Long live!

Rating: 10/10 (23 November 2006)

BATTLE OF ALGIERS (1966) So much has been said about this already and there are some excellent, insightful reviews on IMDb. But I'm here to urge anyone who's not seen this to do so, and soon, for four reasons: 1. The obvious relevance in 2006 - an Arab nation fighting against occupation (I mean Palestine as well as Iraq), vivid depictions of terrorist attacks and military torture, reminding us of what is going on every day in these countries. But also. . .
2. The neutral viewpoint. As a work of cinematic art, Battle of Algiers distances its POV from the subject matter, leaving us to decide for ourselves, although it gives us plenty of emotional ammunition against either side. (In the reviews, this debate continues, 40 years on.) 3. Universality. Yes, you can watch this thinking about French colonies or the Iraq occupation, but the ethical questions it poses are relevant to any political struggle for freedom.
4. It's exciting! In fact, I'm going to watch it again this afternoon. Long live Free Algeria! Long live cinema verité!