During the Mexican Revolution, Lázara accompanies her conscripted husband to war. After becoming a widow, she joins a rebel group, gaining new skills and experiences. Amidst the turmoil, she yearns for a tranquil life.

"La soldadera" (the female soldier) focuses upon Lázara, a simple country girl who is caught up in the Mexican Revolution. At the beginning of the film, she is a newlywed whose husband, Juan, is forced to join the federal army during the revolution. Lázara chooses to follow Juan, but unfortunately he is soon killed in battle. One of the Villista soldiers (supporters of Pancho Villa), Nicolás, takes Lázara to be his woman and so she becomes part of their band. Lázara has to walk alongside Nicolás' horse whilst carrying his rifle and gun belt as they travel. One of the older "soldaderas" puts the gun belt on Lázara and shows her how to shoot. Although Lázara does not fight, she is present during moments of conflict and is involved in the looting of a town. But Lázara wishes for nothing more than a home.—Naomi Redman