SPOILERS DOWN THE PATH; THE DISCUSSION BELOW WILL NOT BE COMPREHENSIVE WITHOUT IT.
TREAD CAREFULLY. YOU'VE BEEN WARNED.
THIS MOTION PICTURE IS OFFICIALLY AN AFFILIATE OF THE FILMMAKING PARAGONS.
Paths of Glory is an anti-war film from Stanley Kubrick that questions the place of compassion and humanity towards soldiers in war. The plot follows protagonist Dax (Kirk Douglas) in his attempt to defend three innocent army men from being executed for retreating during an impossible conquer mission.
The screenplay is the absolute king here! Sense of urgency and stakes are clearly established. Simple events bolstered by sharp dialogues and strong conflicts make the runtime flow like river! General Paul (George Macready) ordering his own men to be killed, court hearing, prisoners waiting for their death and walking to their own demise to face the eventual, unavoidable climax are examples of super riveting scenes and sequences!
Stanley Kubrick is a legend time will miss. The way he directed the living soul out of this project deserves a medal of honor! Good blocking, solid acting, pristine camerawork and flawless production design are the staples here. Stark contrast between the higher officials and a regular trooper is vivid! Film editing however, isn't perfect at all times and the sound designs are mostly stock or basic. Also, it's weird that all the French soldiers spoke in English, but the Germans conversed in their native tongue.