Play4film's point of view:

"Shoulder Arms" is probably the most famous mid-length film directed by the genius Charlie Chaplin. It is a concentrated mix of the enormous artistic gifts of the man many consider to be the greatest director of the twentieth century. In this 46 minute film Charlie 'the tramp's' poetics are already evident, intent on fighting in the Great War yet shocked at finding himself in the trenches. Between dream and reality, between hilarious gags and pacifist reflections which were quite unusual for that time - the film was made in 1928 when the First World War was about to end - "Shoulder Arms" is a must for all lovers of good Cinema.