Cafard
Cafard

Cafard

2015Movie92 minFrench

August 1914. While Jean Mordant is away winning the title of Wrestling Champion of the World in Buenos Aires, his daughter Mimi is raped by German occupiers in Ostend. Jean swears he will avenge this immoral disgrace. With his coach Victor and young nephew Guido, he enrolls in the prestigious ACM (Armored Car Division). But the heavily-built armored vehicles keep getting stuck in the mud of Flanders. The battalion is hastily transferred to the Eastern front. Jean is devastated by frustration for he has just learned that Mimi is pregnant. But war conditions are ruthless and he and his friends embark on a dramatic journey that ultimately will drag them around the world.

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Insights

IMDb6.1/10
Director: Jan BultheelGenres: Animation, Drama, War

Plot Summary

In a dystopian future, a young Belgian man named Job is sent to fight in a brutal war against an unseen enemy. He is a 'cafard', a soldier programmed for self-sacrifice and to carry out suicide missions. Plagued by doubt and grappling with the moral implications of his existence, Job's journey delves into themes of identity, free will, and the dehumanizing nature of war. His experiences on the battlefield force him to confront his programmed reality and seek a path to true liberation.

Critical Reception

Cafard received mixed to positive reviews, with many critics praising its unique animation style and ambitious themes. However, some found its narrative somewhat convoluted and its philosophical undertones heavy-handed. It was particularly noted for its daring approach to animation within a war film context.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its visually striking and innovative animation style.
  • Acknowledged for tackling complex themes of war, identity, and free will.
  • Some criticism for a narrative that could be challenging to follow at times.

Google audience: Information not available.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for the Golden Bear at the 66th Berlin International Film Festival.

Fun Fact

The film's distinctive visual style was achieved using a combination of rotoscoping and 3D animation techniques to create a gritty, hand-drawn aesthetic.

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