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The 317th Platoon

Name: The 317th Platoon
Director: Pierre Schoendoerffer
Released: 1965
Duration: 100 min

Representation Score

4.0/10

Fair

1965

PG-13

Director

Pierre Schoendoerffer

Runtime

100 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The 317th Platoon film avoids glorifying colonial myths by focusing on the harsh realities of colonial conflict. It replaces idealized nationalistic stories with a critical look at the futility and moral decay of colonial efforts. While the film lacks representation of LGBTQ+ and gender diversity, it gains depth through its critique of Western imperialism. By depicting the French mission as a failed endeavor, it challenges the conventional portrayal of Western heroism. Including Laotian combatants alongside French soldiers adds ethnic diversity, even while the story remains grounded in the colonial context of 1954.

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Category Breakdown

Does The 317th Platoon have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses solely on traditional military roles and does not include any non-straight or non-cisgender identities. It emphasizes masculine bonds and combat experiences.

How does The 317th Platoon portray gender?

Minimal

The movie centers around male characters and follows traditional gender roles. Women play minor roles, and there is no exploration of gender roles beyond the typical male experience.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The 317th Platoon?

Fair

The film includes a diverse cast of French soldiers and Laotian combatants, breaking away from the usual monolithic portrayal of war films. This inclusion adds ethnic complexity to the story.

How does The 317th Platoon represent religion and culture?

Good

The film critiques Western imperialism by showing the futility of colonial missions. It presents a nuanced view of the colonial struggle, challenging the simplistic portrayal of heroism in traditional war films.

Does The 317th Platoon include disability representation?

Limited

The film addresses warfare-induced trauma and combat fatigue as plot elements but does not delve deeply into the experiences of individuals with disabilities or neurodivergence.

Present on Screen

The inclusion of Laotian combatants adds ethnic diversity beyond the typical white-centric war film.
The film offers a sophisticated critique of Western imperialist institutions and the futility of colonial missions.
It prioritizes the psychological and lived experiences of individuals over grand nationalistic myths.

Limited or Absent

The film is predominantly male-focused and lacks women's ability to drive the story or the subversion of traditional gender roles.
There is no representation of LGBTQ+ identities or engagement with non-cisgender experiences.
Traumas and combat fatigue are used as plot devices rather than explored as deeper issues of disability.

Official Synopsis

In Laos, 1954, eight days before the french defeat in the Indochina war, the 317th platoon – four french soldiers and 41 laotian combatants – has been ordered to leave its outpost and to retreat for the plains of Diên Biên Phu, where the french army is getting stucked. Led by the inexperienced and idealistic sous-lieutenant Torrens, fresh out of the military academy, and by adjutant Willsdorf, a WWII veteran of the Werhmacht, the group must cross 150 kilometers of jungle. But dripping rainwater, hostile nature, and the Viêt-minh ambushes expose them to constant danger.

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