One of the best war movies made in the past decade is the recently released Netflix remake of the 1930 film, “All Quiet on the Western Front.” These movies are both cinematic adaptations of the classic novel written in 1928 by Enrich Maria Remarque. The Netflix movie was directed by Edward Berger, while  he 1930 film was directed by Lewis Milestone.

The purpose of the novel was to show the contrast between the people who run a war, and the people who fight in it. Set during the time of  World War I , we follow a 17 year old German boy named Paul who enlists as an act of nationalist pride. Throughout the multiple bends and twists of the story we can see how Paul was changed from an excited, naive young man to a broken, scarred and lost man. 

When the 1930 movie was released sound had just recently been incorporated into film. Silent films were of the past and a new era of cinema was developed. The picture provided a new angle on how to enjoy the story of a German soldier broken by war and the facilitators who sparked the wildfire of WWI. 

The black and white film from the 30’s provides an interesting contrast to the multi-million dollar movie released by Netflix. The movie feels robust and gritty but still enjoyable. In contrast, the movie released this year is very vibrant. Berger was able to utilize color to convey emotion. The reds were very red which symbolized violence, the blues were dark and gloomy. 

Since the young German boys left their family to serve and try to bring honor to their country, the men created a small  family in the war. In times of peace they were able to feel comfort from brothers. 

The main focus throughout both films was to show the contrast between the soldiers, and those overseeing them. The rich give the orders and the poor give their lives. As soldiers are dying and their chosen family is being slaughtered, generals are sitting in comfort as the atrocities take place. 

This film is easily one of the best war movies to see on the big screen. At first the audience is uneasy about following a German soldier during WWI, but that quickly changes to loving and rooting for characters because they are just people too following orders. The audience learns of human nature and empathy towards soldiers giving their lives for a cause that did not show support for their sacrifice.