Theatre of War
To a student at
France's prestigious
Special Military School otstuyr, "la gloire, I'honneur et le sacrifice" are more important than military exercises or academic prowess.
Founded by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802, St Cyr proudly uses theatrical rituals and initiations to brand
Frenchness into the hearts and souls of the young officers of the elite 1st Battalion of France. For them the highpoints of the year are the re-enactment in full period costume of the Battle of Austerlitz, when the head boy dresses up as Napoleon, and the Grand Soir, when the third year students (the "horrors") ceremonially dress the second years ("the bazars") in the traditional uniform of plumed hat, gloves and epaulettes.
Philippe Costantini 's film follows one class over the year before their graduation. Producer Esther Hoffenberg Editor Aian Bookbinder