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As we near the impending re-release of Stanley Kubrick’s masterpiece Paths of Glory, the occasion has been marked with a stunning new poster to accompany the title – featured above.

The 1957 picture, which came relatively early on into Kubrick’s career – nestled in between The Killing and Spartacus, is one of his more emotional endeavours, and as timeless now as it ever has been.

Starring Kirk Douglas in the lead role of Col. Dax, this poignant and harrowing war-time drama tells the tale of three soldiers who refuse to undertake a seemingly impossible attack in the midst of the brutal first World War. Their superior officers then decide to make an example of them all, sentencing them to death.

The film begins as a real war drama, out on the battlefield and in the trenches, shot beautifully in monochrome, looking so impressive up on the big screen today, almost over 50 years since this picture was shot. However the second half becomes more of a political, courtroom drama of sorts, exploring the lack of human empathy in such devastating surroundings, and the internal conflict that existed.

Though famed primarily for his later work, Kubrick’s innovative filmmaking, and incomparable ability to tell stories, ensures he is still considered, to this day, as one of the finest ever directors – and with Paths of Glory, you can see exactly why he holds such a reputation, as a film you really don’t want to miss while appearing once more on the big screen.

Paths of Glory is rereleased on May 2nd.