Watch Lost Command
- Approved
- 1966
- 2 hr 9 min
-
6.3 (2,378)
Lost Command is a 1966 war drama film directed by Mark Robson and starring Anthony Quinn, Alain Delon, and George Segal. Set in Algeria and France during the Algerian War, the film follows a group of paratroopers led by Colonel Raspeguy (Anthony Quinn) as they fight the National Liberation Front (FLN) while dealing with political intrigue and personal issues.
The film begins with Colonel Raspeguy and his men being sent to Algeria to help French authorities fight against the FLN, a nationalist political and military movement seeking independence for Algeria. Raspeguy, who has a reputation as a tough but effective leader, is tasked with training a group of Algerian soldiers to fight against the FLN. However, the mission proves to be challenging as Raspeguy finds himself dealing with disobedient soldiers and political tension between the French forces and the Algerian government.
As the conflict intensifies, Raspeguy finds himself torn between his loyalty to the French army and his sympathy for the Algerian people. Complicating matters is his relationship with Aicha (Michele Morgan), a Frenchwoman who has lived in Algeria for years and has a deep connection with the Algerian people. Aicha becomes a major source of conflict between Raspeguy and his superiors, who view her as a liability and a distraction.
Amid the chaos of the war, Raspeguy's past catches up with him in the form of his former comrade, Lieutenant Gabins (Alain Delon), who resents Raspeguy for leaving him behind during a WWII mission. Gabins is now a member of the FLN and plans to use his knowledge of Raspeguy's weaknesses to defeat him. Gabins' arrival coincides with a growing dissatisfaction among Raspeguy's men, who are frustrated with the lack of progress and the senseless killing. The situation comes to a head when Raspeguy's unit is ordered to massacre a village suspected of harboring FLN members, which leads to a mutiny.
The last act of the film takes place in France, where Raspeguy has been promoted to a high-ranking position in the army. However, his association with the Algerian war has made him a target of political rivals, who seek to discredit him and his accomplishments. As he faces a disciplinary hearing, Raspeguy reflects on the sacrifices he made during the war and the toll it took on his personal life.
Lost Command is a bleak and realistic portrayal of a brutal war and its impact on individuals and societies. The film explores themes such as imperialism, colonialism, and nationalism, and raises important questions about the morality and effectiveness of military interventions. The performances by the three leads - Anthony Quinn, Alain Delon, and George Segal - are strong and nuanced, with each actor bringing depth and complexity to their roles. The film's direction and cinematography are also noteworthy, capturing the gritty and chaotic nature of the conflict.
Overall, Lost Command is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant film that stands the test of time as a powerful anti-war statement.
Lost Command is a 1966 action movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 9 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.