All Quiet on the Western Front

All Quiet on the Western Front

Year: 1979

Runtime: 150 mins

Language: English

Director: Delbert Mann

WarDramaTV MovieWar and historical adventureMilitary combat and heroic soldiers

They enlist as boys, dreaming of glory, but never return as men. At the start of World War I, idealistic German student Paul Baumer, inflamed by school propaganda, joins the army with his friends straight after graduation. The brutal reality of trench warfare shatters their patriotism; as comrades die or are maimed, Paul confronts the senseless cruelty of fighting over a few hundred yards of shattered countryside.

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Timeline & Setting – All Quiet on the Western Front (1979)

Explore the full timeline and setting of All Quiet on the Western Front (1979). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1917

The events take place during 1917, the third year of World War I. This period was marked by entrenched trench warfare, significant casualties, and strategic negotiations for peace. It was a time of global conflict that deeply affected soldiers and civilians alike, with technological advancements like tanks and gas attacks changing the nature of warfare.

Location

Western Front, France, Germany

The movie is set mainly on the Western Front during World War I, a brutal and deadly battleground characterized by trenches, barbed wire, and artillery. The French countryside and German territories serve as the backdrop for intense combat, military camps, and makeshift field hospitals. These locations are pivotal in showcasing the harsh realities of WWI battles and soldiers' lives.

🌍 War zone 🏞️ Trench warfare 🇫🇷 French countryside

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:45

Main Characters – All Quiet on the Western Front (1979)

Meet the key characters of All Quiet on the Western Front (1979), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Paul Bäumer (Richard Thomas)

A young soldier, Paul is driven by patriotism but becomes disillusioned by the horrors of war. His empathetic nature and moral struggles depict the emotional toll of combat. Paul’s character embodies innocence lost and the questioning of the heroic ideals of war.

🌱 Youth 💔 Disillusioned soldier

Stanislaus 'Kat' Katczinsky (Ernest Borgnine)

An experienced and resourceful soldier, Kat is a mentor figure for the younger troops. Despite his toughness, he shows signs of vulnerability and deep camaraderie. His survival instincts and leadership highlight the importance of unity in adversity.

🛡️ Leader 🤝 Loyal friend

Paul's Mother (Patricia Neal)

A caring and protective figure, she symbolizes the civilian lives waiting outside the chaos of war. Her concern underscores the emotional distance and the sacrifices made by loved ones during wartime.

❤️ Maternal 😢 Longing

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:45

Major Themes – All Quiet on the Western Front (1979)

Explore the central themes of All Quiet on the Western Front (1979), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚔️ War and Sacrifice

The movie explores the brutal realities of war, emphasizing the physical and psychological toll on soldiers. It highlights themes of sacrifice, loss, and the futility of violence, as characters face death and despair while fighting for their country. The story underscores the personal costs behind nationalistic motives and the senseless destruction caused by conflict.

💔 Futility and Humanity

A central theme is the futility of war, where soldiers’ efforts seem meaningless amidst mass casualties and destruction. It also examines lost innocence and the struggle to retain humanity in the face of violence. Characters grapple with fear, grief, and moral dilemmas, revealing the emotional scars inflicted by war.

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:45

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All Quiet on the Western Front Summary

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All Quiet on the Western Front Summary

All Quiet on the Western Front Timeline

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All Quiet on the Western Front Timeline

All Quiet on the Western Front Spoiler-Free Summary

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All Quiet on the Western Front Spoiler-Free Summary

More About All Quiet on the Western Front

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