When a group of idealistic young men join the German Army during the Great War, they are assigned to the Western Front, where their patriotism is destroyed by the harsh realities of combat.

Director Lewis Milestone's brilliant anti-war polemic, headlined by an unforgettable performance from Lew Ayres, lays bare the tragic foolishness at the heart of war.

'All Quiet on the Western Front' is acclaimed for its anti-war stance and realistic portrayal of World War I, emphasizing the horrors and futility of conflict. The film's technical innovations and performances, especially by Lew Ayres and Louis Wolheim, are highly praised. However, some find the acting melodramatic and the pacing slow, with a disjointed narrative. Its impact and relevance, particularly in depicting the human cost of war, remain significant.