LOS ALAMITOS, CA – On Oct. 28, 2022, Netflix released its recent war movie “All Quiet on the Western Front”; this movie is the third film iteration of the classic anti-war novel written by German author and veteran Erich Maria Remarque.

Since it is the most recent book-to-film adaptation, it has greater access to special effects and smarter casting choices, resulting in an experience that portrays the real and emotional weight of World War I. This is a very appropriate film at this time of year. This is due to the fact that Nov. 11, the day WW I ended, is rapidly approaching.

The goal of a story, whether written or shown on screen, is to transport the audience to a different world. In contrast to previous versions of the film, the 2022 version prioritizes immersion through casting choices. Its utilization of native German speakers to depict its characters aids in conveying the German perspective on the war in the manner intended by the original text. Daniel Brühl, a well-known German-Spanish actor, is among them. With a cast of German actors portraying its characters, viewers may sense the characters’ emotions through their accurate line delivery in their original language. This is especially true for trying to convey the perspective of the Germans, who were on the losing side of the war and suffered through the same horrifying conditions the era was known for.

Since the story is about the losing perspective of the war, this continues to add more authenticity to the story. As stated by Brühl, he watched many excellent war movies wall growing up. These war movies were great at displaying bravery without glorifying the institution of blood-soaked conflict. However, there was one thing that Brühl noticed about the war genre.

“I watched many of them growing up, and some of these films are masterpieces. But they’re American or British or French films,” said the famous German actor.

Due to this lack of German perspectives in war films, “All Quiet on the Western Front” does a great job of shining light on a viewpoint western media seems to lack.

In addition to an authentically German cast, the visual effects of the film also make it a great experience. The movie matches the same saddening visuals that the book intended to portray. The strange blending of contemporary technology and medieval combat gives the movie a weird visual that accurately captures the time period. “All Quiet on the Western Front” delivers a crucial message about war through its odd fusion of modern technology and a medieval aesthetic. The movie features WWI tanks, which have absolutely little resemblance to sleek, modern, and sophisticated tanks. No matter how sophisticated combat becomes, man will inevitably return to a sense of violence that is more basic.

The liberties taken in “All Quiet on the Western Front” serve to increase the awareness of the emotional brevity that the historical era was known for. The main character Paul Bähmer is a young and academically gifted 17-year-old boy, which is around the age that most high schoolers are when they read the book.

Overall, the movie’s creative liberties make it both a visual and emotional masterpiece. By capturing the true essence of tragedy produced by war, its uniqueness in terms of perspective and story writing makes this movie an unforgettable experience for anyone who watches.