Simply Stunning and Surprisingly Powerful

Rating: Null/10 (28 May 2002)

As a high school student, no one ever expects me to like or appreciate old films. If I say, "oh yes, I've seen 'Citizen Kane' and I loved it," they assume I must have seen it at school or something and been taught to love it. This couldn't be further from the truth. I am an avid film buff, and recently I viewed this sprawling masterpiece from director Lewis Milestone. I didn't know if I would like it because "message" movies from so long ago rarely have the same power they initially held, but this movie is just as powerful as ever and still controversial because of its pacifist preachings. It's gritty, unpolished, but also beautiful and elegant. There are many memorable scenes from the movie that will not be easy to forget (Paul in the trench with the enemy, the systematic machine gun firings mowing down soldier after soldier, Paul's speech to his old school, and the final image of Paul's hand and the butterfly). This film is a marvel for anyone to behold (including high schoolers!) and has enough power to sustain its poignancy for generation after generation. Do not dismiss this film because of its age; it is a cinematic ride you will not regret-please take it.