The second adaptation of Erich Maria Remarque's anti-war novel "All Quiet on the Western Front" presents few fresh ideas compared to the 1930 version. At its core, the story is filmed in the same manner as it was 50 years ago. The few differences are, among other things, that the narrative structure is not chronological but jumps back and forth. The story follows the book template more closely. This ensures that you are immediately immersed in the action on the western front. Although I welcome this choice, I would have preferred a more imaginative way to introduce the characters. The new technical possibilities are used effectively during the battle sequences. For the first time, you realize how filthy life at the front is. With blood, dirt, and sweat, a whole range of colors is served up. Additionally, the individual battles are expertly and atmospherically shot. The claustrophobic nature of the situation in the trenches is conveyed very well.

Meanwhile, the quality of the performances is mixed. Richard Thomas convinces overall as the main character, Paul Bäumer, but you can't necessarily say the same about his schoolmates. Of the other characters, I liked Donald Pleasence best as the teacher Kantorek, who manipulates his students into enlisting for military service. The depiction of the tough military instructor Himmelstoss (Ian Holm) is also very similar to the novel. What I don't understand is why Ernest Borgnine was cast as the experienced front-line soldier Stanislaus Katczinsky. Borgnine was far too old for the role. In this rendition, Paul and Kat's brotherly bond is more akin to that of a grandpa. Unfortunately, that didn't work for me at all, so the ending didn't have the desired effect for me either. Overall, the 1979 adaptation of the anti-war book is still a good one. But don't anticipate too much innovation.