The Conscript


The Conscript is a 1974 Belgian drama film directed by Roland Verhavert, based on the eponymous novel by Hendrik Conscience. It was entered into the 24th Berlin International Film Festival. It was also selected as the Belgian entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 47th Academy Awards, but was not accepted as a nominee.

Plot

Flanders, early 19th century. The poor farmer's boy Jan Braems takes the place of the son of a rich man who would've otherwise been drafted in the army. Braems joins the army, where he visits a prostitute and contracts an STD. After taking some ill advice from his comrades he washes his eyes with his own urine, which causes him to go blind. Nevertheless his girlfriend refuses to part from him, no matter what circumstances.

Cast