Der Mann, den sein Gewissen trieb

What a pleasant surprise! This touching story of the misery visited upon one man by the First World War leads to memorable statement about who is responsible for war. I will definitely share this video with my friends.

'The Man I Killed', or 'Broken Lullaby' to others, appealed to me right away. There are many great war films out there (though admittedly do prefer slightly other types of films) and its message is an admirable one. It is notable for being an atypical effort for the great Ernst Lubitsch, instead of comedy, romantic comedy and musicals, 'The Man I Killed' is perhaps his most serious film. Seeing Lionel Barrymore in one of his more dramatic roles was interesting too.

While there was no doubt in my mind that it would be good at least, 'The Man I Killed' was more than good. It was very, very good and so close to being great. It was great to see a change of pace from Lubitsch, and just as much to see excel so well at it. Not everybody succeeds when they do something different to usual, some have even failed, but Lubitsch does succeed wonderfully. He never directed a more moving or more emotionally powerful film and in its own right there is so much to recommend.

Am going to get the very few not so good things out of the way. It is a little over-sentimental in places, though there is a big emphasis on in places and on a little.

Despite some excellent moments that do bring a lump to the throat, Phillips Holmes at times overacts and it is at odds with the more subtle acting of everybody else.

Lubitsch however directs impeccably, he directs with a darker touch but it didn't to me get too dark or too heavy generally. Of the performances, which are near uniformly good, Barrymore is particularly magnificent. One of his most subtle performances and one of his most poignant and intense too, especially in one of the most powerful speeches of any film seen recently. ZaSu Pitts is also excellent. The production values have both grit and elegance, with some beautifully crafted and clever shots at the start especially.

Some very effective use of sound too, like with agreed the marching feet which was quite unsettling. The script is literate without being talky and the message is delivered with force and sincerity without being laid on too thick. The story is harrowing and poignant, as well as sensitively handled. If the sentiment was a little less, the storytelling would have been perfect.

In conclusion, very, very good and nearly great with almost everything being outstanding. 8/10

Most Definitely holds up and shows the intellectual capability, both Ideally & artistically. I strongly believe it will be better than some movies in 2032.

Lionel Barrymore had a beautiful/responsible speech that should be a household ideal because it definitely challenged me on my stance to the matter.

A haunting depiction of the moral after-effects of war (in this case, of World War I) on the life of a young French soldier who in a battlefield trench bayonets a young non-resisting German soldier. Reading a letter found on the deceased's body sets him on a trail of guilt in search of forgiveness. The pilgrimage leads him to Germany and the house of the dead man's parents. Though over-shadowed by the more famous "All Quiet on the Western Front", this film is no less poignant in its anti-war sentiment. In a few scenes the camera work is symbolically brilliant, adding a graphic depth to the dialog that follows. I saw it on TV in England; other reviewers report on it from Japan, Brazil, Canada, and the US. But never from DVD or video. Why not? It is a masterpiece worth preserving for generations to come, of those doubting the merits of war; worth buying and sharing.

it is easy to define it as pathetic. but it has the virtue to be one of the most convincing anti-war film. not only for the touching speech of the character of Lionel Barrymore front to his friends, for the need of Paul Renard to correct a terrible sin or for the final lullaby, but for the status of message between the two World Wars. this is the detail who gives more value to an exercise to define the need of peace than many others films about the same theme. because the ordinary recipes has fascinating nuances in this case. nuances who gives to it a special beauty. and a profound expression of compassion. the delicacy of feelings , the strong emotions, the preconceptions and the image of the other in dark nuances are covered in a real inspired eulogy of humanity.