Who's Good in War?

Rating: 10/10 (7 June 2010)

Colonization is a word that traces back to the 17th century, or so I thought. My ignorance of the Algerian War was brought to my attention when I was first introduced to the film. Is it a story of a revolution? Or a story about fighting for one's right? The Battle of Algiers draws a fine line between the hero and the villain, in this case the French army against the national Liberation Front. But who truly deserves the titles - protagonist and antagonist? Gilo Pontecorvo transports us into a time of desperation in Algeria, without any bias view; however, as a spectator we always tend to root for the home team, which in this case for me were the people of Algiers. This film is entirely scripted, from a secret wedding scene, to riots in the claustrophobic alleyways of the city. Pontecorvo delivers a respectably deep and enticing, documentary-stylistic film only some can pull off. What better time to use this technique, then re-enacting the Algerian independence movement (1954-1962). As a South American, I know what its like to fight against an unjust and corrupt government, this film conveys truth from beginning to end. After my journey to 1954 Algeria I understood that everyone has the right to fight for what you believe in. There is no good and bad in war.