Soldier – David Wagner, Sage Bliss

It’s not easy to pigeonhole a director like Sexart’s Andrej Lupin. He moves with ease from a lighthearted series like “Snow Fun,” to the intrigue and explosive action adventure of “The Game,” and then indulges in stylish nostalgia with “Vintage Collection.” Clearly, as he explores the potential of erotic cinema, Lupin isn’t afraid to take risks and defy convention, and with “Soldier” he offers his most emotionally charged work to date. In her Sexart debut, Sage Bliss takes on the role of a young military wife. When she receives the news every soldier’s spouse dreads, her world crumbles. Wracked with grief, she struggles to come to terms with the loss of her husband (David Wagner). And as she wanders through the home the loving couple shared, she allows herself the pleasure and comfort of recalling the happiest days of their time together. Hours spent strolling hand in hand, a shared smile, a kiss, a fast and passionate fuck in front of the fireplace are all fondly recalled. But sadness returns quickly and with oppressive weight. The sight of two toothbrushes in the bathroom triggers an emotional upwelling far more profound than the simple, mundane objects themselves. Photographs of the happy couple proudly displayed around the house evoke memories of passion, affection, and overwhelming attraction — and quiet mornings spent making love endlessly. “Soldier” doesn’t apologize for its weighty emotions, it celebrates them, and in honoring love lost it reminds us that war is hell, and that love can create heaven here on earth for those who are willing to surrender completely to its power. Beautifully performed, and rendered with great thought and moving sensitivity, “Soldier” artfully balances the bitter with the sweet to craft a rich, rewarding, and powerful work of erotic cinema.