by Edward Berger
Germany, World War I. A romanticised idea of heroism motivates the student Paul Bäumer to volunteer for the army at the age of 19. Full of patriotic zeal, he completes basic training before going to the Western Front with his comrades. In the trenches, however, it's not long before Paul's worldview is shattered and he is forced to experience first-hand how initial euphoria turns into fear and despair. With IM WESTEN NICHTS NEUES, Edward Berger directs the first German film adaptation of Erich Maria Remarque's pacifist world bestseller. With a great ensemble cast including Daniel Brühl, Albrecht Schuch and Devid Striesow, the result is a gripping drama that impressively demonstrates the absurdity and brutality of war.