The 317th Platoon

The 317th Platoon is a potent drama war film directed by Pierre Schoendoerffer produced in 1965. The lead roles feature celebrated actors Jacques Perrin, Bruno Cremer, and Pierre Fabre. The film focuses on the intricate details and tensions inherent to combat and survival in the dense jungles of Indochina. The film is significant as it is based on the director's experiences as a war journalist during the First Indochina War, providing a raw and realistic depiction of warfare in a hostile environment.

In the central roles, Jacques Perrin plays the young and idealistic Lieutenant Torrens, and Bruno Cremer plays the seasoned and pragmatic Adjutant Willsdorff. A clear contradistinction arises between their military philosophies and character traits, which adds palpable tension to the story. Pierre Fabre, the SGT Roudier portrays the tireless foot soldier, who is dedicated to his duty.

As the film unravels, viewers are transported to the battlefields of 1954 French Indochina. The 317th Platoon, a unit of French soldiers, is assigned the challenging task of ensuring the withdrawal of other units, a weighty and complex mission that exposes them to the brutal nature of warfare and the challenges of wilderness survival. The platoon needs to traverse through enemy territories and dense forest, making their journey exceptionally treacherous.

One of the most striking aspects of the movie is its brutally honest portrayal of combat. The film takes a realistic, almost documentary-like approach showcasing the psychological tensions and physical hardships that come with battling not only an enemy force but the unforgiving nature of the wilderness. The soldiers battle with not just their physical adversaries, but also with fear, fatigue, and their own private demons. The filmmakers skillfully handle these themes, creating a rich, layered portrayal of the complexities of warfare that goes beyond simple good-versus-evil battle narratives.

This adventure and drama movie flawlessly presents the rift within the team, primarily driven by the conflicting beliefs and attitudes of the soldier's leadership. Lieutenant Torrens, a fresh officer from the military school, shows signs of nervousness and uncertainty given the challenging circumstances and is full of idealistic notions of honor and sacrifice. On the contrary, Adjutant Willsdorff is a heavily experienced veteran of the Algerian and Indo-China wars, who holds a more pragmatic and survival-centric approach. Their contrasting perspectives cause engaging dynamics within the team and contribute much to the narrative progress.

Another crucial aspect of The 317th Platoon is its cinematography. The black-and-white film creates an evocative atmosphere radiating a sense of danger and uneasiness. Furthemore, the director's journalistic experiences inform the production techniques, making the film feel more like watching a newsreel than a traditional action movie. From detailed scenes of the men setting up camp to heart-wrenching sequences of combat and survival struggle, every scene is crafted meticulously to provide insight into the life of a soldier on a high-risk mission.

The film's music, composed by Pierre Jansen, complements the intensity of the narrative with a haunting but beautiful score. The score plays a pivotal role in elevating the emotional depth of the film, particularly highlighting the courage, fear, and determination of the soldiers.

The 317th Platoon strings together individual stories, personal quandaries, philosophical differences, and displays the humanity beneath each uniform. This classic movie transcends borders and time, offering a timeless portrayal of war's nightmarish reality and psychological toll on the men who fight it.

Overall, The 317th Platoon is a thought-provoking, open-ended film that doesn't glorify war, but rather, through an examination of its demands and effects, depicts it with an unflinching eye. It's a film that, despite being over half a century old, retains its relevance and its power to resonate with viewers of all backgrounds and walks of life. A must-watch for students of film and history, as well as those interested in deep psychological and ethical inquiry.