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Parents' Guide to

All Quiet on the Western Front

By Sierra Filucci, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Classic anti-war epic tells dire, exhausting tale.

Movie NR 1930 136 minutes
All Quiet on the Western Front Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

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age 10+

Based on 5 parent reviews

jmo97
jmo97 Adult
June 20, 2016
age 14+

Heartbreakingly powerful view of Germans fighting in WWI

Even though this movie is over eight decades old, it is still very intense in depicting its war scenes. I was very impressed by this film that shows how war affects these German soldiers, who are convinced that war is made up of noble fighting. Instead, the movie shows that nobody escapes the effects of fighting. The acting is overall very good for the 1930's, though sometimes the actors overact. The war sequences feature shootings, stabbings, explosions, and one fleeting image of a pair of hands still holding onto a wire. Other than the violence, there is off-screen sexual activity and some flirting between some soldiers and women (there are some glimpses of partial male rear nudity). Some scenes show soldiers drinking and getting drunk. The movie is so sad, but it is worth watching because of the portrayal of war, and of its effects on soldiers who try to help each other get through it. 8.5/10

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
Too much violence
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
1 person found this helpful.
ContentFlag
ContentFlag Adult
March 2, 2023
age 8+

Rated PG (sequences of intense warfare and threat).

MAIN CONTENT ISSUES - There are some sequences, occasionally rather prolonged, depicting intense warfare on the battlefields during "World War I". Scenes include moderately violent images, such as mass shootings and bombings, as well as occasional sight of stabbings with brief bloody detail. There are also attributed moments of war threat and horror, including sight of soldiers in distress during battle and after receiving news that they have had to have limbs amputated, as well as one moment of brief gore when a soldier is blown up and his arms are seen still hanging onto some barbed wire (although it doesn't show any blood or graphic injury detail). However, the film's many dated aspects lessen the overall impact of the violence. | OTHER ISSUES - There is occasional brief innuendo and implied sexual activity. | RATED "PG" - Parental Guidance, some scenes may be unsuitable for young children. Contains content generally suitable for children aged 8 years and over.
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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?

Our review:
Parents say (5 ):
Kids say (9 ):

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

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