Review of Paths of Glory (1957) by Douglas G — 05 Oct 2012

I found this film to be decidedly non-Kubrickesque. Its less an exploration into the depths than man descends to, and more a cheesy courtroom drama with a foregone conclusion. The old generals are as stereotypic as the young soldiers being forced into the trenches.

This is, however, until the final scene, where a group of soldiers torment a German girl. The rank-and-file are no longer presented as the innocent pawns caught up in a massive storm of steel, and instead seem as indifferent and sadistic as any others.

A poignant ending, but one that seems decidedly out of place with the rest of the film.