The Conscript (1974)

In 1833, when the fledgling Belgian kingdom still fears a Dutch invasion, recruits were selected annually from an age cohort by a draw of lots in each locality. In this grim, then contemporary drama by the 'father of Flemish literature', Hendrik Conscience, Jan Braems, a poor and naive farmers-boy, accepts the not uncommon offer by a rich family to sell his lucky ticket (out) to their son for a hefty sum compared to the miserable labor wages at the time. Army life is even harsher then a farmhand's, especially for a Dutch-speaking an-alphabet who simply can't understand his francophone superiors, and Jan's nature is not complacent enough for military discipline even by todays standards, so he soon gets into all kinds of trouble, including gambling his capital away and a venereal disease. When his girlfriend back home goes looking for him, her life is doomed as well.

Where to stream The Conscript in the Netherlands

• Watch on Netflix
• Watch on Sooner

Included with a subscription. All options, including rent and buy.

Streaming in other countries

5 countries

Country	Included with
Germany	Netflix, Amazon Video
France	Netflix
United Kingdom	Netflix
Ireland	Netflix
The Netherlands	Netflix, Sooner