In Paths of Glory, Stanley Kubrick delves into the dirty parts of war that most people like to avoid. When an impossible battle is suggested, viewers learn what people will do for the sake of the reputation and promotion. General Paul Mireau is willing to risk the lives of thousands of men so he can win even more praises from the people. Colonel Dax tries to convince him otherwise but cannot.

When the men cannot get past their own wire, they begin to retreat. Even Colonel Dax gives up on the battle that he already knew they would lose. Paul sees this and tries to get the artillery to fire on his own men and cover up the failure. When they refuse, he becomes angry and decides to have the troops court-marshaled.

Paul at first plans to kill one hundred men, but General George Broulard talks him into...