My brief review of the film

Rating: Null/10 (8 January 2005)

A powerful anti-war film, which captures both the awful experience of fighting in the war, as well as the disillusionment of those who were persuaded into enlisting. It is a remarkable piece of cinema for its time, with some cinematography that is still impressive by today's standards and high production values. Nevertheless it does feel slightly outdated, and there is a lack of authenticity, with an absence of any reminder that these are the Germans who are featured. Still this barely hurts a film with so much to say. The major flaw of the film is an ineffectual performance by Lew Ayres in the lead, as he is only ever half-convincing. But even if not a flawless film, it is still a remarkable film.