Soldier (2017)

Embarking on a journey that blurs the lines between youthful individualism and military conformity, "Soldier" is a powerful exploration of a young man's transition into adulthood set against the backdrop of the Argentine military. Nineteen-year-old Argentine, driven by a blend of necessity and a desire to please his mother, steps into the disciplined world of the army, trading his carefree existence for a life dictated by orders and punctuated by the rhythmic beats of a drum. His transformation from civilian to soldier takes place amidst the disciplined cadence of marching drills, the thunderous percussion of his drum in the military band, and the silent echoes of Argentina's dictatorial past. The story unfolds to reveal a poignant juxtaposition of his dual roles - a drummer in the military band and a soldier in a country untouched by war for four decades. As the young man grapples with the rigid hierarchy of the army, the film offers a unique lens through which to view the Argentine military's contemporary role, 40 years post-dictatorship. It poses compelling questions about the formation of a soldier in a nation devoid of wars, and the contradiction of his everyday life, a strange symphony of martial training and music. "Soldier" is an evocative coming-of-age tale, painting a riveting picture of a young man's struggle to balance his burgeoning individuality with the stark uniformity of the military. It's a profound exploration of identity, duty, and the sounds of silence in a "total institution."

Soldier is a documentary movie featuring Juan José Gonzalez and directed by Manuel Abramovich.

Soldier is currently streaming on GuideDoc.