War Films: Narratives in Conflict - A discourse analysis of three films portraying the Internal Conflict in Peru

Abstract: In this study, I conduct a critical discourse analysis using three films that depict the internal conflict in Peru that started in the 80s and lasted two decades as my material. The aim is to explore the perspectives that are represented and the portrayal of the conflict. I take a post-structural perspective in order to uncover the gender power structures that dictate how female narratives are included or excluded. I relate the films to the wider social context of war and militarism to research whether the films sustain or defy war as a norm and a viable solution to conflicts. The films refer to the same conflict yet present different interpretations and perspectives which shows the complexity of narratives that emerge after an event. The films relate in different manners to militarism and gender order by taking different approaches and understandings to war. The films either reinforce militarism to some extent or present alternative narratives that challenge the traditional understandings of war and militarism.