Powerful, but dated World War I epic.

Rating: 7/10 (25 January 2000)

Many early sound films are at a great disadvantage when it comes to pleasing modern audiences. This problem stems mainly from two causes. For one, actors and actresses were still using the exaggerated mannerisms of the silent film school. Today, this results in what we would call embarrassingly bad acting. Secondly, it is painfully evident that an effective combination of sound and music, which should have complemented the onscreen images, was back then an as of yet unmastered technique. These rough edges were eventually smoothed out by the mid to late thirties when actors and filmmakers began acclimating themselves to the art of sound film. Unfortunately, "ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT" is one of the films that falls into the above-mentioned category.
HOWEVER, This having been said, every serious film lover should still attempt to catch this movie at least once in his or her lifetime for it does contain many unforgettable moments. What will keep the film in your memory years after viewing it are its well-staged battle sequences, its pacifist message and of course its haunting final images which are pure poetry. Dated, yes - but also worthwhile. 7 out of 10.
Modern viewers can experience all the same emotions and issues tackled by ALL QUIET without any of its drawbacks, by viewing Peter Weir's memorable "GALLIPOLI" released in 1981. It also takes place during WWI but it is a more character driven film, which benefits from excellent direction, cinematography and music. Of the two, I believe it is the better motion picture.