The Battle of Algiers (1966)
Director: Gillo Pontecorvo
Stars: Brahim Hadjadj, Jean Martin, Yacef SaadiRuntime: 121 minutes
Synopsis: In the 1950s, fear and violence escalate as the people of Algiers fight for independence from the French government.
Performances: 8/10
Screenplay: 8/10
Editing: 7/10
Cinematography: 8/10
Score/Soundtrack: 7/10
Screenplay: 8/10
Editing: 7/10
Cinematography: 8/10
Score/Soundtrack: 7/10
Verdict: "The Battle of Algiers" holds a peculiar record. It's one of the only films to be nominated for Academy Awards in two non-consecutive years. It first got recognition at the 1967 edition with a nomination in the Best Foreign Film category before getting another two, a couple of years later, for Best Director and Best Screenplay. It's an interesting piece of trivia but certainly not why the film is remembered as a classic.
Gillo Pontecorvo's work, which was shot on location and mostly stars a bunch of unknowns, documents what happened during the final years of the French colonialism in Algeria. It shows the conflict from the perspectives of the two opposing sides. The FLN (National Liberation Front) on one corner is ready to go to extreme lengths to liberate their country and claim its independence, while the French on the other use inhumane and illegal techniques, ranging from isolation to torture, to contain the guerilla and abolish it. The battle of tactics is a fascinating one to watch, and none of it feels far-fetched or pointlessly overdramatized. Aside from a couple of forgivable clichés used in the film's first act, the realistic nature of the film was absolutely nailed, and the documentary-like black and white cinematography certainly played a role in achieving that sense of authenticity.
"The Battle of Algiers" doesn't only make for a great watch, but also an important one. It captures a time in history that never ceases to repeat itself and that a lot of countries ruled by a totalitarian regime go through time and time again. And for that, I highly recommend checking it out.
Gillo Pontecorvo's work, which was shot on location and mostly stars a bunch of unknowns, documents what happened during the final years of the French colonialism in Algeria. It shows the conflict from the perspectives of the two opposing sides. The FLN (National Liberation Front) on one corner is ready to go to extreme lengths to liberate their country and claim its independence, while the French on the other use inhumane and illegal techniques, ranging from isolation to torture, to contain the guerilla and abolish it. The battle of tactics is a fascinating one to watch, and none of it feels far-fetched or pointlessly overdramatized. Aside from a couple of forgivable clichés used in the film's first act, the realistic nature of the film was absolutely nailed, and the documentary-like black and white cinematography certainly played a role in achieving that sense of authenticity.
"The Battle of Algiers" doesn't only make for a great watch, but also an important one. It captures a time in history that never ceases to repeat itself and that a lot of countries ruled by a totalitarian regime go through time and time again. And for that, I highly recommend checking it out.
FINAL GRADE: 8/10
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