Attention-holding script depicts the unfortunate outcome of human ambition left unchecked.  Here the highest ranking military leaders deem killing invigorating, compliment ‘dying well’ and sanction the execution of their own men.

  Not all is despair however with Kirk Douglas as the voice of humanity – a voice not silenced and not yet capable of deterring institutionalized murder, but (like the song at film’s end) does crack open the hope for change.

  Kubrik’s direction is particularly strong with his actors who amplify the film’s power with unflinching portrayals, and for what he fills the frame with, from placing viewers in the trenches to situating military leaders in their God-like palaces.

        » Brent Chastain, Top3films.com