Review of Paths of Glory (1957) by Julien L — 26 Feb 2011

Just about every single war film is an anti-war film in some capacity, and I've seen some amazing ones, but this just may be one of the absolute best. Showing the "horrors of war" has been overdone, but this one takes a new approach and is instead an examination of the devastation wrought by the corruption and incompetance of politics of military culture.

What I'm about to say applies to basically every Kubrick film, but it bears repeating: this is masterful filmmaking of the highest order. Every scene and sequence from the baltant suicide mission to the engaging court martial proceedings to the judgment and aftermath of said procedure look amazing and are handled perfectly. One truly comes to understand that some of the most devastating effects of war don't alwsy happen on the actual field of battle.,.

Kirk Douglas gives a brilliant performance, but most everyone else involved does too. The audience really feels for his character and the men he is assigned to defend, knowing full well that, despite their best hopes, their wishes probably aren't getting fulfilled. This is a harrowing film in ways that are often more stinging than the barbs that more visceral or violent war films cast towards their audience.

This is an enraging film, but in a great way. It really makes you want to fight againt the unfortunate injustices and sadism plaguing an institution that wields so much power, but often mishandles it. That this film was released in 1957 but is still 100 percent relevant in 2011 is really quite something. Do yourself a favor and give this one a watch. All Kubrick films deserve it, but in an age where the lust for power is favored over doing the right thing in the military, this one really deserves it.