Netflix's "All Quiet on the Western Front" | USAF Colonel (Ret) Norm Potter Reacts
Вставка
- Опубліковано 4 лис 2022
- In this video, I react to the Netflix movie, All Quiet on the Western Front. We look at the horrors of World War I. Four German youth, eager to fight for their country, discover that war is anything but glamorous.
Special thanks to Netflix for use of their trailer.
*Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use. No copyright infringement intended. ALL RIGHTS BELONG TO THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNERS.
*Disclaimers: all opinions are my own, sponsors are acknowledged. Not financial advice, for entertainment purposes only.
I have bestowed on a warrior. I have exalted a young man from among the people. Psalm 89:19 - Фільми й анімація
The important thing to note is Remarque's book is far more depressing and hopeless than this movie version. I found the most crushing parts of the novel are when Paul returns home on leave and the argument over who gets a dying comrades boots.
Yes, I mentioned how hard it was when he went home on leave. 😢
I am German and born in 1966 - only 20 years after WW II. WW II traumatised our family, but very little was told about WW I - probably also because many ex-soldiers did not tell much at home and the war did not come directly to Germany through bombs as in WW II. However, there was also hunger and disease among civilians at that time. I always found WW1 very fascinating - but of course also shocking. It was one of the first material battles (technically), although there were even beginnings of this in the US Civil War (machine guns, trenches) and in the German-Danish War (although with fewer victims overall). During a bicycle tour as a teenager in the late 70s, I happened to find two volumes of photographs (published in the 20s) on a wild rubbish dump, which were in good condition. Unfortunately, I gave them to my history teacher and never got them back (I'm sure they were in good hands ;-) The black and white photos of the front that were shown there were far worse than the film scenes. Probably the cruel reality can only be shown to some extent. Some of the soldiers were already skeletonised because they were buried and could not be rescued. For me, at the age of maybe 10-12, it was shocking. What has history taught us? See Ukraine War....By the way, I can recommend this TV Production. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1864_(TV_series)
Thanks for you insightful comments, Henning. Troops returning from war are always reluctant to talk about their experiences. I suppose they feel no one could possibly understand. So, they bury it deep inside. War is a tragedy, no matter how you look at it.
I love how when he narrates it, he actually gives context and useful, relevant information unlike in a lot of other reaction videos.
Thank you very much!
Some interesting family history: My grandfather immigrated to Wisconsin with his parents from Dresden in 1898 when he was 6. They left behind lots of cousins. Growing up in Wisconsin it the population was 80% ethnically German and most people still spoke German at home and were very proud of their culture. During the war though, anti-German sentiment grew and most German-Americans ditched their identity to fully assimilate and show loyalty to the US. In 1917, at 25 my great-grandfather joined the Army and fought on the Western front against his birth country. He knew that most of his male cousins had fought for the Germans on the eastern front. But after the war he was able to locate his only surviving male cousin and was able to get them to the US just before the Great Depression. My great-grandfather's cousin and family were farmers and lived with another cousin on a family farm. To come full-circle, his oldest son joined the US Army during WW2 and was a truck driver in Patton's army and made it all the way to Berlin where he was until 1946. Because he spoke fluent German, he helped teach some "reeducation" classes in Western Germany. Interestingly, my family never saw WW1 as a good vs bad. I remember the cousin's side of the family being quite proud of his service in WW1 and they put a lot of blame on France and England, although, they hated the German leadership at the time (however, they loved the Kaiser and the royal family....). But they absolutely hated Hitler and the rise of fascism as it destroyed the true Germany.
Wow, what an amazing story. I’m so glad you have that family knowledge. Definitely, write it down or pass it on to other family members. My great grandfather was first generation American when his parents moved to the US from Germany in the late 1800’s. The average German soldier in WWI and WWII was doing what they thought was patriotic and was just doing what they thought was right. It’s the senior leadership that often times is the failure!
@@storminscellar7207 Very true, I know from experience. Thankfully when I served we had mostly excellent leadership. Another interesting fact, I was in the 82nd airborne and so was my dad's father in WW2. My dad however was a tanker but also airborne qualified (5 jump chump lol).
82d. Had friends in the 82d. Thanks for your service! You might want to check out my video where I interviewed the last living member of Band of Brothers.
@@storminscellar7207 Thanks Colonel, I'll definitely check it out! I was in from 2001-08. Loved hanging around the WW2 vets with multiple combat while they were still around. They were true heroes and a different breed.
My best friends grandfather and I have spoken a few times and he fought in WW2 in the Italian Campaign for 1 and a half years. Half of the people in his brigade died. When America came out to be successful in the Italian Campaign he was then moved to another brigade where he was sent to fight where this movie takes place, in the battle of the bulge, on the eastern borders of Belgium and the the northern borders of France. This was where he saw the worst of humanity. "My life flashed before my eyes, every second someone was shot to my right or to my left, they were young boys like me and they had family, friends, they had a life, but war took it away from them, it could have been me and I would not be here right now". He died a few weeks ago, I am happy I had the chance to talk to him and become close to him. Rest well, and thank you for your service
Thank you and what an awesome opportunity you had to know this gentleman and hear about his experiences. Americans need more of this!
@@storminscellar7207 hehhehehehehe
Hey Sir, former Marine here. Just found this video and this channel. Liked, subscribed, and left a comment for the UA-cam Algorithm. God bless, and god speed Sir.
Thank you, Walt and thank you for your service, Sir!
As a European I often wonder if there is a difference in the _cultural_ perception of war between Europeans and Americans. We fought in the same wars, but for you guys war has always(in modern history) been something distant, a place you sendt your soldiers to fight. There are no pictures of a raised Svastika above the White House, or Nazi's marching down the National Mall, like what happened to the parliament building in my country(Norway). Almost everyone that is 30+ in Europe have had grand parents that could tell them a personal war story, even if they were civilians. Don't get me wrong, this is in no way meant to lessen your effort and sacrifice in our wars. On the contrary, the willingness to sacrifice so much for someone's else land is worthy of high praise.
It's just something I have thought a lot about recently now that Europe is again at war. This war has truly sendt a chill down most Europeans spines, because we know what it means to be invaded, and that is an enormous motivation for helping. I wonder how that differs for Americans, I'm genuinely surprised at how much support the war has in America. Given that you don't have the same kind of scars from WW1 and WW2 as we do, and also with the understandable war fatigue in your population caused by Afghanistan and Iraq.
All good observations. Americans do have a different perspective. They have lost a great deal in blood from their sons in foreign wars. Especially, during WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan. As for battle scars on our civilian population, you are correct. I personally believe Russia is Europes problem to deal with and the US should remain neutral because in the end, it’s Europeans who will suffer from their actions or inactions.
Salute Colonel. Always a pleasure seeing great sirs take on history. Respect! - Love from Norway
Thank you, very much.
00:22 finally someone who interprets the title correctly, i still don't understand why this English title was chosen back then.
The “All Quiet on the Western Front” novel, written from the perspective of young German troops was both graphic and empathy-inspiring. No doubt, the US and our allies suffered greatly, too, in that brutal war, but I was struck by how especially poorly equipped and outfitted the young Germans were-virtually marking them for failure from the onset. As always, your research is excellent in this video. I look forward to seeing the Netflix movie and likely rereading the novel. Thank you for another fine, perfectly timed video, which I watched on the eve of what my grandparents called Armistice Day and what we now know as Veterans’ Day.
Thank you, Gretchen for your usual insightful comments!
❤
Great video, thanks for the historical input too.
Thank you!
I've always enjoyed the original movie. Can't wait to watch this version. WW1 was like two styles of warfare, old and new sandwiched together for horrific effect.
It was a really good movie!
Thank You Colonel for your reactions of this movie, very informative I wish you could of talked longer I enjoyed it very much!
Thank you so much for watching, Ken!
This was a great video and recap. My great grandfather who I met once when I was five years old was a U.S. sniper in WW1. He said one of the things that haunted him afterward was how young the Germans looked towards the end of the war. I think once of the last scenes of this movie shows that with the red haired looking kid. My great grandfather said “Some of those boys looked like they were 15 or 16.”
What an opportunity you had to meet your grandfather. That’s awesome. Unfortunately, the Germans recruited kids at the end of both WWI and WWII.
I am German, 55 years old. I can only recommend anyone who has the opportunity to do so to visit Verdun in France. Fort Vaux and Fort Douamont, the bone museum... . Europe may be complicated and difficult, but the idea behind it is that interdependent protagonists no longer kill each other.
Thank you. I spent time on many WWI battlefields. That type of warfare was brutal!
"Unfortunate necessity" I dont think anybody needs it
Thank you for breaking this down...I've not watched this movie yet. Looks like I will be watching it this weekend. I read the book a looonnnggg time ago. Heartbreaking what both sides went through.
Thanks, Kevin. Yes, too many glamorize war until there are there and see the horrendous violence in it. Merry Christmas to you and your family, Brother!
Seen the 2022 movie which I enjoyed very much indeed; But 1930´s one just is from another planet :) real masterpiece.
👍
The Germans focus more on anti tank warfare. Though they did have some tanks.
Mother Earth weeps for her Forgotten Sons.
😢
When Oxford reopened University the classrooms were nearly all empty. All the students were killed in the war.
😢 Tragic war!
Wow... 🙏🙏🙏 I remember watch "All Quiet On The Western Front" on TV in 1979. I loved it. It played romantically tragic as I remember. Richard Thomas from "The Walton's" was the lead. I have yet to watch this rendition which seems to be closer to the reality of WWI as was "Saving Privet Ryan." To understand an art movement, you have to understand what was happening with the cultural attitudes of the time. Would it also hold true with why countries plunge into war regardless of cost, sacrifice? How much of the public's attitude affect their government's decision to embark in a major military conflict?
Yes, this was much more realistic. Also, played by German actors.
War is never a solution
Thumbs up!
According to Wiki the Western front had the following casulaties:
Germany (and a small number of Austria-Hungary): 1,493,000 KIA - 3,116,000 WIA.
France, Belgium, Commonwealth, USA and others: 2,041,000 KIA - 5,163,000 WIA.
These numbers are huge, and the total numbers of KIA on lall fronts varies a lot from source to source:
1,700,000 -2,400,000 Germany
1,100,000 - 1,500,000 Austria-Hungary
1,400,000 - 1,700,000 France
900,000 - 1,100,000 British Empire
1,700,000 . 2,200,000 Russia
👍 Thanks for the info
The young mens tought thats a was like before. But it wasnt.
👍
His reaction is same as my grand father reaction when i show him this movie… FYI my grand father was ex navy seal
👍🫡
Salute from Brazil.
Thanks, Marco
An excellent movie but I would wholeheartedly recommend watching it in German with English subtitles instead od the dubbed version.
The crater scene still haunts me.
👍
Nice thoughts on these topics :)
Just a quick correction: There were many reasons why WW1 was lost for Germany and its allies in 1918 but the Communist takeover on the Eastern front wasn't one I'd say. I mean, it was the Communist leadership that finalised the ceasefire agreements with Germany while the provisional government had kept the war going despite not being able to. The monarchy in Russia fell after the February Revolution 1917 but the treaty of Brest-Litovsk was only signed after the October Revolution 1917, in March 1918. Of course that peace with Germany was quickly followed by the ensuing Russian Civil War between the communists and ,well, anti-communists but that didn't affect Germany in regards to winning or losing WW1.
There were however other fronts except the hugely important Western front where things were going badly for the Central Powers, namely the Italian front, the Balkan front (incl. Greece), the Sinai-Palestine front, the Mesopotamian front and all the colonies were pretty much lost while the Allies had the resources of the global markets accessible to them.
4:38 Germany has not lost the Eastern Front. Germany won the war against Russia very successfully back in 2017. The Russians surrendered and signed the Treaty of Brest Litovsk, before the signing there had still been a major German offensive that penetrated deep into Russia.
The Treaty of Brest Litovsk provided for a separate Ukrainian state and the formation of the Baltic states, Poland was also to get its own state.
These new states would of course have been under Germany's control and dependence. The Treaty of Versailles invalidated this treaty and Russia regained control over the Baltic States and Ukraine, except for Poland. This control was hell for the people there, it culminated in the genocide by Stalin in Ukraine, which left 4 million people to starve to death in the so-called Holodomor.
France, USA and UK created two monsters with the Treaty of Versailles, Hitler & Stalin who killed 20 million Soviet citizens in another terror after the Holodomor.
"France, USA and UK created two monsters with the Treaty of Versailles"
Hem... it was germany who brought Lenin from switzerland and financed his little revolution.
As for Versaille, the issue is that it wasn't implemented. The US had France sign it on the promise of a proto-UN (the society of nations) and a proto-NATO (an alliance between the US/ France : UK) but backed down on both once France had signed Versaille.
The french wanted to do basically what the US finally decided to do one WW later, and what was done to the austrian empire and ottoman empire, with a clearly satisfactory result to this day by comparison.
Had the allies simply implemented Versaille, or had gone with the french plan, or had had this formal military alliance, none of this would have happened.
@@MN-vz8qm What is better for a nation in war than to initiate or support civil war in an enemy country?
The result was a weakening of Russia, the defeat and the Treaty of Brest Litovsk. If this treaty had not been annulled by the Treaty of Versailles, the rise of the communists would have been rather small, Stalin had never have gained this level of power.
Large parts of the population of the Russian Empire had come under the control of the German Empire.
It is a pity that Wilson did not stand up to the French, who were driven by vindictiveness, and to the British, who had suffered loss of power through a strong German Empire.
In the end, the British did lose this stolen empire through these tactics.
Everything that actually happened afterwards was much worse than a more powerful German Empire in which the Jews could have lived peacefully.
@@ruhri0411 Wait... you are making no sense at all...
The wehraboo is strong in you
The Germans didn’t defeat Russia as much as the Bolsheviks defeated Russia by not fighting the Czars war. They were more concerned with the revolution and fighting the Mensheviks.
Some good points
I was just made aware of and wondering about this film this morning, so your commentary is prescient. Will definitely give it a viewing.
I didn't know about the French dominance in the Great War's tank warfare. That early technology, most of which resembled land battleships to me as a kid, were fascinating.
But otherwise, thanks for the preview. I sha also go look for the novel. And happy weekend to you and all. See ya! 👍🇺🇲
Thanks, Jon. It’s unfortunate that WWI has been swept under the rug for so long! Have a great weekend.
Dear Sir, do you know of the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk 3 March 1918?
Yes, the Bolsheviks gave up territory to the Germans, but was rescinded at the Armistice.
i watched the (1979) version my 9th grade class, i feel it depicts more how soldiers coming home, cant adapt as well.
Yea, I agree
WW1: New technology and outdated tactics are a bad mix.
Yep, you definitely need to know how to employ it!
I‘ve seen it yesterday great pictures, but besides the soldiers names and 2 scenes it has not that much to do with the novel.
Mustad gas made in Wales
👍
what why do people keep saying war is hell? when in reality War isn't Hell. War is war, and Hell is Hell. And of the two, war is a lot worse.
It was a quote from Gen Sherman. Also until one has experienced actual combat, one couldn’t believe the constant horror of it.
Good evening sir
👍🫡
Can you please give your reaction to the movie.
Great depiction of the horrors of war from a German perspective.
WHATS ABOUT THE SPANISH FLU????!!
It killed and affected thousands.
The film 1917 is another incredible WW1 film. Depicted from the British point of view, it was gut-wrenching, as well, incredibly realistic.
I need to watch that one!
@@storminscellar7207 Colonel, I just watched a film called The Court Martial of Billy Mitchell, with Gary Cooper, have you seen this film and if so, do you think he was a hero or foe. In my opinion he was absolutely right for speaking out against the inept war dept.
@@bobbrown9158 oh, yes. Great movie! History always bares out, as in this case. Mitchell hung it all out there and because of it, we have the awesome USAF today.
St. Chamond tanks were not particularly good. They lacked engiine power and their cross country capability was utterly poor.
Yea, I agree, but their fire power was very good and that tank against a soldier’s uniform is a deal breaker. 😉
@@storminscellar7207 You're right, sir. They were equipped with the outstanding 75mm rapid fire cannon. Problem was the St.Chamonds could not aim it but in very limited horizontal angles nor advance any further than the first proper enemy trench. Rather than tanks they might be considered mobile artillery platforms.
And you're right again; better to have St. Chamond beside oneself than to face one. Good video and greetings!
This armistices also contributed to the actual Russo/Ukraine war.
It is the English that caused all this mess !
British demarcation is the root for many conflicts today.
Interesting
Great commentary but please don't assume british and American "tanks" in the same sentance. It was ultimately the British tank design and production which contributed to the success (although in peace terms given, was not real success as it lead to the second world war) and finalisation of the victory in world war 1. The Americans were vitally important in world war 2 but for world war 1 the fight was pretty much already done when you fine folks decided to join.
I agree. I’m actually surprised the US even went to Europe in WWI.
Don’t forget how important the machine gun played in the trench battles.
It was critical!
WW1 tanks were terrible
Can’t imagine all of the smoke and fumes inside!
People forget the south front were the italian troop ALONE fought the germans and won on these days (4th of november 1918) breaking the german lines and advance in Austria, sitting rightfully on the winner side of the ww1
👍 Absolutely!
Germans? Italy was fighting the Austro-Hungarian army
@@Olafurh21 Well comment section is not enough to specify that Austro-Hungarian and Germans were allied in the southern front and Italy alone fought them on the alps... any other pointless and unnecessary detail that you want me write?
Thank you for your service. I am 31 years old and dream of joining the airforce to become a pilot. I even bought the 2022-2023 AFOQT Study guide and am reading up on it now. Am i being realistic with my age and everything, or do you think I should focus on attaining my pilot's license as a civilian and then join? Because I've heard the academy will only accept you up to a certain age. And if so, what else could I do to prepare myself? Anyways, thanks for your video and consideration.
Hi Lucas. Unfortunately, I think you’re over the age for both AF Pilot training and Academy. I know they’ve increased the age from 27 1/2, like when I went thru to perhaps 30. The Army might take folks above that for helicopter pilot training. Honestly, at this point, it would be best to get all of your license on your own (private, instrument, multi engine).
@@storminscellar7207 Thank you for the reply! And yes, I've heard that attaining your license before joining a branch can help with potential pilot positions, however as you said, my age has to be taken into account, and I suppose speaking to a recruiter could answer any specific questions. Either way I hope to become a pilot, fixed wing specifically. Although I wouldn't be opposed to a helicopter license either as well, or an alternative. One last question, as a civilian, what is the time frame I'm looking at from beginning my lessons to getting my license? I understand that I must log so many hours, which I intend to try and pay for out of pocket as much as I can, most likely flying on weekends when I'm off work which may take a bit longer... I've seen online that getting a loan for classes is relatively easy, even with as low as 1% interest. These don't include finances for flying to attain hours I assume? If not, I hear it's kind of expensive, so I hope to maybe try to help out the pilots as much as I can to possibly cut down on my cost. Sorry for the novel, I just don't have many personal sources to ask these things, other than the good ol' internet. Anyways, thanks for the reply!
I’d say a couple of years if you are doing it part time. I have many friends who fly for the airlines and corporate. The secret is to get your instrument and multi engine and then get a corporate gig as a co pilot to build hours. Then get on with a commuter to build more hours.
Совершенно согласен с вами. Мне 19, я из России. В ноябре 2021 прошлого года, меня призвали в армию(у нас есть призывная армия) . 24 февраля 2022 поменялось всё. Я был полон воодушевления и гордости за свою страну, я рвался в бой. Я тут же подписал военный контракт на 4 месяца и меня отправили на Украину, на Донбасс, в Донецкую область. Что я увидел на войне? Огромное количество смертей, братские могилы, тысячи убитых солдат, я нюхал 4 месяца запах пота, крови и гнилых трупов, все это просто вьелось в память. Я попадал под обстрел, моих товарищей разорвало у меня на глазах. После окончания службы, я вернулся домой. Я, уже не я. Я не могу понять, почему все радуются, все отдыхают, ведь там на фронте каждый день убивают сотни людей. Это самый настоящий ужас, не попадаете на войну, я до сих пор не могу нормально уснуть, я каждый день вспоминаю свою службу, и это ужасно. Фильм, кстати, очень тяжкий, и к сожалению очень жизненый
My friend, I’m deeply saddened by your trauma. War is not something that should be easily dismissed as normal. Killing is not normal for humans. God bless you though and I pray healing for you. ✝️
@@storminscellar7207, спасибо большое за ваше тёплое пожелание❤. Но я считаю, что в убийстве нет ничего плохого. Когда ты убиваешь человека, ты испытываешь:
1)Азарт
2)Чувство собственной важности
3)Понимание того, что одной проблемой стало меньше
4)Чувство своего превосходства и... удовольствие, что-ли. Ты чувствуешь себя победителем, ты бог. Когда я совершил первое убийство все казалось неправильным, и это наверное хорошо, да? Когда ты убиваешь постоянно ты чувствуешь себя победителем. Этого к сожалению мне не хватает в мирной жизни, я больше не победитель