Gradually it becomes clearer that, starting with Le Petit Soldat, Godard was forging his own individualistic art and becoming the most relevant director of our time.
Le Petit Soldat (1960)
Tomatometer
How does the Tomatometer work ![]()
Reviews Counted:10
Fresh:7
Rotten:3
Average Rating:6.4/10
Runtime: 88 mins
Genre: Foreign Films
Synopsis: 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... 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. [More]
Starring: Michel Subor, Anna Karina, Laszlo Szabo
Starring: Michel Subor, Anna Karina, Laszlo Szabo
Director: Jean-Luc Godard
Director: Jean-Luc Godard
Get This Movie
Reviews for Le Petit Soldat
ubor's contemplative voice-over and Raoul Coutard's somber cinematography make this seem severe compared to the jazzy exuberance of Breathless.
Godard is most clear in showing that the Left and Right are two sides of the same coin.
Looked at in the context of Godard's later, militant work, this film's analysis is at once naive and fascinating.
A lean and witty piece of politically engaged filmmaking that combines all the drive of a thriller with Godard's own, singular, New Wave aesthetic.
Le Petit Soldat is far more confusing than Breathless, jumping in and out of scenes without letting the audience get a grasp on the narrative.
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 44% 44% | Night at the Museum: B… |
| 32% 32% | Terminator Salvation |
| 36% 36% | Angels & Demons |
| 95% 95% | Star Trek |
| 25% 25% | Four Christmases |
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 83% 83% | Harry Potter and the H… |
| 67% 67% | Public Enemies |
| 75% 75% | Julie & Julia |
| 95% 95% | The Cove |
| 85% 85% | World's Greatest Dad |
RT On Current TV
DIRECTV 358 | Comcast 107 | DISH Network 196 | More...
What’s Hot On RT
Other News
CloseSponsored Links
Around The Network
- Le Petit Soldat at Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh Links
Featured

Techland lists the best Sci-Fi films of this decade.

Moviefone takes a look back at the biggest stinkers of the past 10 years.

The Me and Orson Welles star answers reader questions on TIME.com.

Hollywood.com's C. Robert Cargill offers his thoughts on what the best decade for film was.

In the AV Club's "Scenic Routes," Mike D'Angelo reminisces about the Tim Burton film.
Promos

Get the latest Tomatometer updates on upcoming movies!



Top Critic


