Most films which have depicted 'French legion' have been American productions. They have been able to given an American perspective of French military scene. After 'Fort Saganne' (1984) directed by late Alain Corneau, 'Beau Travail' is the second French film made in recent times which talks about the French legion (La Légion Etrangère), a military service wing of the French Army which was established in 1831. French legion is considered absolutely unique as it was created for foreign nationals willing to serve in the French Armed Forces. It continues to attract numerous soldiers who are willing to show their valor during critical missions. Although this film has a regular story as well as a conventional plot, it does not easily fit into the mold of regular French films as its narrative device is completely different from other films made in France. One would not find any chatty characters willing to set tongues wagging. Despite having directed a feature film director Claire Denis has been able to give a 'documentary' type feel to her film. It helps viewers to understand the world in which the protagonists live. A good selection of nice musical tracks is this film's principal strengths. It helps viewers to get closer to one of film's important characters. Lastly, 'Beau Travail' is a good example of a fairly ambitious film which has come as close as possible to a documentary film.

This must be one of the most disturbing films I have ever seen. I can not for the life of me understand how a bunch of un-related unintelligible pictures and words can be considered by anyone as a film, and even appreciated in some cases. Well, on the other hand, people do appreciate minimalist conceptual art... So, yes, here you have another pile of french pseudo-philosophical conceptual noir **** completely inaccessible and worthless to anyone who isn't a very "progressive" film critic, or a cinema-appasionado sophisto freak. In any other case - save your money, time and nerves. I understand now why they didn't even bother to translate the title into English.

I think the way Claire Denis tells her story is amongst the most special in the world currently.Here she shows a relationship between men, in a really sensitive and smart way.I think there are also similarities in the way the episodes are connected into a big story, to another film of her, "Intruder".Her characters are always more than just a "character", they are full human beings whose actions are always surprising yet still believable. Especially the character of Galoup.If I had to choose films not for their pure quality as entertainment, but as a valuable cultural thing, this one is on my top ten list.

claire denis portrays the French Foreign Legion from a feminine viewpoint. the result is a beautiful, sensual, almost sexy movie, i especially liked the way the bodies of the men were depicted. it is absolutely necessary to watch this movie in the cinema, on the small screen it loses its most important factor, that is the visual aspect. the dancing is poetic, but not at all realistic. the degree of artistic abstraction concerning the army leads to some irritation for some people which have actually been to the army, because they know that it is far from reality. the problem altogether is that beau travail is probably not going to make a lasting impression on most people, because it plays with superficial emotions.