The Little Soldier
The Little Soldier

Movie spotlight

The Little Soldier

1963
Movie
87 min
French

Despite his lack of political convictions, photojournalist Bruno Forestier is roped into a paramilitary group waging a shadow war in Geneva against the Algerian independence movement.

Insights

IMDb7.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes75%
Director: Jean-Luc GodardGenres: Drama, War, Thriller

Plot Summary

Set during the Algerian War, the film follows Bruno Forestier, a French intelligence agent tasked with assassinating a man suspected of collaborating with the FLN. As Bruno navigates the dangerous political landscape and his own moral ambiguities, he becomes entangled with Veronica, a mysterious woman who complicates his mission and his loyalties.

Critical Reception

Initially banned in France for its controversial portrayal of the Algerian War, 'Le Petit Soldat' has since been recognized as a significant work in Godard's filmography and a precursor to his later explorations of political and existential themes. Critics often praise its stylistic innovation and Anna Karina's performance.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its bold stylistic choices and Godard's signature directorial flair.

  • Considered a challenging yet rewarding exploration of political engagement and personal identity.

  • Anna Karina's performance is frequently highlighted as a standout element.

Google audience: Audience reception is not widely available or tracked through Google reviews for this specific film.

Awards & Accolades

None notable, primarily due to its initial censorship and limited release.

Fun Fact

The film was banned in France for three years upon its completion in 1960 due to its depiction of the Algerian War and was only released after the war's conclusion in 1963.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
CRCulver

CRCulver

Shot in 1960, but banned until 1963 due to its frank treatment of French torture of Algerian separatists, Jean-Luc Godard's <i>Le petit soldat</i> is a political thriller mixed with a love story. Bruno (Michel Subor) is a French agent in Ge...