This documentary style film keeps the viewer on the edge of his or her seat.
It depicts the lives of Algerians who are fighting against French colonial power between 1954 and 1962.
Banned in France when it was released, this film seems to side with the Algerians but provides a balanced approach to the problems inherent with post-colonial Algeria.
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One of the more amazing feats of this film is that it does not use one frame of documentary or news footage. The scenes – especially the ones showing mass demonstrations – appear to be real.
“The Battle of Algiers” also shows the French military’s problem with fighting terrorism.
It is eerie how the issues facing the French in Algeria more than 50 years ago are the same as those faced by the United States in Iraq and Afghanistan today: there are bombs that are set off in public places and Algerians tortured by the French.
The French hunt National Liberation Front (FLN) leaders in the Casbah section of Algiers using paratroopers.
While it appears that the French have won against the FLN, the film ends with a massive demonstration of people seeking independence from France.
This film is excellent, taking just the right amount of time to reveal the motives of the Algerians as well as the French.
It also is a snapshot of the post-colonial era following World War II and provides lessons that should be heeded by the United States and other great powers today.
“The Battle of Algiers,” rereleased in 2003, is available on DVD.
Murphy can be reached at [email protected]
