Review of The Big Parade (1925) by Daryl T — 07 Jul 2010

Well exceeded the expectations I set for the movie initially. I first thought it would be a romanticized and overly-sentimental look at war romance, but it ended up being stronger and better than that.

True, it was a bit melodramatic at times, but the romance was felt dead-on and the war aspect wasn't shortchanged: it was really horrible to watch as men fell randomly about the field. John Gilbert is an actor I was unfamiliar with, but he was nothing short of brilliant here, as the slacker son who is pushed into a war he would have rather just ignored.

I found the most powerful moment to be Gilbert in the bunker with a dying German soldier, who he offers a cigarette in the realization that all this fighting is between human beings, with the same hopes and fears.

It's common theme in so many films, but it is drawn so well in this moment that I couldn't help but tear up at the revelation. I found it ironic at the end that Gilbert's brother had cheated with his girlfriend, reduces himself to the true lowlife of the family now.

And the film closes in a cliche, but still poignant, meeting-in-the middle scene with his lover. It's a beautifully directed Hollywood classic.