All Quiet On The Western Front

[stillkit]

Originally Posted by LateNight

I've never read the book, but I have the movie and agree with it's principles. Public views changed with Vietnam, and marching off to war is no longer seen as patriotic. In America, patriotism has been replaced with the more generalized, and rather vague, reasoning of "defending freedom". Any mandatory anti-war reading in the schools, somebody would probably find offensive, and would might be wrongfully viewed as being "anti-American". After all, whats a superpower who doesn't wave a gun?

Johnny Got His Gun, by Dalton Trumbo is another great book. I recall reading that when I was probably about 14.

If you like movies which are considered as "anti-war" by simply telling the truth, may I recommend a German movie named, "The Bridge?"

It's from the late 50's or early 60's (black and white with English subtitles) and it tells the story of a group of school boys who hang out together and are then drafted into the Wehrmacht near the end of WWII. They are posted to defend a bridge from the on-coming allies.

I won't tell you how it ends, but it's very emotional.

[LateNight]

Originally Posted by stillkit

If you like movies which are considered as "anti-war" by simply telling the truth, may I recommend a German movie named, "The Bridge?"

Thanks, I love the classics, so I'll check that one out.

The premise reminds me of another old film who's title I don't recall, about a gang of young boys who operate under a military structure, and defend their base, located within a lumber yard, from an opposing, and similar gang. A lot of lessons in honor, chivalry, fortitude and burying the hatchet, in that movie with an almost Little Rascals feel. Wish I could recall the title, because I really liked it.

[Dane_in_LA]

Originally Posted by stillkit

If you like movies which are considered as "anti-war" by simply telling the truth, may I recommend a German movie named, "The Bridge?"

It's from the late 50's or early 60's (black and white with English subtitles) and it tells the story of a group of school boys who hang out together and are then drafted into the Wehrmacht near the end of WWII. They are posted to defend a bridge from the on-coming allies.

I won't tell you how it ends, but it's very emotional.

Seconded. Very fine piece of moviemaking.

[Thyra]

Is that movie,"The Bridge" based on a book? I tried looking for it but no luck..

[Dane_in_LA]

Originally Posted by Trudy Rose

Is that movie,"The Bridge" based on a book? I tried looking for it but no luck..

I had to look that one up... The Bridge (Die Brücke) is apparently based on a novel of the same name (written by Manfred Gregor), but the novel does not appear to have ever been translated into English.

The movie came out in 1959. IMDB entry: Die Brücke (1959)

I remember watching it in school, 8th or 9th grade. Pretty intense for kids our age.

[Thyra]

Darn My German is not good enough and my son is too lazy to do long translatins for me... but thanks for the info