This was a TV film of the book of the same name by Erich Maria Remarque. It was interesting to contrast this "modern" remake of the film first done in 1930 that won an Academy Award. It is set in the front lines between Germany and France during World War I in 1916-1918.
When the film begins, we see Paul Bäumer (Richard Thomas) and his friends fighting the trenches in 1916. Then through flashbacks, we see their sendoff after graduating from the Gymnasium (High School) in 1916 and hearing a patriotic speech by Prof. Kantorek (Donald Pleasence). Next, we see the mistreatment in boot camp by Corporal Himmelstoss (Ian Holm), whom they mocked as a stuffy little man in pre-war life. And we see their joining the front lines and encountering a grizzled veteran, Stanislaus Katczinsky "Kat" (Ernest Borgnine), who becomes a father-figure and survival mentor to the "boys."
The film follows experiences through two years, including flamethrowers and poison gas encounters. There are costly charges by one side, soon followed by costly charges by the other side. Paul has a close and personal encounter with one French soldier. On one brief leave, three of the soldiers have a fling with three French maidens. Gradually Paul's friends are killed or seriously wounded. Paul is wounded, but not too seriously, and can return home for two weeks. His father (Michael Sheard) is proud of Paul's service but misunderstands the reality of war. Paul's mother (Patricia Neal) is ill and very worried about her son.
As in the 1930 film, the main message is the futility and pointlessness of war. The 1979 version is in color and is more graphic in its battle scenes, though it is not as bloody and gruesome as some modern films. The technical quality of battle scenes is understandably better, as is the dialogue generally. The 1979 version does not blame arms manufacturers for the war and is less direct in discussing the war's causes.
I watched the "uncut" Blu-ray version that is longer than what was televised. It may be available in the U. S. on some streaming services.
I gave the 1930 version 9 of 10 because it was amazing for a 1930 film. However, I'm giving this one 8 of 10 for ducking some of the issues raised in 1930.
When the film begins, we see Paul Bäumer (Richard Thomas) and his friends fighting the trenches in 1916. Then through flashbacks, we see their sendoff after graduating from the Gymnasium (High School) in 1916 and hearing a patriotic speech by Prof. Kantorek (Donald Pleasence). Next, we see the mistreatment in boot camp by Corporal Himmelstoss (Ian Holm), whom they mocked as a stuffy little man in pre-war life. And we see their joining the front lines and encountering a grizzled veteran, Stanislaus Katczinsky "Kat" (Ernest Borgnine), who becomes a father-figure and survival mentor to the "boys."
The film follows experiences through two years, including flamethrowers and poison gas encounters. There are costly charges by one side, soon followed by costly charges by the other side. Paul has a close and personal encounter with one French soldier. On one brief leave, three of the soldiers have a fling with three French maidens. Gradually Paul's friends are killed or seriously wounded. Paul is wounded, but not too seriously, and can return home for two weeks. His father (Michael Sheard) is proud of Paul's service but misunderstands the reality of war. Paul's mother (Patricia Neal) is ill and very worried about her son.
As in the 1930 film, the main message is the futility and pointlessness of war. The 1979 version is in color and is more graphic in its battle scenes, though it is not as bloody and gruesome as some modern films. The technical quality of battle scenes is understandably better, as is the dialogue generally. The 1979 version does not blame arms manufacturers for the war and is less direct in discussing the war's causes.
I watched the "uncut" Blu-ray version that is longer than what was televised. It may be available in the U. S. on some streaming services.
I gave the 1930 version 9 of 10 because it was amazing for a 1930 film. However, I'm giving this one 8 of 10 for ducking some of the issues raised in 1930.