Drama,War
United States of America
Paths of Glory is a 1957 war film directed by Stanley Kubrick and starring Kirk Douglas. The film is based on a novel of the same name by Humphrey Cobb, which is loosely based on the real-life events of the Battle of Meuse-Argonne, a major engagement of World War I.
The film opens with a group of French soldiers being ordered to attack a heavily fortified German position called the Ant Hill. The attack is a disaster, with most of the soldiers being killed or wounded before even reaching the enemy lines. After the initial wave fails, General Mireau (played by George Macready) orders his artillery to fire on his own troops to force them forward, which leads to further casualties.
Colonel Dax (played by Kirk Douglas) leads the next wave of troops, but they too are unable to break through the German lines. After the failed attack, General Mireau orders the court-martial of three random soldiers accused of cowardice, hoping to save face and avoid being held responsible for the disaster. Colonel Dax is tasked with defending the soldiers, who he believes to be innocent.
As the trial progresses, it becomes clear that the soldiers are being sacrificed to protect the reputation of General Mireau and other high-ranking officers. Despite Colonel Dax's best efforts, the soldiers are found guilty and are executed by firing squad.
The film is a powerful condemnation of the arbitrary and brutal nature of war, and the indifference of those in power to the lives of the soldiers who fight under them. It also critiques the rigid hierarchy of the military, which can prevent competent and compassionate leaders from rising to the top.
