Movielogr
The Battle of Algiers (1966)
Directed by Gillo Pontecorvo
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Overview
Paratrooper commander Colonel Mathieu, a former French Resistance fighter during World War II, is sent to Algeria to reinforce efforts to squelch the uprisings of the Algerian War. There he faces Ali la Pointe, a former petty criminal who, as the leader of the Algerian Front de Liberation Nationale, directs terror strategies against the colonial French government occupation. As each side resorts to ever-increasing brutality, no violent act is too unthinkable.
Rated NR | Length 121 minutes
Actors
Brahim Hadjadj | Jean Martin | Yacef Saadi | Fusia El Kader | Mohamed Ben Kassen | Mohamed Hadj Smaïn | Larbi Zekkal | Rouïched | Noureddine Brahimi | Si Mohamed Baghdadi | Abderrahmane Brahimi | Fatiha Djoudi | Franco Moruzzi | Tomasso Neri | Samia Kerbash | Ugo Paletti | Gene Wesson
Viewing History (seen 1 time)
| Date Viewed | Device | Format | Source | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11/25/2025 | TV | DVD | Owned | 9 stars |
| (Average) 9 stars |
Viewing Notes
Shot in a documentary style, this is an extremely impressive thriller. Handheld, grainy, contrast-y B&W makes it seem like you’re watching actual newsreel footage. The staging of scenes with large crowds is amazing.
It’s clearly on the side of the Algerian rebels, but it doesn’t shy away from the morally questionable terrorist actions they take.
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