'' The Conscript '' ( ) is a 1974 Belgian drama film directed by Roland Verhavert , based on the eponymous novel by Hendrik Conscience . It was entered into the 24th Berlin International Film Festival . It was also selected as the Belgian entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 47th Academy Awards , but was not accepted as a nominee . Flanders , early 19th century . The poor farmer 's boy Jan Braems takes the place of the son of a rich man who would 've otherwise been drafted in the army . Braems joins the army , where he visits a prostitute and contracts an STD . After taking some ill advice from his comrades he washes his eyes with his own urine , which causes him to go blind . Nevertheless his girlfriend refuses to part from him , no matter what circumstances
24th Berlin International Film Festival
24th Berlin International Film Festival
The Conscript