A fine, uncompromising war film

Rating: 8/10 (8 February 2009)

Stanley Kubrick's "Paths of Glory" wasn't much of a success at the time of its release but it has proved its worth over the years and is today remembered as a classic. The film is set during WWI and revolves around an attempt by French troops to carry out a near-impossible mission handed down to them by their glory-hungry superiors.
The cast is a pretty good one but you'd be advised to forget about the fact that these guys are supposed to be French. That being said, Adolphe Menjou & George Macready are convincing as the glory-seeking generals while Kirk Douglas delivers a fine performance in the film's pivotal role. The rest of the cast is acceptable but not really worth noting.
Kubrick's direction, even at this early stage in his career, shows a master's touch. The battlefield & trench scenes are particularly well done while Kubrick comes up with memorable visuals throughout the film. Gerald Fried, who was Kubrick's go-to guy for music at the time, contributes a score that deftly supports Kubrick's script and visuals.
In the end, while the film's acting and technical merits are indeed notable, it is the story that truly makes the film stand out. It defies expectations and incisively examines the supposed glory of war and the price paid for it. I wholeheartedly recommend the film although I think that the current top-50 IMDb rating is a bit generous, particularly when you consider that it is rated above "2001: A Space Odyssey" & "A Clockwork Orange".