Beyond war
More than just a war movie, it shows us the eternal obsession for status ever present in most men who climb the ranks. Will this ever stop being the case? I doubt it. The reason I call it beyond war is because this phenomenon is present in every structured hierarchy of society in which status is rewarded. Be it in a company, a sports team, even a simple social circle. Every simpleton wants the "Cross of Iron", whatever it might be. Everyone wants status. Well, almost everyone.
Some of the combat scenes felt a little bit too drawn out but other than that it's a great movie and worth a watch.