Les Centurions (1966) โ Detailed Review
Directed by: Mark Robson
Starring: Anthony Quinn, Alain Delon, George Segal, Claudia Cardinale, Maurice Ronet
Based on: Les Centurions by Jean Lartรฉguy
Overview
Les Centurions (also known as Lost Command) is a war drama that examines Franceโs colonial conflicts in the mid-20th century. Adapted from Jean Lartรฉguyโs influential novel, the film follows French paratroopers who, after suffering a devastating defeat in the First Indochina War, regroup and shift their focus to fighting the Algerian War.
Anthony Quinn stars as Lieutenant Colonel Pierre Raspeguy, a hardened soldier determined to rebuild his reputation after being captured at the Battle of Dien Bien Phu. Leading a new unit of paratroopers, he employs controversial counterinsurgency tactics against the Algerian revolutionaries. However, as the war intensifies, Raspeguy and his men find themselves questioning the morality of their actions, blurring the line between duty and brutality.
Plot Summary
The film begins with the catastrophic fall of French forces at Dien Bien Phu in 1954, where Raspeguy and his men are captured by the Viet Minh. After being released, Raspeguy struggles to find a role in the post-Indochina military but is eventually given command of a new paratrooper unit to fight in Algeria.
Raspeguyโs leadership is both strategic and ruthless. His unit includes Captain Esclavier (Alain Delon), an idealistic officer who grows increasingly conflicted about Franceโs tactics, and Mahidi (George Segal), a former ally turned Algerian resistance leader. As the war escalates, Raspeguyโs counterinsurgency efforts become more extreme, including torture and psychological warfare, leading to tensions within his ranks.
The climax of the film sees Raspeguyโs unit hunting Mahidi in the mountains of Algeria, forcing a confrontation that is as much ideological as it is physical. The film ends on an ambiguous note, leaving the audience to reflect on the cost of war and the blurred ethics of military intervention.
Themes & Analysis
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The Ethics of War
The film does not shy away from the brutal realities of colonial warfare. It portrays the French struggle to maintain control over Algeria while acknowledging the growing resentment and resistance from the local population. The moral dilemmas faced by Esclavier, who initially supports the mission but later questions its brutality, highlight the internal conflicts within the French military. -
Guerrilla Warfare & Counterinsurgency
Les Centurions explores the shift from traditional battlefield tactics to modern counterinsurgency methods, including psychological warfare and torture. These elements reflect real-life military strategies employed by the French during the Algerian War, which later influenced American tactics in Vietnam. -
Loyalty & Betrayal
The relationship between Raspeguy and Mahidi represents the broader struggle between colonial forces and revolutionaries. Once allies, they become bitter enemies, mirroring Franceโs shifting alliances and the fractured nature of colonial rule. -
Post-Colonial Reflection
While the film was made from a French perspective, it does not fully glorify colonialism. Instead, it presents a nuanced view of the conflicts, showing both the determination of the French soldiers and the legitimacy of the Algerian resistance. However, it still leans towards a pro-military stance, simplifying some of the more complex political issues.ย
Performances & Direction
- Anthony Quinn delivers a powerful performance as Raspeguy, embodying the hardened, pragmatic soldier who struggles between honor and necessity.
- Alain Delon provides a strong counterpoint as Esclavier, portraying the conflict of conscience that many soldiers faced during these wars.
- George Segal plays Mahidi with depth, giving voice to the Algerian side of the conflict, though his character is somewhat underdeveloped compared to the French protagonists.
- Claudia Cardinale, as Aicha, provides a human element to the Algerian resistance but is underused in the narrative.
Mark Robsonโs direction keeps the action engaging, with well-staged battle sequences and a tense, dramatic atmosphere. The cinematography captures both the vast landscapes of Algeria and the claustrophobic tension of urban warfare, adding to the filmโs immersive quality.
Criticism & Legacy
While Les Centurions is an engaging war film, it simplifies some of the more complex themes from Lartรฉguyโs novel. The book delves deeper into the psychological and ethical struggles of counterinsurgency, whereas the film focuses more on action and military drama. Additionally, the portrayal of Algerians is somewhat one-dimensional, with the film centering heavily on the French perspective.
Despite these shortcomings, Les Centurions remains an important film for its time, offering a rare cinematic exploration of the Algerian Warโa conflict often overlooked in Hollywood war films. Its influence can be seen in later military dramas, particularly those dealing with guerrilla warfare and counterinsurgency.
Final Verdict
Les Centurions is a compelling war film with strong performances and gripping battle sequences. While it does not fully capture the depth of its source material, it provides a thought-provoking look at the ethics of modern warfare. Fans of military history and war dramas will find it a fascinating watch, especially in how it portrays the transition from conventional combat to counterinsurgency.
โญโญโญโญ (4/5)
๐๏ธ Recommended for fans of war films, military history, and political dramas.
