Paths of Glory (1957)

The Plot

It’s war time between France and Germany. The French generals want the French army to take over Ant Hill. This is a near impossible task and General Paul forces Colonel Dax to take up this task because Paul is promised an extra star by the higher authorities.Colonel Dax tries to convince the General of the impossibility of the task but, in vain.

As expected, on the first day of the Ant Hill campaign, the French army is demoralized due to the sheer magnitude of the task. General Paul makes immoral demands like instructions to start firing on his own soldiers. There is a lot of loss of life for the French army lead by Colonel Dax.

General Paul’s reputation is badly affected by this and all that he wants is to safeguard his ego and his name. So he orders that 3 soldiers be executed for alleged cowardice in front of the enemy. Privates Paris, Ferol and Arnaud are the unfortunate trio.

Colonel Dax takes up their case in the military court of justice and he tries to convince the higher authorities that this execution is so absurd but again in vain.

In the end, the trio is executed and Colonel Dax exposes the allegations against General Paul. The French army is as usual given orders to carry on with the war against the Germans, and Colonel Dax takes it up like a true war hero.

                                                                            

Hits

• Kirk Douglas is the iron man Colonel Dax who bravely stands for his men and stands against the selfish, egoistic Generals. He wins us over with his firm stand and moral obligations towards his fellow soldiers. The court scene in particular creates a lot of impact and empathy among us. He looks manly and handsome too.
• The others are all support characters and the actors have all done well be it General Paul, Privates Ferol, Paris, Arnaud etc. etc.
• The impact of war on the lives of the poor soldiers is shown in all its brutality. 

VERDICT

Another war movie from the legendary Stanley Kubrick. This one stands out for the atrocities and the selfish attitude of the Generals towards their own countrymen and the total lack of understanding and lack of empathy on their part.