WW1 Horror

From Stanley Kubrick, starring Kirk Douglas, Ralph Meeker, Adolphe Menjou, George Macready
Rated Approved

Paths of Glory (1957) is a war film directed by Stanley Kubrick, starring Kirk Douglas and Adolphe Menjou. Set during World War I, the story follows French Colonel Dax (Douglas), who is sent to lead a regiment of his men in a suicide mission against an impregnable German stronghold. Although the mission is doomed to failure, Dax's men succeed against all odds, only to be accused of cowardice and condemned to death by a French General (Menjou). Dax must then fight to have the death sentences overturned and seek justice for his men. The film is based on Humphrey Cobb's 1935 novel of the same name and is considered an anti-war masterpiece, featuring Kubrick's signature visual style and use of black comedy.

From Sam Mendes, starring Dean-Charles Chapman, George MacKay, Daniel Mays, Colin Firth
Rated R

1917 is a 2019 British war film directed and co-produced by Sam Mendes. The film is set during World War I and follows two young British soldiers, Schofield and Blake, who are given a seemingly impossible mission. In a race against time, they must cross enemy territory and deliver a message that will stop a deadly attack on hundreds of soldiers—Blake's own brother among them. Along the way, they face overwhelming odds, unexpected obstacles, and extraordinary feats of courage and ingenuity. As the journey unfolds, the two men must confront their deepest fears and the impending toll of war on the human spirit.

From Lewis Milestone, starring Lew Ayres, Louis Wolheim, John Wray, Arnold Lucy
Rated Passed

All Quiet on the Western Front is a 1930 Academy Award-winning anti-war film directed by Lewis Milestone. The film is based on the book of the same name by Erich Maria Remarque, and tells the story of a group of German schoolboys who enlist in the German army during World War I. Through the course of the war, the boys experience the horrors of battle, and the destruction of their innocence. The film follows their struggles to make sense of the war, their changing view of the enemy, and their ultimate disillusionment. It is a powerful exploration of the human cost of war, and a condemnation of the patriotism that drives it.

From Jean-Pierre Jeunet, starring Audrey Tautou, Gaspard Ulliel, Jodie Foster, Dominique Pinon
Rated R

A Very Long Engagement is a 2004 romantic war drama directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet and starring Audrey Tautou. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Sebastien Japrisot and follows the journey of a young woman, Mathilde, as she desperately searches for her fiancé, Manech, who has been reported missing during World War I. Mathilde visits various veterans, survivors of the war, and those who were close to Manech in order to discover what happened to him. In her journey, she discovers secrets, lies, and corruption within the French military. At the same time, she also discovers the beauty of life, the love of family, and the courage of those who survived such a horrible war. In the end, Mathilde discovers the truth of what happened to her beloved Manech and is able to move on with her life.

From Edward Zwick, starring Brad Pitt, Anthony Hopkins, Aidan Quinn, Julia Ormond
Rated R

Legends of the Fall is an epic drama directed by Edward Zwick set at the turn of the 20th century in Montana. It tells the story of the three Ludlow brothers- Alfred (Aidan Quinn), Tristan (Brad Pitt), and Samuel (Henry Thomas)- and the love triangle that develops between them, Susannah (Julia Ormond), and their father (Anthony Hopkins). After Tristan and Alfred enlist to fight in World War I, their relationship is tested, and Samuel is left to struggle with his inner demons. Meanwhile, Alfred and Susannah fall in love, adding to the tension and heartbreak. In the end, the brothers must come to terms with the past and try to make peace with each other and their father.

From Guy Ritchie, starring Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, Jared Harris, Rachel McAdams
Rated PG-13