Watch The Return of the Soldier

The Return of the Soldier is a captivating drama film from 1982 that explores the themes of love, loss, and memory. Set during World War I in England, the movie stars Ann-Margret as Margaret Grey, a wealthy woman living a cushy life in the countryside. Her world is about to be turned upside down with the unexpected return of her husband, Chris Baldry (Alan Bates).

Chris was thought to be dead, and his return from the war sends shockwaves through the family. However, he has no recollection of his life before the war, and his wife and cousin, Jenny, (played by Emily Irvin) struggle to help him regain his lost memories. Margaret, in particular, hopes to rediscover the passion and love they once shared, but Chris finds himself more drawn to the spunky Jenny.

As Margaret tries to bring Chris back to his old self and remember their life together, both women begin to unravel a web of secrets and deceptions that have been kept hidden for years. The Return of the Soldier is a poignant exploration of what it means to love someone, lose them to war, and grapple with the memories and emotions that remain.

The film is beautifully crafted, with exquisite period details and stunning cinematography. The lush countryside setting provides a serene backdrop for the story's emotional journey, and the performances of the actors are superb. Ann-Margret embodies the devoted wife torn between her past and present, while Alan Bates portrays the conflicted soldier struggling to reconcile his past and present selves. Emily Irvin breathes life into the character of Jenny, providing moments of levity and hope even as the film delves into darker territory.

One of the most remarkable aspects of The Return of the Soldier is how it explores the psychological toll of war on those who fight it. Through Chris's eyes, we see the disorienting and traumatic effects of combat, and the film takes a critical look at the ways in which war destroys not only individual lives but also entire communities.

As Margaret and Jenny try to piece together the fragments of Chris's memory, it becomes clear that the war has irreparably changed all of their lives. The Return of the Soldier is a moving and deeply human story that examines the complex interplay between love, loss, memory, and identity amidst the devastating backdrop of war. It is a film that will linger with you long after its haunting conclusion.

The Return of the Soldier is a 1985 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 39 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.