Paths of Glory
Paths of Glory

Paths of Glory

1957Movie88 minEnglish

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

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IMDb8.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes95%
Metacritic90
Google Users91%
Director: Stanley KubrickGenres: Drama, War, History

Plot Summary

In the midst of World War I, French Colonel Dax is ordered to lead a suicidal charge against an impregnable German position. When the assault fails disastrously, a colonel is court-martialed and faces execution as a scapegoat by his own callous superiors. Dax must fight to save his men and expose the cowardice and corruption within the French army's high command.

Critical Reception

Paths of Glory was met with strong critical acclaim upon its release, particularly for its anti-war message and Kubrick's masterful direction. While it was initially banned in France and Switzerland due to its portrayal of the French army, its powerful indictment of military bureaucracy and senseless loss of life resonated deeply with international critics and audiences.

What Reviewers Say

  • A blistering anti-war statement that powerfully critiques the absurdity and cruelty of military command.
  • Kubrick's early masterpiece showcases his distinctive visual style and thematic concerns that would define his career.
  • Kirk Douglas delivers a commanding performance as the morally upright colonel fighting a corrupt system.

Google audience: Audiences overwhelmingly praise 'Paths of Glory' for its stark depiction of the horrors of war and its critique of incompetent leadership. Viewers commend the film's powerful emotional impact, its historical relevance, and Stanley Kubrick's exceptional direction. Many consider it a timeless and essential anti-war film.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture – Drama. The film was also honored at the San Sebastián International Film Festival with the San Sebastian Film Award for Best Director.

Fun Fact

The film was banned in France for 17 years after its release due to its unflattering portrayal of the French military during World War I.

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TMDB Reviews

3 reviews
Filipe Manuel Neto

Filipe Manuel Ne...

**A short and objective film, with a clear and still relevant message, as well as a huge performance by Kirk Douglas.** There are several films about World War I, but it is far from being seen by the public as one of the best. In fact, i...
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

"Col. Dax" (Kirk Dougas) is cajoled by "Gen. Broulard" (Adolphe Menjou) into taking his Great War weary regiment on one last mission in occupied France. Frankly, it's little better than a suicide one, but his operational commander "Gen. Mir...
John Chard

John Chard

Madness and Patsies Crash Together In Kubrick's Explosive Thunderbolt. Stanley Kubrick's Paths of Glory is holding up rather well these days, in fact it's as pertinent and relevant as ever. It's 1916 and the French and German armies a...