ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT - Review | TIFF 2022

Edward Berger’s latest film has currently set the standard so high for any upcoming war film that it’s hard to imagine any of them topping what this achieved. A brutal, unsettling, and masterfully crafted experience in every technical department that authentically showcases the German perspective of soldiers and generals during World War I. Featuring a fantastic central cast with plenty of depth and an insane step up in production value compared to the other versions. The kind of film that feels like a required viewing to witness how terrifying and unforeseen war can be for both sides. There are truly no words to describe how impressive and resonating this turned out to be making it bound to become a classic war film.

Still Courtesy - Netflix

Taking place during the later years of World War I, the German military strongly targets teenagers as recruits which they insist will prove their bravery and heroism towards the country. One of these young recruits is Paul Bäumer (portrayed by Felix Kammerer) who volunteers as a soldier and gets sent off to the trenches on the Western Front along with his friends. But everyone soon becomes aware of the terror and savagery from war as they keep fighting, traveling, and struggling to survive. Meanwhile, German generals and officials lead by Matthias Erzberger (portrayed by Daniel Brühl) contemplate and take initiate on putting an end to the war.

This is certainly not the first time this story based on the acclaimed novel of the same name has been brought to life on screen. The original All Quiet on the Western Front (1930) is already an Academy Award winner and critically acclaimed classic that still holds up despite being made nearly a century ago. But after witnessing everything that Edward Berger and his team have brought to this latest edition, every aspect has been dramatically enhanced to create an unforgettable experience that can be best compared to Come and See (1985). The kind of war film so pragmatically vicious, dark, and raw that you can't look away from it.

From the first frame of the film stunningly showcasing the scenery of the forest from the Western Front while providing a glimpse to the mayhem in the trenches and battlefield. It becomes obvious that the work for every technical aspect and the execution of each sequence to capture being a soldier during World War I is basically flawless. This includes the mesmerizing cinematography where every frame feels meticulously perfected that fully immerses the viewers with the people and locations through impressive tracking and wide shots. Also the incredible sound-work of a wide variety that naturally blends with the film's surroundings and it's blaring score. Every set and all the mud, dirt, and blood from the makeup completely serving their detailed and grimy intent.

Everything displayed on screen goes above and beyond the vast majority of war films which makes it so effective. Luckily, the believable and heart-wrenching performances from the insane amount of extras and central actors add to the film's authenticity and emotional attachment. This is due to plenty of longer and slower segments that take their time to establish who they which create some of the film's most memorable moments. These include a scene where Paul and a soldier take a goose and another during a confrontation between Paul and a damaged French soldier in the battlefield. But when the scene requires it, the actors truly show such genuine expressions to the horrifying events they're witnessing. Especially Felix Kammerer as Paul who we follow throughout the entire film and witness all the traumas that have led him to become a tougher but vulnerable solider.

Obviously, the previous adaptations of this story are at a disadvantage since this edition's visual presentation is more awe-inspiring from modern equipment and technology. But this also being a German production unlike the other editions makes it feel like the definitive version on top of the masterful filmmaking. Despite the story being straightforward where its structure isn't trying to be challenging which is what prevents the film from being wholly unique. For what Edward Berger's cast and crew set out to achieve which is to make the best possible visual representation of showcasing the agonizing experience of war and the urgency of ending it. His team definitely over-exceeded completing that to create a jaw-dropping experience that will stand the test of time. To put it in simpler terms, it makes 1917 (2019) look like a student film.

Verdict

9/10

Still Courtesy - Netflix