The Young Lions

The Young Lions, released in 1958, is a captivating war drama based on the novel by Irwin Shaw. The film arrays an ensemble cast of acclaimed actors: Marlon Brando, Montgomery Clift, Dean Martin to name a few. The movie, directed by Edward Dmytryk, is hailed as a courageous cinematic testament about the impact of World War II on individuals on disparate sides.

Marlon Brando masterfully portrays the role of Christian Diestl, a young and optimistic ski instructor in the mountains of pre-war Austria, whose life changes dramatically once Adolf Hitler rises to power. Diestl, of German descent, superficially appears to subscribe to the Nazi propaganda being spread, only to be thrown into disillusionment as he "join the cause" in the German army and witnesses the corrupt and brutal aspects of the regime first hand. This deeply affecting performance cements Brando's status as an icon of Hollywood’s golden age.

Simultaneously run, but on the other side of the Atlantic, the film introduces Noah Ackerman (played by Montgomery Clift), a kind-hearted yet introspective Jewish soldier enlisted in the American Army. Through Ackerman's journey, The Young Lions synopsizes the societal discrimination that existed within America's own camps during the war. Completing the central trio is Dean Martin who tastefully portrays the character of Michael Whiteacre, a carefree and affluent stage performer initially pacifistic in his outlook towards the war but gradually finds himself drawn into it.

Throughout the film, these three story arcs, deliberately disjointed at first, merge into a powerful narrative, portraying the complexities of individuals and their conflict - within themselves and the war outside. The film cleverly explores such contrasting viewpoints and wrestles with the moral core of war, delving into how personal choices are influenced by and, in turn, reshape the overarching narrative of conflict.

What makes The Young Lions a standout piece of cinema is its audacity to venture into the psyche of a German soldier, a daring deviation from the conventional 'us vs them' perspective of World War II present in most Hollywood films of that era. It exposes a side of war that is not often seen, an unflinching look at how individuals are consumed by the manipulation of ideologies and the dehumanizing aspects of war.

The movie also strikes a balance by capturing the idiosyncratic resilience of the American spirit. It presents a nuanced depiction of American soldiers, their camaraderie, fears, and fortitude as they face the horrors of war far from home. The performances of Clift and Martin vividly capture the variegated emotions and experiences involved in such a turbulent period in history.

The Young Lions is armed with a potent screenplay, filled with vibrant characters, fluid dialogue, and curly plotlines that make the audience engage emotionally with each character. The cinematography is purposefully stark, utilizing both open landscapes and cramped domestic scenes to highlight the contrast between war and home – two worlds, poles apart yet connected by individuals.

Facing themes such as anti-Semitism, the righteousness of war and the manipulation of patriotism for military consumption, the film goes far beyond the simplistic derision of wartime enemies. Instead, it illuminates the humanity and cruelty on both sides, representing the people behind the nationalistic rhetoric and military uniforms, grappling with their individual consciences.

The film's title, The Young Lions, is allegorical hinting at the young men, forced into a conflict by their respective nations. It serves as a poignant reminder that wars are not fought by ideologies, dictatorships, or nations, but by regular people hurled into chaos, victims of circumstances much larger than them.

The Young Lions, with its compelling storytelling, multilayered characters and exploration of wartime ethics, disabuses the audience’s concept of classic war narratives. It moves beyond the conventional black and white divide, representing the war from multiple perspectives, making it a significant addition to the canon of World War II cinema. Thus, it remains a must-see film for those looking for realistic and thought-provoking war dramas.