The Battle Of Algiers

The Battle of Algiers (La Battaglia Di Algeri) (1966)

Runtime: 121 minutes

Directed by: Gillo Pontecorvo

Starring: Brahim Hadjadj, Jean Martin, Yacef Saadi, Samia Kerbash, Ugo Paletti

From: Igor Film/Casbah Film

Another one of those classics that should have been viewed long ago. Still, thanx to the Criterion Channel I was able to finally give The Battle of Algiers a shot and it was a rewarding journey which showed just how difficult it was for Algeria to earn independence from France in 1962... although presumably it was a similar journey for many colonies to drive out those from overseas that took over their land long ago. In any case I imagine this was not the only brutal journey where both sides did heinous things and many lives were lost along the way. This movie took an unflinching look at just that, a period of time in mainly the 1950's where a group of rebels attempted to unite their countrymen & drive out French occupation that had been occurring since 1830.

It is not easy to watch at times as the French paratroopers sent there to quell the rebellion resorted to torture in order to cut the head off the tapeworm and eradicate the National Liberation Front (FLN) from the very top. How ironic then that news of this turned the tide of French public opinion and this helped in part earn Algeria its independence. But this torture is shown on screen (mostly in one scene) and it is sad that not only did this happen, but several of the rebels shown on screen were real life figures who did die while trying to free their country. Except for the general, all the actors were nonprofessionals and some actually participated in the rebellion; this only added to the authenticity.

Icing on the cake was a score from director Gillo Pontecorvo and Morricone; it is tremendous. No surprise that Tarantino “borrowed” a track for Inglourious Basterds. Overall, it is a profound achievement that is the perfect example of how impactful revolution is on both the colonizers and those that wish to be free.