I'm a history professor at a local university and looking for a good WWI movie to show to my Modern Europe class. My period predates WWI, so though I know the historiography well, I haven't gotten around to watching many movies about it. What might those of you familiar with the war recommend showing them? I'm looking for something that will accurately portray the senselessness of trench warfare, certain cultural and intellectual responses to the extended fighting, and possibly involvement on the home front. Oh and I'd like it to keep the students' attention for the whole time too. ;) Thanks in advance for any suggestions!
All Quiet On The Western Front (the original), Pathes Of Glory. My two favs. Best fits the description of what you're looking for. Also Le Grande Illusion, takes place in a POW camp, about class relations during the war, also considered by many to be the best film ever made, directed by Jean Renoir himself a veteran, in fact the main character played by Jean Gabin is wearing Renoir's old uniform.
These three are arguably the best films made about World War One.
Wooden Crosses, Lawrence of Arabia (not 100 percent accurate, but gives a good picture of what happened to the middle east in world war one, the treaties that carved it up, very long film though.).
Oh What A Lovely Little War (it's a unique film, a sort of satirical musical from the sixties about the origins of WWI, use of propaganda etc...)
Westfront 1918, Hemingway In Love and War (loosely based on Hemingways time as an ambulance driver).
Joex Noel, about the Christmas truce, a bit fanciful, but is good at showing the pointless nature of the war.
Hope that helps
Keep eye out on anything coming out on the BBC in the next four years. They're doing dramas and documentaries spanning timeline of the conflict. Jeremy Paxman Britain's Great War doc has so far been brilliant. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFftNJJRf4o
Full list of programs here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p01nb93y
Also Paths of Glory by Kubrick. Story and cinematics are amazing. Perfect for senselessness of trench warfare. Always get teary with this final scene, stick with it
Paths of Glory is a 1957 American anti-war film by Stanley Kubrick based on the novel of the same name by Humphrey Cobb.[2] Set during World War I, the film stars Kirk Douglas as Colonel Dax, the commanding officer of French soldiers who refused to continue a suicidal attack. Dax attempts to defend them against a charge of cowardice in a court-martial.
Blackadder goes Forth, not film but comedy series yet final episode and rest of it shows senselessness in different way. Sometimes comedy hits better than drama.
The Lost Battalion, featuring an all grown up Rick Schroder.
hi! you may find some other suggestions in the FAQ
plus, don't recall having seen this one in the FAQ offhand, and it may not be set in the location you're interested in, but Gallipoli (1981) is a fine film, very accessible, & particularly effective in it's portrayal of "senselessness".
In my opinion, while there are a few decent WWI films to choose from, I think a film that could be considered "best" has yet to be made. But I leave here a caution: Do not show your students "Passchendaele." It is utter rubbish.