Netflix viewers will be pleased to learn that a “masterpiece” war film based on a book, which fans have described as “10/10”, is streaming on the platform. All Quiet on the Western Front has been hailed as the “best war book” by Goodreads fans, but the film version has also been given its flowers.

This German film, released in 2022, follows Paul Bäumer, a young German soldier who enthusiastically enlists to fight in World War I but gradually loses his enthusiasm as he experiences the harsh realities of trench warfare. Played by Felix Kammerer, the film is based on the semi-autobiographical novel of the same name by Erich Maria Remarque, a German veteran of World War 1. Directed by Edward Berger, it is a compelling and personal account that homes in on the psychological impact of warfare. Though the characters are fictional, their experiences are based on real events that Remarque faced. It also powerfully illustrates the waste and suffering of war, focusing on the brutality and impact on soldiers rather than glorifying heroism.

The film’s synopsis reads: “All Quiet on the Western Front tells the gripping story of a young German soldier on the Western Front of World War I. Paul and his comrades experience firsthand how the initial euphoria of war turns into desperation and fear as they fight for their lives, and each other, in the trenches.”

On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has an impressive 90% rating. The critics’ consensus states: “Both timely and timeless, All Quiet on the Western Front retains the power of its classic source material by focusing on the futility of war.”

One viewer said: “All Quiet on the Western Front (2022) A powerful story about the daily lives of soldiers who fought in various wars and deplorable conditions. This film is quite impactful and sensational; the cinematography is wonderful, and the performances are a real delight. We need more movies like this in our lives.”

Another said: “I don’t give perfect ratings for war films usually; however, this one was truly a spectacular masterpiece in filmmaking. All the cast was personable and phenomenally grounded and real. The director did an incredible job. Mind-blowingly visceral and gritty. The best war film, in my view, since Saving Private Ryan. 1917 is just under this one for me.”

One reviewer described the film, stating: “Well, well well, I’m just lost for words after watching this masterpiece. It’s rare I get to say this about films since I’m extremely picky, but this was absolutely exceptional.”

Another reviewer said: “I truly believe that this is one of the best, 10/10 films that I have ever seen, and would give it more stars if possible. This movie is both thrilling and devastating.”

A critic said: “An emotionally powerful anti-war epic that portrays WWI in a cruel, merciless, disturbing, truly traumatic manner through the gradually more sensitive eyes of a German soldier. Hypnotising performances.”

“All Quiet on the Western Front is undoubtedly one of the best films of 2022 and one of the best war films of all time,” hailed another critic.

All Quiet on the Western Front is available to stream on Netflix.