Le Petit Soldat ("The Little Soldier") is a 1960 French film directed by Jean-Luc Godard. It is set during the Algerian War of Independence, which lasted from 1954 to 1962. The film depicts the complex political landscape of the time, in which numerous groups were fighting for their vision of a free Algeria.
The protagonist is Bruno Forestier, a young Frenchman living in Switzerland who has volunteered to work for a right-wing terrorist group that opposes Algerian independence. However, he soon becomes disillusioned with their tactics, which include torture and assassination. He meets and falls in love with a young woman named Veronica, who belongs to a left-wing terrorist group that supports Algerian independence. Despite their opposing views, they begin a passionate affair.
However, complications arise when Bruno is suspected by his own group of being a double agent. He is tasked with assassinating a prominent Algerian politician, but he secretly intends to warn him and prevent the assassination. Meanwhile, Veronica is arrested and tortured by the French authorities, who suspect her of terrorist activities.
The film is notable for its frank depiction of violence, sex, and politics. It was controversial upon its release and was initially banned in France due to its criticism of the French government's tactics during the war. It has since been regarded as a classic of French cinema and an important work in Godard's oeuvre.
