Incredibly modern in its commentary

Rating: Null/10 (2 June 2010)

What surprised me most is the balanced perspective this film depicts. The Algerians aren't just rebellious underdogs that are glorified merely because they are underdogs, and the French aren't depicted as heroes either. The Algerian faction were terrorists in every sense of the word, just like the terrorists we are fighting today: they blew up diners and dance clubs, and even planted a bomb in an airport. The French were clearly the unwelcome occupying country, complete with racial profiling and military checkpoints. It was incredible how modern this depiction felt, and it blatantly represents America's current occupation in the Middle East.
The Algerian terrorist weren't blowing up innocent people because they "hate freedom" or because they hate the French. They were defending their beliefs. Not that this film attempts to justify terrorism, certainly not, but it demonstrates that nobody will allow themselves to be ruled and changed by a stronger country of different culture and history. The people will always revolt before they allow such a culture shift.
It is up to us to decide who is right. The point may be that there is no right. Just people doing their jobs, or fulfilling their duty.