“There are times when I’m ashamed to be a member of the human race.”
synopsis
During World War I, a French general orders a nearly impossible attack on a heavily defended German position. When the assault inevitably fails, the army’s leadership seeks to preserve its reputation by court-martialing three innocent soldiers for cowardice. Colonel Dax, their commanding officer, defends the men in a desperate attempt to expose the injustice.
pairs well with ...
mini-review
Paths of Glory is one of the most powerful anti-war films ever made. Director Stanley Kubrick combines gripping trench warfare scenes with a scathing critique of military bureaucracy and blind authority. Anchored by a commanding performance from Kirk Douglas, the film exposes how ambition and pride among leaders can lead to tragic consequences for ordinary soldiers.
A thoughtful evening and the appreciation of one of the most uncompromising critiques of military leadership ever filmed.
Absurdist's Corner
Generals who never leave the safety of their headquarters condemn exhausted soldiers for failing to accomplish the impossible.
fun facts
Director Stanley Kubrick filmed the trench scenes with long tracking shots that became some of the most famous images in war cinema.
The film was banned in France for nearly twenty years because of its critical portrayal of the French military during World War I.
Star Kirk Douglas later collaborated with Kubrick again on the epic film Spartacus.
The story was based loosely on real World War I incidents in which soldiers were executed to maintain discipline.