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All Quiet on the Western Front
By Sierra Filucci,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Classic anti-war epic tells dire, exhausting tale.

A Lot or a Little?
What you will—and won't—find in this movie.
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Community Reviews
Based on 5 parent reviews
Heartbreakingly powerful view of Germans fighting in WWI
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Rated PG (sequences of intense warfare and threat).
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What's the Story?
It's World War I in Germany, and soldiers are marching through the streets, rallying young students to join the war effort. In one classroom a patriotic professor encourages his class of young men to enlist, using every military recruitment tactic in the book. In a rush of excitement, the entire class joins up. Basic training is tough, but the young men are still enthusiastic about heading to the front. Once they hit real action, however, the reality of war sets in. The men cry, wet their pants, shriek in terror, and watch their comrades die pointless deaths. As the original group shrinks, due to death and serious injury, the morale of the group sinks to horrible lows. Poor morale combined with a lack of food, severe homesickness, and the realization that even a visit back home doesn't comfort the soul drags the main character -- Paul -- into depression. But his friendship with an older soldier who has become a mentor and father figure seems like it will save him. In the end, the darkness of war wins out.
Is It Any Good?
This Academy Award-winning film, based on a book by German author Erich Maria Remarque, is a classic; the story itself is powerful. It tells of the utter hopelessness and despair of young men sent to fight for something they don't believe in. And the film, while old-fashioned cinematically and culturally, makes an impact with its depiction of trench warfare, camaraderie, and the emotional journey of men as they deal with loss and fear. But the film is also heavy-handed in getting its message across, which occasionally undermines its message.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about war. What beliefs do family members hold about military service, war, and the defense of one's country? Have family members been involved in wars -- either in the military or protesting against war? What stories have you heard from family or others about war?
Talk about propaganda films, or movies that have a strong viewpoint, like this one. What cinematic elements in this movie help convince the audience of its viewpoint?
Does the lack of gory, bloody, in-your-face violence lessen the impact? Why or why not?
Movie Details
- In theaters: August 24, 1930
- On DVD or streaming: February 6, 2007
- Cast: Lew Ayres , Louis Wolheim , Russell Gleason
- Director: Lewis Milestone
- Studio: Universal Pictures
- Genre: Drama
- Run time: 136 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: September 19, 2023
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