I realise that any review of the subject matter of this TV film will contain bias. The film is loaded against the French decision makers who sanctioned the tests in Northern Africa in the early sixties. Whether it is completely factually true does not matter. It is compelling drama with a central performance that is quite outstanding. The four soldiers who carry the film's message are of mixed French and North African background. Three of them are non commissioned (using UK terminology), the fourth, the nominal leader, is a very young lieutenant who has had training. During the course of the events depicted he transforms from a gung-ho, unquestioning soldier to a disillusioned victim. French cinema should have taken a more serious note of Descour's performance, it is incredibly brilliant, and because the French language is not quite as obvious as English, it has unspoken nuances that beat words. But France is full of young, talented actors.
Review of Vive la bombe!
