Coward’s Review – Soldiers find escape and love in a war game series | Video

Tthe theme song is not used at any point in the film, but its importance is clear. On the western side during the First World War, Belgian soldiers are given permission to create a troupe, often in drag, to entertain their comrades behind the lines and raise their spirits (not unlike the much-maligned 70s BBC TV drama. Directed by Lukas Dhont, who has explored gay and transgender issues in films such as Girl and Close, the issue of homosexuality in the military is heartfelt and well-acted, if explored. seriously.

The motley “group of rejects”, which apparently excused themselves for various reasons, is led by Francis (Valentin Campagne), a tailor of ordinary life who is now very happy with the new job that the war has given him. He is cheerful, aggressive, thoughtful and sincerely devoted to his acting skills. The fun that follows seems to be expertly executed. (Did these early World War II terrorist shows really have people playing the flute and clarinet?) A handsome, shy soldier named Pierre (Emmanuel Macchia) is fascinated by these kinds of performances by Francis himself; he deliberately stabs himself in the hand with a bayonet on the battlefield so that he can join their group.

All these actors have to covertly or openly bear the fear. For Francis and Pierre, the case becomes very difficult. At the height of their love, they wonder if they should run away, run away together to a neutral country like Switzerland or Spain, and publicly prove who they are. But are they too timid? Interestingly, it is not the case of a group that presents a game show in public. Francis and the players have to repeat the after-dinner rebuke of the upper class and put up with their loose behavior; they also had to produce small entertainments, such as children’s shows, for the seriously wounded in hospitals, and even put on military, patriotic shows for soldiers about to go to war.

Francis himself is as disciplined, tough as any sergeant, who will not stand for Pierre or anyone else neglecting their role in the show so they can escape. Francis is honest about how much he loves his performances, even if he loves the war. “We are free here,” says Pierre; they are free to express themselves creatively and, of course, with love and affection. The war has given them the chance to be who they really are. Like life and love, the war can be very short. It’s really confusing.

There is much that is important and interesting in this movie, although it is a little obvious in what it says and how it is said, although Campagne and Macchia give performances as secret lovers in the shadow of war.