Daniel Bruhl ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’ Netflix Movie: What We Know So Far

After the success of Dark and Unorthodox, Netflix continues to expand its German-language and German-language productions. Besides 1899 from Dark creators, Netflix is producing All Quiet on the Western Front, an adaptation of Erich Maria Remarque’s 1929 novel of the same name. This production is expected to be the largest-budget ever to come from Germany, and it will only be available on Netflix. Here’s everything we know so far about All Quiet on the Western Front (IM WESTEN NICHTS NEUES).

BAFTA nominee and Emmy nominee Edward Berger will direct, while Lesley Paterson, a former Washington Post journalist, and Lesley Paterson, will produce the script. The duo have previously collaborated on other short films like The Negotiation or The Bike Ride.

James Friend, a renowned cinematographer (Patrick Melrose and Your Honour), will serve as the director of photography. Malte Grunert of Amusement Park will produce the film (The Aftermath, Land of Mine) and Daniel Dreifuss, (Sergio, No). Executive producer of the film is Daniel Bruhl, who was also a lead actor in The Falcon and Winter Soldier.

Amusement Park Film GmbH is behind this production.

In an interview, Edward Berger, Director of the film shared his enthusiasm about working on it.

“It is a physical, visceral and very modern film that has never been told from my country’s perspective, it has never been made into a German-language film. We now have the chance to make an anti-war film that will truly touch our audience.”

In the same interview, Malte Grunert, producer, added:

“In the hands of Edward [Berger], it will be a very meaningful and contemporary take on the story, a powerful film and an impressive cinematic experience.”

What’s the plot of All Quiet on the Western Front?

Lew Ayres (left) and Ben Alexander (right) in All Quiet on the Western Front (1930)

Netflix’s All Quiet on the Western front is an adaptation of the classic World War I novel of the same name by German veteran infantryman and famous author Erich Maria Remarque. It was published by Remarque in 1929. The sobering tale of war's futility is still taught throughout the world.

Variety has the following to report on the synopsis for the movie:

“The story follows teenagers Paul Baumer and his friends Albert and Muller, who voluntarily enlist in the German army, riding a wave of patriotic fervour that quickly dissipates once they face the brutal realities of life on the front. Paul’s preconceptions about the enemy and the rights and wrongs of the conflict soon crumble. However, amid the countdown to Armistice, Paul must carry on fighting until the end, with no purpose other than to satisfy the top brass’ desire to end the war on a German offensive.”

Malte Grunert, producer of the film, spoke out about its importance and relevancy.

“’All Quiet on the Western Front’ to this day is indeed the definitive novel about war and the utter senselessness of it. War knows no heroes. One hundred years after its publication ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’ has retained all its impact and power. 

Edward Berger stated also:

“This German world bestseller is able to convey the inhuman terror of war perhaps more impressively than any other literary work. For me, creating its first German film adaptation is one of the most exciting challenges of all.”

Who plays in All Quiet on The Western Front?

The film will star Golden Globes nominee Daniel Bruhl, who is most known for his roles in The Alienist, Rush and Captain America: Civil War and Disney’s The Falcon and Winter Soldier. Netflix announced the remaining cast members for All Quiet On the Western Front in May 2021. It includes German newcomer Felix Kammerer, Albrecht Schuch (Bad Banks), Aaron Hilmer (The Last Word), Edin Hasanovic (Skylines), Devid Striesow (Dignity), Michael Wittenborn (Merz gegen Merz) and Sebastian Hulk (Dark).

What’s the production status of the film?

Current Production Status: Post-Production. (Last Updated: 16/08/2021).

In March 2021, filming began for All Quiet on the Western Front. The majority of filming was done on location in Belgium and Germany. During an interview for The Falcon, Daniel Bruhl revealed that filming had begun in Prague (Czech Republic) and showcased his new appearance.

Netflix released the first glimpse of the movie in May 2021 and said that filming had been underway since March.

Filming for 2021 was completed as of May 27, and is currently in post-production.

What date will All Quiet on the Western Front become available on Netflix?

A period war drama filmed on location during a pandemic isn’t the most simple and easy shoot along with a significant amount of post-production as is the standard for period films.

According to Netflix Germany, the movie is eying a Winter 2022 release date which means it’ll almost certainly release in December 2022.

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