Father & Soldier
N/A
The film earned $8.6M at the global box office.
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
Father & Soldier (2023) exemplifies carefully calibrated dramatic framework, characteristic of Mathieu Vadepied's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 49 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 7.3, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Bakary Diallo lives peacefully in his Senegalese village in 1917, respected as an elder and father, before the war reaches his homeland.. Significantly, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 13 minutes when Thierno is forcibly conscripted into the French army as a Tirailleur. Bakary realizes his son will be sent to the Western Front.. At 12% through the film, this Disruption aligns precisely with traditional story structure. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
The First Threshold at 28 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 26% of the runtime. This shows the protagonist's commitment to Bakary makes the active choice to enlist as a Tirailleur himself, lying about his age to stay with his son and protect him in the war., moving from reaction to action.
At 55 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Significantly, this crucial beat A major assault results in devastating casualties among the Tirailleurs. Bakary and Thierno survive, but witness the expendability of African soldiers in French military strategy - false defeat revealing the true stakes., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 82 minutes (76% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Thierno is severely wounded in battle. Bakary faces the imminent death of his son, the very outcome he enlisted to prevent. The whiff of death is literal and devastating., illustrates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 88 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 81% of the runtime. Bakary realizes that true honor comes not from French recognition, but from their dignity, resistance, and the bonds they've forged. He chooses to bear witness to their story., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Father & Soldier's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 15 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs a 15-point narrative structure framework that maps key story moments. By mapping Father & Soldier against these established plot points, we can identify how Mathieu Vadepied utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Father & Soldier within the action genre.
Comparative Analysis
Additional action films include The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, The Bad Guys and Lake Placid.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Bakary Diallo lives peacefully in his Senegalese village in 1917, respected as an elder and father, before the war reaches his homeland.
Theme
A French officer states that serving France will bring honor and citizenship, introducing the theme of what truly constitutes honor and belonging.
Worldbuilding
Establishment of Bakary's life in Senegal, his relationship with his son Thierno, the village dynamics, and the arrival of French colonial recruiters seeking soldiers for WWI.
Disruption
Thierno is forcibly conscripted into the French army as a Tirailleur. Bakary realizes his son will be sent to the Western Front.
Resistance
Bakary debates whether to let Thierno go alone or join him. He grapples with his role as a father versus his age and the dangers ahead.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Bakary makes the active choice to enlist as a Tirailleur himself, lying about his age to stay with his son and protect him in the war.
Mirror World
Bakary and Thierno meet fellow Tirailleurs from different African colonies, forming bonds that reflect the broader theme of brotherhood transcending colonial exploitation.
Premise
The journey to France and initial experiences in the trenches. Father and son navigate the brutality of WWI, face racism from French officers, and fight for a country that doesn't treat them as equals.
Midpoint
A major assault results in devastating casualties among the Tirailleurs. Bakary and Thierno survive, but witness the expendability of African soldiers in French military strategy - false defeat revealing the true stakes.
Opposition
Conditions worsen as winter approaches. Racism intensifies, promised supplies never arrive, and the Tirailleurs are repeatedly sent on suicide missions. Bakary struggles to keep Thierno alive and maintain hope.
Collapse
Thierno is severely wounded in battle. Bakary faces the imminent death of his son, the very outcome he enlisted to prevent. The whiff of death is literal and devastating.
Crisis
Bakary sits with his dying son, processing his failure to protect him and confronting the meaninglessness of their sacrifice for a nation that never valued them.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Bakary realizes that true honor comes not from French recognition, but from their dignity, resistance, and the bonds they've forged. He chooses to bear witness to their story.
Synthesis
Bakary survives the war and returns to Senegal. He carries Thierno's memory and the stories of all the forgotten Tirailleurs, refusing to let their sacrifice be erased by history.
Transformation
Bakary, aged and bearing the scars of war, stands in his village - a transformed man who understands the cost of colonial promises and the true meaning of fatherhood and honor.