THE STOPOVER/ VOIR DU PAYS

France, 2016, 104 minutes, Colour.
Ariane Labed, Soko, Ginger Roman.
Directed by Muriel Coulin, Delphine Coulin.

This film offers a French perspective on the war in Afghanistan and international participation. It was written and directed by women and focuses particularly on women who have served in the military. A group has come to the end of its service and is returning to France but have been told to go for a week’s rest and debriefing in Cyprus.

The film focuses on three women, in themselves, on the effect of their military service, their interactions with the men, with authorities, issues of sexuality and relationship while on the island and encountering local men.

One of the features of war that is prominently acknowledged in the 21st century is post-traumatic stress and this film takes up the theme, the effect of being in a war zone, dealing with this and preparing to resume ordinary life.

1. A French perspective on the war in Afghanistan, French soldiers in action, debriefing, the aftermath of war involvement?

2. The opening in Afghanistan, the flight to Cyprus, locations in Cyprus, the luxury hotel, the countryside, the water? The musical score?

3. The title and its focus?

4. The troops, in uniform, at the airport, on the plane, finishing their service? Three days debriefing before going home? Arrival in Cyprus? The military command? The psychiatrist?

5. The emerging of characters, the three women, Max, Ness? The ranges of experience? Filling in the forms – not wanting to talk about their experiences? Scepticism? Yet their participation in the debriefing?

6. The examples of virtual debriefing, speaking, the goggles, the images on screen? Reliving their experiences? The effect of speaking, the group listening, variety of reactions? Their own way of coping with action, injuries and deaths, on the spot decisions?

7. Aurore and Marine, friends since childhood, Aurore as the more straightforward person, Marine and her seeming resentments? Discussions, memories, sharing the room, going out, the men, Max and the interventions? Going out in the car, the friendship with Ginger? Marine insisting on coming? Changing into dresses? Their experiences, driving with the men, discussions, relationships, sexuality? The two women and their dispute about the decision, Marine critical, Aurore defending?

8. Ginger, the nurse, her role in the war, the effect on her, the friendships?

9. Max, tensions, Ness, fighting, criticisms?

10. The drama on the island, the passing of the three days? Lining up to go home? The flight home?

11. A glimpse into soldiers, action, post-action, stress, debriefing, helping to cope?