Beau Travail

Adjudant-Chef Galoup reflects on his life while back in his home in Marseille. This moment sets the stage for his memories of his time in the French Foreign Legion.

Galoup recalls his experiences in Djibouti, where he served under Commandant Bruno Forestier. He admires Forestier's leadership qualities and the bond he shares with the men in their unit.

A new recruit, Gilles Sentain, joins Galoup's section, immediately changing the dynamic within the group. Galoup feels irrational hostility towards Sentain and vows to undermine him.

During a punishment drill, Sentain offers water to another soldier being forced to dig a hole. Galoup reacts violently by knocking the water from Sentain's hand, showcasing his aggressive stance.

In a severe act of retaliation, Galoup drags Sentain into the desert and orders him to walk back to base alone. Unbeknownst to Sentain, Galoup has tampered with his compass, leaving him to wander aimlessly.

Lost and alone in the harsh desert, Sentain struggles against dehydration. His fate becomes uncertain as the unforgiving terrain takes its toll on him.

Sentain is discovered and rescued by local Djiboutians. However, he never returns to the base, leading to assumptions of his desertion.

The legionnaires stumble upon Sentain's compass during a local sale of salt-encrusted novelties. This find leads them to believe that Sentain has died in the desert.

With the assumption that Galoup has harmed Sentain, he faces a court martial and is ordered back to France by Forestier. This marks the end of Galoup's career in the Foreign Legion.

Back in France, Galoup prepares his sleeping area in a disciplined military manner. With a pistol in hand, he contemplates his actions, reciting the tattooed phrase on his chest that reflects his internal conflict.

The film concludes with Galoup at a nightclub in Djibouti, where he engages in an energetic solo dance to 'The Rhythm of the Night.' This moment signifies his escape from the turmoil of his past.