Paths of Glory
Paths of Glory
NR | 20 December 1957 (USA)
Paths of Glory Trailers

A commanding officer defends three scapegoats on trial for a failed offensive that occurred within the French Army in 1916.

Reviews
Dotbankey A lot of fun.
Neive Bellamy Excellent and certainly provocative... If nothing else, the film is a real conversation starter.
Fulke Great example of an old-fashioned, pure-at-heart escapist event movie that doesn't pretend to be anything that it's not and has boat loads of fun being its own ludicrous self.
Allissa .Like the great film, it's made with a great deal of visible affection both in front of and behind the camera.
Osmosis Iron A brilliant movie about not so much war itself but how ugly and inhuman the politics of war can be. Has a very good courtroom sequence and some very emotional speeches/dialogue. Overall a very powerful film!
Pjtaylor-96-138044 The beautiful black-and-white cinematography shows off the spectacular battle sequences, which aren't the main focus of this brazenly unconventional war film that refreshingly focuses upon the French within the First World War (a perspective not often portrayed), as the amazing choreography and direction brings to life a long-gone era with vivid ferocity. The bold plot (which seemingly takes a page from the excellent 'The Ox-Bow Incident (1943)' in its latter half) is incredibly impactful thanks to its blatant injustice. 'Paths Of Glory (1957)' has a potently anti-military - or rather, anti-military-establishment - message that's clear but not overbearing, allowing it to rise to the top of its genre with ease. Powerful stuff. 8/10
Obada Kurdi The movie has good writing, directing, acting, and style. First time I see Kirk Douglas, or young Kirk Douglas, and I was pleased with his performance. Maybe this is the oldest trial I have seen in a movie, along 12 angry men, and it was preformed very well. The movies tackles issues with war such as cruel leaders, brutality of war, the army system, and the soldiers hesitation in war, whom you can't really blame because of the horrifying enemy's machinery and weapons firing in-front of them. The movies also shows the loyalty and honesty of some generals that they are ready to defend their soldiers in front of the leaders in trial, and refusing to be a under a system which condemn their soldiers lives just for reputation. It also shows the extent at which some leaders are ready to go to protect their reputation. Also, the grey area that the top leader hide in, not offending or denying the leader, nor protecting him. The before execution atmosphere is well done in the movie. All in all, a very good movie.
bigverybadtom ...as on the military hierarchy, at least in the French Army during World War One. A high-ranking French general is seeking further promotion, and he sees an opportunity to do so by having his regiment take a German position known as "The Anthill". Trouble is, he normally spends his time way behind the lines, and when he makes a front-line inspection of his troops, it is clear he lack a real understanding of what life is like for them.He orders the attack anyway, despite the warnings from the officers below him, and the enemy repulses the initial attackers so quickly, the remaining infantry mutiny and refuse to press the attack. The frustrated general finds three scapegoat soldiers to court-martial, and though they are represented by an officer who is a real lawyer, he is helpless to save them.We see the emotional damage the incompetent general has put others through-not for the glory of France, but for his own purposes. He might eventually be brought down, but his evil lives after him.