Soldier 2017
In Soldier (2017), Argentine director Manuel Abramovich crafts a poignant documentary that follows Juan José Gonzalez, a young man who enlists in the military not for combat, but to become the drummer in the Argentine Army's band.
Director: Manuel Abramovich
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Soldier (2017) about?
Soldier (2017) documents Juan José Gonzalez's experience enlisting in the Argentine Army to serve as a drummer in the military band. The film contrasts the structure of military training with the creative expression of music, reflecting on what it means to be a soldier in a country without active wars. It's a personal and societal portrait of service in Argentina today.
Who directed Soldier?
Soldier was directed by Manuel Abramovich, an Argentine filmmaker known for his documentary work that explores themes of identity, memory, and social institutions.
Who stars in Soldier?
The documentary centers on Juan José Gonzalez, with additional insights from members of the Argentine Army and military band.
Is Soldier (2017) worth watching?
Soldier (2017) is a thoughtful and visually compelling documentary that offers a fresh perspective on military life in a post-dictatorship nation. While it may not appeal to those seeking action or drama, its themes of duty, discipline, and cultural reflection make it a rewarding watch for fans of insightful, character-driven documentaries.
How long is Soldier?
Soldier (2017) has a runtime of 72 minutes.
About Soldier (2017) — A drummer's story of duty, music, and modern soldiering
In Soldier (2017), Argentine director Manuel Abramovich crafts a poignant documentary that follows Juan José Gonzalez, a young man who enlists in the military not for combat, but to become the drummer in the Argentine Army's band. The film paints an intimate portrait of his dual life—balancing the rigid discipline of military training with the rhythm of music—while offering a rare glimpse into the modern Argentine Army more than three decades after its darkest chapter. Through Gonzalez's experiences, the documentary explores timeless questions: What does it mean to serve in a nation at peace? How do institutions evolve when their original purpose no longer applies? With a quiet intensity, Abramovich captures the contradictions of duty, identity, and belonging in a country still grappling with its past.
Shot with striking realism, Soldier (2017) blends observational documentary style with evocative visuals, immersing viewers in the daily routines of military life. The film's atmosphere is one of measured reflection, where the absence of war makes every drill, every note played, a statement about what it means to be a soldier in the 21st century. It's a story not of heroism, but of quiet commitment—where discipline and artistry converge in unexpected harmony.