Harrowing

Rating: 8/10 (27 March 2004)

Not really an anti-war film but a film showing the callousness and stupidity of military leaders. The film takes place in France during WWI. Col. Dax (Kirk Douglas) is ordered by his superior Gen. Mireau (George Macready) to lead his men on a suicide mission to capture a hill the Germans have occupied. Dax is against it but follows orders. Things go terribly wrong and three men are (unjustly) courtmartialed for cowardice. Dax tries his best to save them.
Very strong, depressing drama. Even though its over 40 years old it still shocks you. Stanley Kubrick's direction is just great especially during the attack sequence and another part near the end. All the acting is just great--especially Douglas, Macready and Adolphe Menjou. Script is just fantastic and the movie never strikes a false note...even when you think there might be a (somewhat) happy ending the movie pulls the rug out from under you. I can't really say I enjoyed the picture...but it makes its point. The last sequence with the girl singing is really strange--I'm guessing Kubrick added it so the audience wouldn't be TOO depressed!
This was a bomb in 1957 (even though critics loved it). It was too ahead of its time. It's now regarded as a classic--as it should be. A definite must-see...just brace yourself.