The Battle of Algiers (1966)
Directed by Gillo Pontecorvo
***3/4
It was banned in France. It caused an international controversy and its topic was itself an international controversy: the Algerian revolution of the late 50s and early 60s. It's also one of the best portrayals of an occupation ever put on film. What happens when a first-world nation like France is no longer welcome in a lesser country like Algeria which they have ruled condescendingly for more than 100 years? Let's just say, it's not a pretty sight. From the early days and a small group of insurgents to spiraling violence and mass riots within the city of Algiers, this film moves at the pace and intensity of the real thing. It's a masterful capturing of this historic event, but it's also a compelling reminder that freedom is what all people long for, not just first-world nations. It should come as no surprise that this was remastered and re-released shortly after the war in Iraq began causing its own international controversy.
Comments