these men (Burgess and Heilbrun 55). In short, aside from the ability to take orders and to perform some level of useful work, the entire humanity that is represented within the men on the frontlines begins to fade.

This fact is represented clearly with regards to the emotions and expectations that are illustrated throughout the conversations and interactions that Paul faces as the movie progresses. The monotony of horrific trench warfare, disease, death, hardship, starvation, and misery all come together to form a very depressing view of just how horrific war, and specifically the First World War, could be.Work CitedBurgess, Edwin B., and Margaret Heilbrun. "All Quiet On The Western Front." Library Journal 138.18 (2013): 55.

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