A film by Jean-Luc Godard
Features: DVD, Aspect Ratio 1.33:1, Hi-fi Stereo, English, Subtitled
Completed in 1960 but banned from release in France until 1963 due to its content dealing with the Algerian war, Le Petit Soldat is Jean-Luc Godard's second feature film production, completed immediately following his ground-breaking release of 1959's Breathless. The story follows Bruno Forestier (Michel Subor), A French Army deserter working for a right-wing terrorist group, assigned to kill a journalist sympathetic to the Algerian cause. He himself becomes a target of a leftist group that wants information he possesses about their enemies. Captured and tortured, he manages to escape and plans to flee to South America with Veronica (Anna Karina), the woman he loves. His terrorist employers, however, have other plans. They kidnap Veronica and threaten to kill her unless he completes his assassination assignment.
Editor's Note
Jean Luc Godard's follow-up to his Nouvelle Vague landmark and debut feature, BREATHLESS, LES PETIT SOLDAT was originally banned in France because of its frank depiction of the Algerian War, which was tearing France apart at the time of the film's completion. Michel Subor stars as Bruno, a hitman under contract by the French government who suddenly develops a conscience and a philosophy when he is ordered to kill a left wing Arab leader. His newfound ideals are provoked by the stunning Veronica (Karina), a young woman who is secretly employed by the Arabs. The two fall in love, and, not surprisingly, Bruno finds it impossible to carry out his mission, bringing down the wrath of the French government on both he and Veronica. Beautifully filmed by Raoul Coutard, LES PETIT SOLDAT is less interested in the mechanics of plot as it is in providing Godard a voice for thoughts and musings on the politics and horrors of the Algerian War.
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