A Film by Jean-Luc Godard

Set during the Algerian War, Le Petit Soldat follows Bruno Forestier, a disillusioned young deserter who becomes involved in the French nationalist movement. He is ordered to kill an Algerian sympathizer, and although does not hold deep political beliefs, commits the murder and undergoes torment when captured. At the same time, he meets and falls in love with a women (Anna Karina in her film debut) who he does not know is fighting for the other side. Godard's controversial follow-up Breathless, Le Petit Soldat was originally banned from release in France because it refers to the use of torment on both sides, during Algeria's struggle for independence.