Home > Drama >

Paths of Glory

Watch Now

Paths of Glory (1957)

December. 20,1957
|
8.4
|
NR
| Drama History War
Watch Now

A commanding officer defends three scapegoats on trial for a failed offensive that occurred within the French Army in 1916.

...

Watch Trailer

Cast

Similar titles

Reviews

Limerculer
1957/12/20

A waste of 90 minutes of my life

More
Glimmerubro
1957/12/21

It is not deep, but it is fun to watch. It does have a bit more of an edge to it than other similar films.

More
BallWubba
1957/12/22

Wow! What a bizarre film! Unfortunately the few funny moments there were were quite overshadowed by it's completely weird and random vibe throughout.

More
Brendon Jones
1957/12/23

It’s fine. It's literally the definition of a fine movie. You’ve seen it before, you know every beat and outcome before the characters even do. Only question is how much escapism you’re looking for.

More
Osmosis Iron
1957/12/24

A brilliant movie about not so much war itself but how ugly and inhuman the politics of war can be. Has a very good courtroom sequence and some very emotional speeches/dialogue. Overall a very powerful film!

More
bigverybadtom
1957/12/25

...as on the military hierarchy, at least in the French Army during World War One. A high-ranking French general is seeking further promotion, and he sees an opportunity to do so by having his regiment take a German position known as "The Anthill". Trouble is, he normally spends his time way behind the lines, and when he makes a front-line inspection of his troops, it is clear he lack a real understanding of what life is like for them.He orders the attack anyway, despite the warnings from the officers below him, and the enemy repulses the initial attackers so quickly, the remaining infantry mutiny and refuse to press the attack. The frustrated general finds three scapegoat soldiers to court-martial, and though they are represented by an officer who is a real lawyer, he is helpless to save them.We see the emotional damage the incompetent general has put others through-not for the glory of France, but for his own purposes. He might eventually be brought down, but his evil lives after him.

More
Tyson Hunsaker
1957/12/26

It took a while to see the film that put Stanley Kubrick on the map as a force to be reckoned with. Paths of Glory was a war film with an interesting premise and has the reputation for being an "anti-war" piece on the dehumanization of soldiers. With Kirk Douglas as the star, the plot centers around prideful and power-hungry French military officers who order an impossible mission from a battalion who fleas upon defeat and is accused of cowardice. Many other films by Kubrick shows his powerful and masterful filming style and Paths of Glory is no different. The focus is strong and it's difficult to take your eyes off the screen throughout the picture. Good use is made of these phenomenal actors who give heartfelt performances and deliver strong and emotionally piercing lines. The film is a short and crisp 88 minutes so it's easy to watch anytime. This also makes the pacing clean and the viewer will know every scene, shot, and frame is completely intentional and justified. Not a single moment of this fascinating and well done film is wasted and the talented actors are utilized to their fullest. Perhaps any downside to this film is the first 20-30 minutes in which the viewer may be wondering what kind of film they're watching and for what purpose. It's easy to see how upon release, however received with high regard, was met with some confusion as to the substance of the story and what it was trying to say. It's not a film that glorifies war or conflict; in fact, the concept of battle (physical or psychological) can cause some irritation for the viewer. This was most likely intended and it was probably a good move in the long run.Personally, I enjoyed Paths of Glory throughout the picture and found it as important as it is beautifully directed. However, the most impactful piece of the story is the final scene in which a woman is singing to a group of soldiers in a bar. Not many other scenes have had so much emotional impact and beauty that it truly made Paths of Glory a personal favorite. Really no complaints about the quality of this film or the personal pressure points it wasn't afraid to touch. It's also amazing how those emotions can be pierced so powerfully more than 50 years after this was released. It's a grand milestone in filmmaking that deserves much more attention and is highly recommended to anyone who has the chance to see it. It's simply amazing!

More
dfwesley
1957/12/27

One of the best war movies ever, and especially of WW1. Kirk Douglas has an especially fine performance as Col. Dax, and George Macready is simply terrific as the merciless and incompetent general ordering the attack. Adolphe Menjou shines as the crafty commanding general. The supporting cast is excellent also, particularly the condemned trio, J Turkel, Meeker, and Carey. One weak spot to me, was Wayne Morris who seemed miscast. I expected him to break out in a football cheer at any moment. However, he, too, gets his due when he is exposed as a coward.The battle scenes were good but were overshadowed by the the court martial , imprisonment, and execution. Especially touching, too, was the appearance of the young German girl singing in the the cabaret. The real corker was when Macready is exposed as the real culprit at the end.

More