La Battaglia di Algeri (The Battle of Algiers) poster & wallpaper
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Brahim Haggiag, Yacef Saadi, Jean Martin, Tommaso Neri, Fawzia el Kader ... see more see more... , Michele Kerbash , Mohamed Ben Kassen , Samia Kerbash , Ugo Paletti , Fusia El Kader

This highly political film about the Algerian struggle for independence from France took "Best Film" honors at the 1966 Venice Film Festival. The bulk of the film is shot in flashback, presented as th... read more read more...e memories of Ali (Brahim Haggiag), a leading member of the Algerian Front de Liberation Nationale (FLN), when finally captured by the French in 1957. Three years earlier, Ali was a petty thief who joined the secretive organization in order to help rid the Casbah of vice associated with the colonial government. The film traces the rebels' struggle and the increasingly extreme measures taken by the French government to quell what soon becomes a nationwide revolt. After the flashback, Ali and the last of the FLN leaders are killed, and the film takes on a more general focus, leading to the declaration of Algerian independence in 1962. Director Gillo Pontecorvo's careful re-creation of a complicated guerrilla struggle presents a rather partisan view of some complex social and political issues, which got the film banned in France for many years. That should not come as a surprise, for La Battaglia di Algeri was subsidized by the Algerian government and -- with the exception of Jean Martin and Tommaso Neri as French officers -- the cast was entirely Algerian as well. At least three versions exist, running 135, 125, and 120 minutes. ~ Robert Firsching, Rovi

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94% liked it

13,222 ratings

Critics

99% liked it

76 critics

Unrated, 2 hr. 3 min.

Directed by: Gillo Pontecorvo

Release Date: September 20, 1967

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DVD Release Date: September 21, 2004

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Stats: 1,264 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (1,264)

  • axadntpron
    August 17, 2011
    axadntpron
    Absolutely riveting. There seem to always be a batch of films that no matter how old they are, they never lose their edge. The Battle of Algiers is one of those impressive works. From a filmmaking standpoint, it commands every ounce of your attention span. The camera work is so s... read moremart and compounds the blistering tension that invades every scene. This coupled with Morricone's invasive yet impeccable score never gives you a moments rest, even when you know what is going to take place.
    I think what makes this film so powerful is the fact that Pontecorvo was able to encompass not only the power and emotion behind a revolutionary movement, but also show the confusion, sorrow, and often senseless violence that are the by-product of these movements.
    Also, It was hard not to make modern day parallels to the occupation of Iraq. Watching these French officials attempt to find order and use their minds to fight an "enemy" who is empowered by their hearts, made me rethink every time I saw an American general on television discussing their efforts in stifling the revolutionary movement. It is a rare and brilliant film and is a must watch for any fans of film.
  • flixsterman
    December 13, 2009
    flixsterman
    It's been said that movies, unlike any other art form, transcend space and time and transport us somewhere else. Movies can promote empathy and can make us concerned with lives that are not our own. Some movies, the really good ones, can even make us better people. The Battle of ... read moreAlgiers is one of those movies.

    Based on the true story of Algeria's long struggle for independence, this film chronicles a group of freedom fighters (terrorists) as they attempt to overthrow the French Colonial Government. In it's initial release, The Battle of Algiers hit a little too close to home for Americans who were still wallowing through the muck of their own occupation of Vietnam. I'd wager that, if it were released today, it would have the same effect. It's powerful and brutally honest in its depiction of street warfare. A rare offering that is completely deserving of all the hype.
  • ythelastman89
    November 18, 2009
    ythelastman89
    While it is a visually amazing movie, everything else seems to be in a sense of disarray. The plot was over obvious and sold to you like a used car salesman and the acting was just atrocious. It's hard to convey a message when there is no emotion behind it.
  • kenstachnik
    June 18, 2009
    kenstachnik
    The Paul Greengrass crib sheet. Great Ennio Morricone score
  • sanjurosamurai
    April 27, 2009
    sanjurosamurai
    strirring and perfect from start to finish. although difficult to watch, it is at the same time one of the more beautiful films ever made. non traditional for a semi-war film, the reality of the story and method of film making provide a shocking glimpse into the tragic reality ... read moreof the life of people in the midst of struggle. one of the best films ive ever seen.
  • kiriyamakazou
    January 10, 2009
    kiriyamakazou
    Flawless and relevant film making. Over 40 years on and the world is still dealing with similar circumstances. It has even been reported that The Battle of Algiers was screened by the Pentagon is relation to Iraq. It's politically charged but has no agenda. Each side is treated a... read mores equals, with no emotional manipulation or justification for the actions. On paper both sides are in the "right" but we see just how devastating the outcomes can be. Shot like a documentary and every bit as important. This is a film that has stood the test of time and will continue to do so. You'll never find a fairer or more powerful film.
  • bookmunki
    January 1, 2009
    bookmunki
    this film is a masterpiece! an amazing foray into cinema verite, punctuated by morricone's score. achingly human in depicting algiers struggle for independence and france's 130 year colonization of the country. the juxtaposition of the european quarter/ bourgouisie and the casb... read moreah/survirors illustrates the effects of colonization. relevant exploration of terrorism, for a people so disempowered, and torture, as a response. the french position, as stated by colonel mathieu, raises the moral ambiguity of the occupation by revealing that the same french soldiers in the conflict are also the ones that fought nazism and spent time in concentration camps. this film raises many moral and philosophical questions for which there may not be absolute answers.
  • tsigur
    October 30, 2008
    tsigur
    This is a badass movie that shows both sides of a revolutions and demonstrates why terrorism begins and why it will always be around. The director uses documentary footage intercut with the film and it is amazing. You also add music by Ennicio Morricone which always helps any mo... read morevie. Great film and I wish they would use this as an example of how they should make films about war instead of the one sided bullshit that we produce.
  • 366weirdmovies
    December 19, 2007
    366weirdmovies
    Cold-blooded assasinations, street shoutouts, cafe bombings, riots and torture are the tools used by the Algierian insurgents and occupying French. The warts of both warring factions are shown on both sides in this depressingly familiar, yet utterly fascinating, documentary-styl... read moree war picture.
  • rubystevens
    November 10, 2007
    rubystevens
    incredible film and incredibly relevant to what's still happening 50 years later. it's been called a terrorist manual and an anti-terrorist manual and it is both. a visceral experience.

View All La Battaglia di Algeri (The Battle of Algiers) Reviews

Critic Reviews

Joshua Rothkopf
July 3, 2012
Joshua Rothkopf, Time Out New York

Essential viewing. Full Review

Chris Nashawaty
August 4, 2011
Chris Nashawaty, Entertainment Weekly

Both a how-to manual for guerrilla terrorism and a cautionary tale about how to fight it. It's also quite possibly the finest war film ever made. Full Review

Variety Staff
October 18, 2008
Variety Staff, Variety

It's a dedicated effort with importance as a 'document.' Full Review

Dave Calhoun
January 26, 2006
Dave Calhoun, Time Out

Superb and unrivalled. Full Review

Roger Ebert
October 23, 2004
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

What lessons a modern viewer can gain from the film depends on who is watching and what they want to see. Full Review

Paul Clinton (CNN.com)
October 19, 2004
Paul Clinton (CNN.com), CNN.com

It's as fresh and suspenseful as anything before or since. Full Review

Peter Rainer
August 7, 2004
Peter Rainer, New York Magazine

The most electrifyingly timely movie playing in New York was made in 1965. Full Review

Marta Barber
May 21, 2004
Marta Barber, Miami Herald

An extraordinary movie that ruffled many feathers when it first came out. Almost 40 years later, it retains the poignancy it delivered back then. Full Review

Chris Vognar
May 13, 2004
Chris Vognar, Dallas Morning News

An epic of intimate objectivity. Full Review

Robert Denerstein
March 26, 2004
Robert Denerstein, Denver Rocky Mountain News

Remains a signficant achievement, a testament to film's powers to put you in the middle of a historical event and make it feel real.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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