MovieChat Forums > Paths of Glory (1957) Discussion > Was it really ethical of them like that ...

Was it really ethical of them like that to SPOILERS...

posted 3 months ago by TheMan18 (12670)
4 replies | jump to latest

... sentence those soldiers to death for "cowardice"? And also...

Even when Kirk Douglas' character stated in court about how immoral such a decision is, the jury, judge etc, didn't even remotely consider changing their minds and feel that such a decision is either wrong or not worth all this trouble, why couldn't they just let them go?

[–] pazuzu9 (310) 3 months ago

Can't just let the soldiers do what they want. Have to keep discipline.

[–] TimeTunnel (4769) 3 months ago

Agreed.
But under the given circumstances they had to be executed for disobeying orders (insubordination) and not for "cowardice".
Aside from the fact that even for a military court this verdict was rushed, unfair and manipulated.

[–] TheMan18 (12670) 3 months ago

Yes, but DEATH SENTENCE for something like that is a bit TOO MUCH or even EXCESSIVELY EXTREME in my opinion, and in others' too. No?

[–] pazuzu9 (310) 3 months ago

That's kind of the whole point of the movie isn't it? The generals want to sacrifice some men to take an insignificant hill to further their careers.