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Collection ID
1376
Director:
Gillo Pontecorvo
Starring:
Ricky Bell, Bobby Brown, Ronald De Voe, Johnny Gill, Michael Lamone Bivins
Genre:
Art House & International
Studio:
Criterion
Release date:
1967
Rated:
NR
Language (Country):
French, Arabic
(USA)
Summary:
Director Gillo Pontecorvo's 1966 movie "The Battle of Algiers" concerns the violent struggle in the late 1950s for Algerian independence from France, where the film was banned on its release for fear of creating civil disturbances. Certainly, the heady, insurrectionary mood of the film, enhanced by a relentlessly pulsating Ennio Morricone soundtrack, makes for an emotionally high temperature throughout. Decades later, the advent of the "war against terror" has only intensified the film's relevance.
Shot in a gripping, quasi-documentary style, "The Battle of Algiers" uses a cast of untrained actors coupled with a stern voiceover. Initially, the film focuses on the conversion of young hoodlum Ali La Pointe (Brahim Haggiag) to F.L.N. (the Algerian Liberation Front). However, as a sequence of outrages and violent counter-terrorist measures ensue, it becomes clear that, as in Eisenstein's "October", it is the Revolution itself that is the true star of the film.
Pontecorvo balances cinematic tension with grimly acute political insight. He also manages an evenhandedness in depicting the adversaries. He doesn't flinch from demonstrating the civilian consequences of the F.L.N.'s bombings, while Colonel Mathieu, the French office brought in to quell the nationalists, is played by Jean Martin as a determined, shrewd, and, in his own way, honorable man. However, the closing scenes of the movie--a welter of smoke, teeming street demonstrations, and the pealing white noise of ululations--leaves the viewer both intellectually and emotionally convinced of the rightfulness of the liberation struggle. This is surely among a handful of the finest movies ever made. "--David Stubbs"
My Rating:
My Review: A controversial Italian film, that showcases the power of Neo-realism. Critical of the French government while remaining true to both sides of the story. This movie is the tale of native resistance to French rule in Algeria (back in the late 50's / early 60's). This movie is authentic, powerful and compelling. In a realistic depiction of revolutionary action, a group of Algerian rebels are hunted, haunted and harangued by the French military. In winning the battle, the French lose the war. Their tactics led to an intense examination (back home) of the costs of victory. The historically and strategically realistic depiction of military action is excellent. Full of tactics and ethics, we're exposed to a clinical, documentary style drama that uses makes excellent use of locations, sets and costumes to create an untouchable classic, an authentic look into guerilla warfare. Add in an Enio Morricone score, and you have another reason to appreciate this movie. The relevance of this film in today's world, remains as powerful as it is distressing. Must see for anyone studying the conflict in Iraq. : Marxist Poetry - The making of 'The Battle of Algiers
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