Netflix viewers will be pleased to learn that a “masterpiece” war film based on a book, which fans have described as “10/10”, is streaming on the platform. All Quiet on the Western Front has been hailed as the “best war book” by Goodreads fans but the film version has also been given its flowers.
This German film released in 2022 follows Paul Bäumer, a young German soldier who enthusiastically signs up to fight in WW1 but gradually loses his enthusiasm upon experiencing the harsh reality of trench warfare. Played by Felix Kammerer, the film is based on the semi-autobiographical novel of the same name by Erich Maria Remarque, a German veteran of World War 1. Directed by Edward Berger, it is a compelling and personal account that hones in on the psychological impact of warfare. Though the characters are fictional, their experiences are based on real events that Remarque faced. It also powerfully illustrates the waste and suffering of war, focusing on the brutality and impact on soldiers rather than glorifying heroism.
The film’s synopsis reads: “All Quiet on the Western Front tells the gripping story of a young German soldier on the Western Front of World War I. Paul and his comrades experience first-hand how the initial euphoria of war turns into desperation and fear as they fight for their lives, and each other, in the trenches.”
One reviewer described the film, stating: “Well well well, I’m just lost for words after watching this masterpiece. It’s rare I get to say this about films since I’m extremely picky, but this was absolutely exceptional.”
Another reviewer said: “I truly believe that this is one of the best, 10/10 films that I have ever seen, and would give it more stars if possible. This movie is both thrilling and devastating.”
A critic said: “An emotionally powerful anti-war epic that portrays WWI in a cruel, merciless, disturbing, truly traumatic manner through the gradually more sensitive eyes of a German soldier. Hypnotising performances.”
“All Quiet on the Western Front is undoubtedly one of the best films of 2022 and one of the best war films of all time,” hailed another critic.
All Quiet on the Western Front is available to stream on Netflix.