"Paths of Glory" is one of the most devastatingly powerful anti-war films. It ranks right up there with "All Quiet on the Western Front," "Apocalypse Now," "The Big Red One," and Kubrick’s own diabolically clever, "Dr. Strangelove."

"Paths of Glory" originally came out in 1957, but it is being re-released in theatres. It is just as timely and relevant today as when it was first released.

The film only cost $900,000 to produce, but it far outshines "Spartacus," a ten million-dollar epic by the same director. It was one of the first great films directed by the auteur/genius Stanley Kubrick. He later went on to do a series of mind blowing masterpieces including "Dr. Strangelove," "2001: A Space Odyssey," "A Clockwork Orange," "Full Metal Jacket" and his quirkily brilliant last film, "Eyes Wide Shut."

Kubrick’s films were wonderfully varied, but people associate him with science fiction, dystopian scenarios, and anti-militarism. Some actors hated working for him because he would often reshoot scenes dozens of times in his quest for perfection.

"Paths of Glory" takes place in World War I era France. Because the French did not approve of the film portraying any unflattering views of their military, they did not allow Kubrick to shoot it in France. He had to make the film in Germany instead. Ironically, most of the French troops in the battle scenes are played by German extras.

Kirk Douglas shines as the articulate and fair-minded Col. Dax, the commander of the 701st regiment of the French army. Dax’s commanders order him to take on an impossible suicide mission; which claimed the lives of 315,000 French soldiers. He is ordered to take Ant Hill, a strategic position, unassisted by immediate backup. The name is appropriate because the commanders see their soldiers as mere insects fighting over land. Dax’s commanders don’t seem especially concerned that he may lose most of his men because they think the target is worth the casualties.

Dax sends three men out to scout ahead. The three men chosen for the dangerous mission are Corporal Paris, LeJeune, and Lieutenant Roget (Wayne Morris), the most decorated man in the platoon, but he is a spiteful drunk. Interestingly enough, in real life Morris was a highly decorated pilot.

Roget accidentally kills LeJeune with a grenade, then he beats a hasty retreat and he lies to his superiors about it. Later on he misuses his power by trying to eliminate the only man who can dispute his story.

Later Dax leads the bloody attack on Ant Hill. The incredible battle scenes are presented in a series of alternating long shots, medium shots, and tracking shots. Even Winston Churchill was astonished at their authenticity

Thousands of French soldiers are instantly killed. Dax tries to order a surviving platoon to continue the attack. They are pinned down in a trench and refuse to budge. Incredibly, when Mireau sees his men in retreat, he orders his own men to fire upon them.

Mireau later looks for scapegoats to blame for the badly planned debacle. Three men are chosen at random, and one of the best scenes depicts their varied reactions to a severe punishment.

"Paths of Glory" does an exemplary job depicting one of the most disgraceful events in WW I, and it brilliantly shows the dehumanizing and alienating effects of military culture. There’s no chance that this film will ever be used as an army recruitment film.