The “soldier” is one of film’s most enduring and popular figures — Tom Cruise in Born on the Fourth of July, Charlie Sheen in Platoon, Tom Hanks in Saving Private Ryan, Sylvester Stallone in Rambo…
Whether he is the hero who serves as an example to all, or the ordinary man in search of survival, the “soldier” crystallizes and personalizes the power issues of war. He can stir up patriotism – either to rehabilitate himself after a crisis or reaffirm a forgotten identity – or he can be become a symbol of the absurdity of war: a simple foot soldier who pays with his blood for the mistakes of his government. Carrier of elation or criticism – or both – “the soldier of cinema” carries in him our ambiguous relationship with war.
In recounting his journey in uniform, from his mobilization to his difficult return home, and looking at his social status and behavior when in danger, The Soldier: A Life in Movies dives into the heart of a genre to give us the ultimate, in-depth reflection on war and image.
Series Title: A Life in Movies
Genre: Art & Culture, Documentary Series
Director: Jean-Philippe Gunet
Writers: Jean-Philippe Gunet, Olivier Roussille
Producer: French Connection Films
Year: 2013
Length: 52 minutes
Languages: French
Partners: Orange Cinema Series, CNC (French Film Board)
Broadcasters: Orange Cinema Series
English
Français