Movie #232 The Battle of Algiers *1966*

This is one of the "must see" films for any cinephile.  Set in the mid 50's in the country of Algeria, the movie is about the organization and development of a guerrilla campaign against the French occupants / colonizers.  Presented largely in a documentary like fashion, the movie uses both the visual aesthetic and editing techniques employed by cinema verite film makers to bring to life the reality of the situation.

One of the things that I liked about this movie is that although it is about a political and military act, it doesn't really take sides.  Until the end of the movie it is very A-political.  The movie shows both the positive and negitive characteristics of both the French and Algerian people involved in this conflict.

The movie definitely brought to mind several other films for me.  The one that I thought of the most was Bloody Sunday.  The movie about the Irish march that turned into a massacre.  Battle of Algiers was shot in 1966.  Only 10 years or so after the situation it is portraying.  By looking at the film today, I would have guessed that it was shot much earlier than that.  It is very gritty and the transfer I saw at least (Netflix Streaming) with dark and not uncommonly out of focus. I am not sure if this was a look the film makers were going for, or a limitation put upon them by finical or time restraints. 

Not being a historian I am not going to go on about the politics of this struggle, but I can say that after watching this movie I checked out Wikipieda to read up a little bit more on the issues at hand.  I like a movie that can get me interested in subjects like this.  I will also say that if you watch much French cinema Algeria comes up an awful lot.  A little research can yield big result and a better understanding of other references.  I give The Battle of Algiers ★★★1/2.