The Conscript ( De Loteling ) ( Le Conscrit )

The Conscript (DVD) (*)

~~$25.99~~ $22.98

Original Title: De Loteling
Alternate Title: Le Conscrit
Screened, competed or awarded at:
Berlin International Film Festival

Language Selections:
Dutch ( Dolby Digital 2.0 )
Dutch ( Subtitles )
English ( Subtitles )
French ( Dolby Digital 2.0 )
French ( Subtitles )

Product Origin/Format:
Belgium ( PAL/Region 0 )

Running Time:
83 min + 32 min extras

Aspect Ratio:
Widescreen (1.66:1)

Special Features:
Documentary
Interactive Menu
Scene Access
Trailer(s)
Booklet

Movie filmed in 1973 and produced in:
Belgium ( France, Benelux )

Directed By:
Roland Verhavert

Written By:
Roland Verhavert
Nic Bal

Actors:
Jan Decleir ..... Jan Braems
Ansje Beentjes ..... Katrien
Gaston Vandermeulen ..... Grootvader
Gella Allaert ..... Katriens moeder
Bernard Verheyden ..... Karel
Idwig Stephane ..... Korporaal
Eddy Asselbergs ..... Boef (I)
Leo Madder ..... Boef (II)
Denise Zimmerman ..... Vrouw van kommandant
Rudi Van Vlaenderen ..... Dokter
Johan Vanderbracht ..... Kommandant
Gilbert Charles ..... Maris
Werner Kopers ..... Hoertje
Marieke van Leeuwen
Roger Bolders

Synopsis:

This Belgian film tells of the appalling conditions soldiers were forced to serve under in the early 20th century. In the draft lottery, Jan Braems (Jan Decleir) has gone free. Another, less fortunate man offers him money (which he needs badly) to take his place, and he agrees, and enters the army. Not only does he suffer from near-starvation, approaching blindness and mistreatment, but his money is stolen. In addition, his girl back on the farm (Ansje Beentjes) cannot find anyone to help her run it, and things go poorly for her. In the end, she leave the farm and manages to rescue him from the military.

In 1833, when the fledgling Belgian kingdom still fears a Dutch invasion, recruits were selected annually from an age cohort by a draw of lots in each locality. In this grim, then contemporary drama by the 'father of Flemish literature', Hendrik Conscience, Jan Braems, a poor and naive farmers-boy, accepts the not uncommon offer by a rich family to sell his lucky ticket (out) to their son for a hefty sum compared to the miserable labor wages at the time. Army life is even harsher then a farmhand's, especially for a Dutch-speaking an-alphabet who simply can't understand his francophone superiors, and Jan's nature is not complacent enough for military discipline even by todays standards, so he soon gets into all kinds of trouble, including gambling his capital away and a venereal disease. When his girlfriend back home goes looking for him, her life is doomed as well.

This product was added to our catalog on Tuesday 03 October, 2006.

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