It seems that I am going to buck the trend with my opinions of this film.
Not really a new version of the classic films and of course the original book but had certain scenes and a basic story line that linked it in. It failed to create the detail of the group of young men off to war and the veterans who looked after them so that when they gradually died it lacked an impact. However like most war films its anti war and the futility of war was obviously the main underlying story in the book and films and this specific film really pushed that boundary.
It also had a back story linked to the negotiation and the final agreement of the armistice.
Some spoilers below so be aware.
However I found it an excellent WW1 film. The look of it was superb and the cinematography wos nothing short of gorgeous. The scenes of crisp bright mornings transposed against the filth of life in the trenches was very well done. There were lots of subtle things going on in many scenes . My favourite was the two characters sitting on the toilet reading their mail. Set in a wood with a beautiful blue sky. Taking no notice of the air battle raging overhead. Very clever ideas all the way through. I also liked the opening sections showing the reusing of uniforms and equipment. That was very poignant.
The acting was a bit stiff but that may be a German style given its similar to such classics as Das Boot and Stalingrad but having recently watched SAS Rogue Heroes which is way over the top I prefer the more natural style of this film.
The battle scenes were pretty convincing and the trench clearances suitably brutal. The flame throwers were horrific
It was slightly too long but so was Das Boot to my mind.
In short I was expecting little but was very surprised at how good it was. I cannot recommend it enough. Really very impressed.
If I watched it again I would fast forward through a lot of it though