02/10/06 The Battle Of Algiers

The Battle Of Algiers (1965), directed by Gillo Pontecorvo

watched w/ Leslie; theater (NC Museum Of Art, Raleigh, NC); Winter Film Series

Sometimes films capture the tumultuous nature of society and are more or less preservations of an era past. In sort of a visual documentation of those times, they embody a cinematic "time-capsule." While this is not a documentary, it nevertheless portrays the struggle of Algeria fighting for its independence from France in the late 50's. I must admit that I knew very little of this country's violent past in whatever high school history books we had. I have recently met someone from Algeria, and it piqued not only an interest in learning more about it historically & geographically; but reminding me that this important film was out there. I've always heard about how landmark this film was to drawing attention to Algeria and urban warfare in the twentieth century. It's remarkable how very similar it is to the urban warfare of today. Both shocking and gripping at the same time, I highly recommend this film as an educational tool.

5 out of 5 stars