All Quiet on the Western Front

What’s it about?

Im Westen Nichts Neues (All Quiet on the Western Front) is a German film that follows the trials of Paul Bäumer and his friends, as the young men sign up to Germany’s effort in World War I. Despite their eagerness to be heroes, they are soon introduced to the grim brutality of trench warfare.

The facts

• Director: Edward Berger
• German and French languages
• Runtime: 147 minutes
• This is a screen adaptation of Erich Maria Remarque’s novel by the same name. This is the third screen adaptation.

Why did it get this rating?

This is a strongly anti-war film that contrasts the brutality suffered by soldiers with the luxuries of people in positions of power. It is likely to appeal to viewers who like to be challenged by war films as well as those with an interest in history.

Graphic violence

The film depicts frequent war violence. There is gory injury and cruel scenes shown.

In one scene a soldier is shown being crushed into the mud by a tank track while fleeing soldiers are being gunned down. In a scene of cruel violence a line of flamethrower troops cause fear and destruction on the battlefield. Soldiers attempt to surrender but are executed either with gunshots or burned alive with flamethrower blasts.

During this battle Paul attempts to hide and is found by a French soldier. They fight and Paul repeatedly stabs him in the chest. The Frenchman gasps, convulses, and slowly dies from his injuries. Paul is terrified the man’s gurgling will draw attention and and packs mud into the man’s mouth. He doesn’t immediately die and Paul is overcome with empathy and regret.

This very human cost of battle is shown alongside scenes of the German general feasting in comfort.

Content may disturb

There is some cruelty, a suicide, and the ever-present horror of war. A wounded soldier, lying in a hospital stretcher, makes an unexpected move to suicide by taking a fork and repeatedly stabbing himself in the neck. It is a bloody scene likely to shock most viewers but the circumstances are unlikely to encourage imitation.

Offensive language

Coarse language is used throughout such as “poor bastards” and “bloody kids”. There is an instance of highly offensive language which is translated in the English subtitles.

Further information

• Why are ratings and content warnings important for me and my whānau?
• All Quiet on the Western Front – anti-war nightmare of bloodshed and chaos (The Guardian)