All Quiet on the Western Front
The first German adaptation of the 1928 anti-war novel, this tale of life in the trenches in World War One is both brilliant and shocking. It’s directed by Edward Berger, who is currently working on a new adaptation of The 39 Steps with Benedict Cumberbatch. Felix Kammerer gives everything as Bäumer, FILM NETFLIX the rookie soldier told he won’t survive a night, but who watches as his friends are downed. Daniel Brühl features as a negotiator, but the film is at its best when the focus is on Bäumer. The battle scenes are harrowing, and the finale’s emotional impact is on a par with Das Boot. ★★★★ JM