[imagesource: Reiner Bajo / Netflix]

World War I ended officially on November 11, 1918 and the Treaty of Versailles took effect on January 10, 1920.

Essentially, nobody who experienced the horrors of fighting in that war is still alive and of the 16 million Americans who served in World War II, just 240 000 were still alive last year.

A good war epic, like Saving Private Ryan or Dunkirk, is a magnet come Hollywood awards season and there are some who are already tipping Edward Berger’s adaptation of Erich Maria Remarque’s anti-war novel to win the Oscar for the best international feature.

All Quiet on the Western Front premieres at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 12. Earlier this week, Netflix released the first heart-wrenching trailer.

Collider with more:

Felix Kammerer stars as Paul Bäumer, the soldier at the center of the story who volunteers for the war effort alongside his classmates, which would have been expected of them. He quickly comes face to face with the horrors of war, and the never-ending tragedy that plays out in the midst of trench warfare…

From the trailer alone and its stunning cinematography, it’s clear that Berger has an astounding film on his hands.

Remarque’s famous 1928 novel has been adapted many times before, but always in English.

The 1930 movie of the same name won the Oscar for Outstanding Production (the equivalent of today’s Best Picture award), as well as Best Director.

In addition, a 1979 made-for-TV adaptation starring Richard Thomas received 7 Emmy nominations and one win.

Roll tape:

All Quiet on the Western Front arrives in German theatres on September 29 and will screen on Netflix from October 28.

Perhaps it’s time I watch Band of Brothers again.

[source:collider]