238. The Battle of Algiers

The Battle of Algiers (1966)

Director: Gillo Pontecorvo

Starring: Brahim Hadjadj

Jean Martin

Yacef Saadi

IMDb Rating: 7.9

My Rating: 7

"Acts of violence don't win wars. Neither wars nor revolutions. Terrorism is useful as a start. But then, the people themselves must act."

The Battle of Algiers tells one story of Algeria's fight against the French during the Algerian War of Independence. The National Liberation Front of Algeria (FLN) has started to act out against the French police force in Algiers. The FLN shoot French policemen in the streets and send women with bombs into public places. These activities cause the French to send army paratroopers into the city to eliminate the FLN.

The Battle of Algiers was actually comminssioned by the Algerian government. Even though it does paint a relatively fair picture of both sides, the French government had the film banned for five years. The film was shot documentary style in the streets of Algiers, using real citizens as extras in the film. This gives the viewer a very real sense of the situation. You never feel as though you are being exposed to a piece of war propaganda. It's realistic guerrilla gilm making approach is really what makes this film succeed.

The score by Ennio Morricone is superb indeed. I would find it difficult to score a film with such realism. Although, Morricone's music only helps paint the picture even clearer. In an early scene, Ali, an FLN rebel, is following a French police officer to assassinate him. The music builds the rension as he stalks the police officer and makes the scene a highlight of the film. Ennio Morricone proves once again, why he is one of the cinema's master conductors.

The Battle of Algiers is a very raw look at a nation in search of their independence. It's use of Algerian citizens as extras, brings a new dimension to the realism of the film. I liked the film, but will most likely not go back for a second viewing. If you liked Clint Eastwood's Letters From Iwo Jima and Flags of Our Fathers, you would like this film very much.