Legionnaire (1998)

Legionnaire Poster

Alain Lefevre is a boxer paid by a Marseille mobster to take a dive. When he wins the fight he attempts to flee to America with the mobster's girlfriend Katrina. This plan fails and he seeks escape by joining the foreign legion. As part of the legion he tangles with abusive lieutenant Steinkampf and bonds with legionnaires Luther, Mackintosh and Rosetti.

Film Introduction
"Legionnaire" is a 1998 action-drama war movie directed by Peter MacDonald and starring Jean-Claude Van Damme. The film is set in the 1920s and informs the gripping story of a French fighter who flees his past by signing up with the French Foreign Legion. This legendary tale of survival, honor, and guts unfolds amidst the unforgiving Moroccan desert and the violent Legion battles versus the Riffs.

Plot Summary
The movie focuses on the story of Alain Lefevre (Van Damme), a well-renowned and durable French fighter who is required to go on the pursue double-crossing a vindictive Corsican mob manager, Lucien Galgani, over the outcomes of a repaired battle. Alain predicts this questionable deal will fail and thus selects to leave his organized crime life behind. With Galgani's guys on his tail, he discovers haven in the essential anonymity of the French Foreign Legion.

Alain quickly discovers that life in the Legion is just as demanding and ruthless as the one he attempted to leave. He is sent out to a remote training base in the Sahara desert, under the stern assistance of the stiff Sergeant Steinkampf. Here, he forms alliances and relationships with his varied legionnaire bros, including the tortured Italian Rosetti, the safeguarded German Luther, and religious Spaniard Martinez. Together they withstand harsh training, harsh discipline, and laborious fights.

The Legion's Struggles
While the Legion's training is grueling and mentally exhausting, their biggest battle is with the Berber fighters led by the charming Rif leader Abd el-Krim. The Legionnaires are tossed into a desperate battle of survival versus Krim's insurgents, facing frustrating chances and unrelenting attacks. Amid these skirmishes, Alain discovers the value of friendship, commitment, and honor - worths that the Legion represents at its core.

Climax and Conclusion
As the story reaches its climax, Legionnaire's camp comes under siege from the Berber rebels. Heavy casualties are experienced in this deadly attack. Alain tries to lead the remaining men in a worthy last stand, showing immense bravery and friendship.

In the end, in the middle of the dust and wreckage of the post-battle, an injured Alain is seen staggering through the desert. The film draws to a close as he lastly collapses of fatigue and injuries, his fate left unknown.

Last verdict
"Legionnaire" is an action-packed drama war movie that provides viewers an insight into the life of the French Foreign Legion throughout the Rif War. It offers an entertaining view into the battles battled, the value of brotherhood, and a life dedicated to honor and task. In this film, Van Damme masters a severe remarkable role, showcasing adaptability and depth, and offering a visually sensational and extensive war epic. The movie keeps the viewers on the edge of their seat with its highly intense battle sequences and the compelling journey of Alain.

Top Cast

  • Jean-Claude Van Damme (small)
    Jean-Claude Van Damme
    Alain Lefevre
  • Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje (small)
    Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje
    Luther
  • Steven Berkoff (small)
    Steven Berkoff
    Sgt. Steinkampf
  • Nicholas Farrell (small)
    Nicholas Farrell
    Mackintosh
  • Jim Carter (small)
    Jim Carter
    Lucien Galgani
  • Ana Sofrenovi?
    Katarina
  • Daniel Caltagirone (small)
    Daniel Caltagirone
    Guido Rosetti
  • Joseph Long (small)
    Joseph Long
    Maxim
  • Mario Kalli
    Rene Galgano
  • Joe Montana
    Julot
  • Kim Rømer
    Capt. Rousselot