Review of Paths of Glory (1957) by Daniel D — 10 Dec 2012
After a self-serving general sends a battalion on a suicide mission, a colonel defends three soldiers accused of cowardice during the First World War.
Stanley Kubrick, the genius behind Full Metal Jacket, directs another fantastic war film. Though Paths of Glory is more character-based than Full Metal Jacket, the battle sequences are nonetheless incredibly choreographed and compelling. The film slows down once it gets to the trial, and it is then that questions of honor and integrity in the face of extraordinary circumstances emerge as the film's primary themes. The characters become types, but that doesn't stop Kubrick from being able to get us to sympathize with their plights. Colonel Dax, especially, becomes an interesting character because he's forced to face his own failures and his ability to define himself erodes. Kirk Douglas captures these nuances, and Adolphe Menjou makes a great villain.
Overall, this is one of Kubrick's finest films.
This review of Paths of Glory (1957) was written by Daniel D on 10 Dec 2012.
Paths of Glory has generally received very positive reviews.
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