What we know about Daniel Bruhl’s Netflix film ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’
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What we know about Daniel Bruhl’s Netflix film 'All Quiet on the Western Front'

Netflix is gradually adding a lot of German content, extending its partnership with German film and series contributors. From Dark, Unorthodox to The Wave, The Perfume and more, Netflix has seen a surge in viewership when it comes to German content. Besides 1899 set to be released from the creators of Dark, Netflix will be producing the tragic war drama All Quiet on the Western Front soon. 

Directed by BAFTA-winning director Edward Berger, known for Patrick Melrose and Jack, the script has been co-written by journalist Ian Stokell and actor Lesley Paterson. Following their fruitful collaboration in The Bike Ride and The Negotiation

The team is joined by the award-winning, incredible cinematographer James Friend who has worked with Berger in the past. Produced by Malte Grunert and Daniel Dreifuss, Daniel Bruhl will also be a part of executive production, besides starring in the film. 

Grunert is convinced that Berger will be able to add a “very meaningful and contemporary take on the story” and provide a “powerful” and “impressive cinematic experience to the viewers”. 

In an interview, Berger stated that such a “physical, visceral and very modern film” had not yet been made from the German perspective, which allows them “the chance to make an anti-war film that will truly touch [our] audience”. 

Before the release of the film, here is everything that we need to know about All Quiet on the Western Front

All about Daniel Bruhl’s Netflix film All Quiet on the Western Front 

What s the All Quiet on the Western Front about?

The Netflix film is set to be adapted from the famous eponymous World War I classic novel by German veteran Erich Maria Remarque, who provided a humbling narrative derived from his own experiences about the tragedy and futility of warfare.

It shall focus on the story of teenage friends Paul Baumer, Albert and Muller, who will be inspired by the rising patriotism in the country and voluntarily enlist in the military to prove their bravado. However, this nationalistic fervour will soon disintegrate into despair, disillusionment and horror as they are forced to face the brutalities of war. Questioning their morals and motives, they are left hollow and writhing in emotional and psychological pain.

The producer Malte Grunert has spoken up about the film’s relevance and has praised the book for having “retained all its impact and power” nearly a century after its publication as it touches on the most relevant topic of all time- “the utter senselessness” of war.

Berger, a fan of the novel, spoke of how it was successfully able “to convey the inhuman terror of war perhaps more impressively than any other literary work” before adding that “creating its German film adaptation is one of the most exciting challenges of all”.

Who are the cast members on All Quiet on the Western Front?

All Quiet on the Western Front has quite an intriguing ensemble. Known for his roles in The Alienist, Captain America: Civil War, The Falcon and The Winter Soldier and Rush, Golden Globe nominee Daniel Bruhl will be joined by a stellar cast.

The likes of German newbie Felix Kammerer, Albrecht Schuch from Bad Banks, Michael Wittenborn from Merz Gegen Merz, David Striesow from Dignity, Edin Hasanovic from Skylines, The Last Word’s Aaron Hilmer as well as Sebastian Hulk from Dark will all take roles. 

What is the production status of All Quiet on the Western Front?

The filming had begun in March 2021, taking place mainly in Germany, Belgium and the Czech Republic. 

In April 2021, while in an interview for The Falcon and The Winter Soldier, Daniel Bruhl showed off his new look and confirmed that filming had begun in Prague. 

Netflix revealed the first look of the film in May 2021 and it had been reported that filming concluded on May 27, 2021.

Since then, the film has been in post-production. 

When will All Quiet on the Western Front stream on Netflix? 

It is extremely difficult to pull off a war period drama during a raging pandemic. It takes a great deal of effort during and post-production to attain the desired heights.

Given the status of production, we are speculating on a late 2022 release.