World War I Madness

Rating: 10/10 (2 October 2013)

Kirk Douglas stars as Col. Dax, who is chosen to defend a group of French soldiers selected by lot to represent their unit who have been charged with cowardice in battle after being forced into an impossible battle with opposing German forces from the trenches onto the front lines of World War I. An arrogant and glory seeking General(played memorably by George Macready) is responsible, but irrationally blames the men instead of his lunatic battle strategy. Sadly, the outcome is preordained, much to the indignation and sorrow of Dax.
Stanley Kubrick directed this shattering masterpiece of the insanity of this war, and how arrogant and out-of-touch Generals get away with murder. Harrowing and realistically recreates battlefield conditions, and acting is superb all around, with a searing and insightful script, leading to a devastating ending that may leave the viewer in tears.
Not to be missed.