A balanced and fascinating historical piece with lessons that extend far beyond Algiers

Rating: Null/10 (11 December 2006)

Sections of Algeria are seeking independence from France, but there is no political will for them to e rewarded it and, if anything, the French are unwilling to give it and must demonstrate their strength by holding onto it. The formation of the FLN sees the struggle for independence take on a violent edge as terrorists (or freedom fighters) strike quickly and unseen, killing policemen across the city. As the situation spirals out of control the French bring in the Foreign Legion to take over, under the leadership of famed soldier Mathieu.
One of the few films where I actually care about its IMDb rating, this is a strong film that surprised me by how balanced and even-handed it was. I don't know the whole history of the situation (outside of what this film tells me) so I'm not really set up to say how accurate it is but it is convincingly realistic and the apparent lack of bias in the telling makes it easier to believe that the film has not been made with a significant political agenda for one side or the other in play. Filmed in a style that put me in mind of the French New Wave films, it looks very natural and uses real locations to very good effect. The violence shown is shocking because I never expected such scenes  perhaps they are not graphic in the way that Hollywood does violence to entertain us, but in a "realistic" documentary-style film it is hard not to be affected by the scenes of torture.
By focusing on the guerrilla warfare of the FLN and the French's military efforts to defeat it, the film continues to resonate today  which is why it was allegedly shown in the Pentagon and also why it continues to have a high rating on this site. Historians warn about learning the lessons from history and the concept here of the French defeating "terrorists" by using methods that completely lose the battle of ideas and the famous "hearts and minds". It makes such points by simply allowing them to make themselves  ie the history is replayed warts and all and the lessons are clear (but sadly difficult to learn it seems).
Overall then an impacting story that is very well told. Using a documentary style adds to the realism but it is the even-handed retelling and refusal to take sides that makes the film so strong and so relevant. With events in the world indicating that we haven't learnt much from even our recent history, this is definitely worth seeking out.