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The Deserter

Name: The Deserter
Director: Léonide Moguy
Released: 1939
Duration: 85 min

Representation Score

2.0/10

Limited

1939

Director

Léonide Moguy

Runtime

85 minutes

Average Rating

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The Deserter is a character study that prioritizes individual conscience over state-mandated duty. It succeeds in deconstructing patriotic obligation by framing desertion as a complex moral choice rather than simple cowardice. However, the film remains limited by the era's demographic norms. It lacks representation for LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and diverse racial groups, reflecting a homogeneous period setting. Ultimately, the film's strength lies in its thematic subversion of traditional power structures rather than its demographic breadth.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Deserter have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses solely on traditional family and romantic structures. It does not depict any queer identities or non-cisgender narratives.

How does The Deserter portray gender?

Fair

The story centers around a male protagonist's struggle against military authority. While it avoids traditional stoic masculinity, it lacks significant female-driven plot arcs.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Deserter?

Minimal

Set in rural France during the early 20th century, the film reflects the demographic homogeneity of the time. No non-white or multi-layered characters appear in prominent roles.

How does The Deserter represent religion and culture?

Good

The narrative offers a progressive critique of institutional authority. It frames desertion as a moral dilemma, challenging the absolute power of the state and military.

Does The Deserter include disability representation?

Minimal

The narrative arc and character studies contain no depictions of physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Present on Screen

Challenges traditional notions of wartime heroism and martial duty.
Provides a sophisticated critique of impersonal military and state institutions.
Prioritizes individual moral decision-making over blind patriotism.

Limited or Absent

Lacks representation for LGBTQ+ identities and queer narratives.
Features minimal women's ability to drive the story and lacks significant female-driven storylines.
Shows a lack of racial and ethnic diversity in its casting.

Official Synopsis

During WW1, a train is stopped by a bombing, a young soldier takes advantage of the opportunity to go to his native village to connect with his love and his family. As WW2 began in the real world, this film was rereleased later in ‘39 under the revised title Je t'attendrai (I Will Wait for You).

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