The Conscript

In 1833, Jan Braems (Jan Decleir), a poor and naive farmer's boy, volunteers for military service in his place after being tricked by a wealthy family who bought his lucky ticket from him for a hefty sum. As he struggles to adapt to army life, including harsh discipline and misunderstandings due to speaking Dutch instead of French, Jan's life becomes increasingly complicated - including contracting venereal disease that eventually blinds him. His love life is also put in jeopardy when his girlfriend refuses to part from him despite the circumstances. The film is a grim portrayal of life in rural Flanders during the early 19th century.