Watch Bulletproof Salesman

Bulletproof Salesman is a captivating and thought-provoking documentary film directed by Petter Eldin in 2008. The film chronicles the life of Fidelis Cloer, a German-born entrepreneur who sells armored cars to dubious clients in war zones around the world. The film sets off with an intimate interview with Fidelis, where he tells his story of how he got into the business of selling armored vehicles. Fidelis had a challenging upbringing, which he attributes to his desire to provide a better life for his family. It is this drive that led him to start his business.

The film takes us on a wild ride across the world as we follow Fidelis and his team as they sell armored cars to some of the most dangerous regions on the planet. From Baghdad to Afghanistan, we see Fidelis navigate the murky world of arms trading with ease. We are also shown how Fidelis' childhood has informed his approach to his work. He deals with each of his clients with empathy and understanding, listening to their specific needs and providing solutions that cater to their individual situations.

Throughout the film, we see Fidelis and his team in action, demonstrating and testing their vehicles. We hear from Fidelis' clients, including military personnel and wealthy businesspeople, about how his cars have saved their lives. We are also introduced to Fidelis' competitor, a Frenchman who creates vehicles that he believes to be superior to those made by Fidelis.

Despite the dangerous nature of his job, Fidelis remains optimistic and passionate about his work. He believes that the armored vehicles he sells make the world a better place by protecting those who would otherwise be in harm's way. And while some may view his job as providing a service to those who would do harm, Fidelis believes that the cars he sells are used to protect innocent civilians.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the film is the level of detail that goes into the creation of each vehicle. Fidelis takes the viewer through the process of building his armored cars, explaining the materials used and the testing methods employed. We see firsthand how each vehicle is painstakingly constructed to meet the specific needs of its intended use.

The film is expertly crafted, giving the viewer a behind-the-scenes look at the dangerous world of arms trading. We see how Fidelis operates, how he responds to his clients' needs, and how he navigates dangerous situations with ease. The shots of Fidelis and his team testing the vehicles are breathtaking, and the interviews with soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan reveal the importance of the work that Fidelis does.

While the film is undoubtedly about Fidelis and his work, it also raises larger themes about the nature of war and the role that weapons play in conflicts around the world. The film forces the viewer to confront the complicated ethical questions that arise in Fidelis' line of work. Is he providing a necessary service, or is he enabling violence and destruction? These are questions that the film does not attempt to answer but presents for the viewer to consider.

In conclusion, Bulletproof Salesman is a fascinating and engaging documentary that provides a rare glimpse into the world of arms trading. Fidelis Cloer's story is compelling, and the film is expertly crafted, taking the viewer on a journey across some of the most dangerous places in the world. The film raises important ethical questions and forces the viewer to consider the broader implications of Fidelis' work. But at its core, the film is a celebration of one man's dedication and commitment to creating a better world.