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.
