I kept putting off seeing this film because I knew it was one of Kubrick's early ones, which I can't say I prefer over his "golden era". I can now confidently say that I have changed my mind! After 1 and a half hours of absolute cinematic perfection I think it might be my favorite movie of his!
I strongly admire Kubrick's war films because unlike those of his peers, they do not rely on violence, gore and overly graphic scenes to get their anti-war message across. So here too, we see how vicious, selfish, arrogant and bloodthirsty people can become when faced with more complex and morally gray moments of war. It highlights the contrast in the living conditions of the different gears of the army, strongly criticizes the prevailing hierarchy and the ease with which one abuses the power assigned to him and sheds light on the inhumane selection of scapegoats when the real powerful people in charge refuse to accept the responsibilities of the of their actions (a nice parallel with our society in general). It is also worth emphasizing how clever the idea of the film's casting being exclusively English-speaking is. So while Kubrick superficially describes the incompetence and injustice that prevails in the French army, deep down he indirectly criticizes both the English and the American ones for the exact same blunders.
The messages of this amazing story (which still touch on religion, duplicity in politics and general social stratification) are so many that unfortunately they could not all fit in this post. So before I close I would still like to mention the impressive use of tracking shots (a technique that would later become the landmark of Kubrick's work) but also the closing of the film. This more human and emotional moment with which the film leaves us is a welcome change from the rest of the director's, and it made me feel faith in the human soul, even if we often only see its dark side.
I suggest to those who are now late watching the films of the old great directors (as I am) that you put it at the top of your watchlist. It is really worth!
