Dangerous if misinterpreted

Rating: 9/10 (22 February 2004)

This film is a masterpiece. Its production value makes the film as compelling and believable as a newsreel. The storytelling is flawless.
But it can give viewers the wrong impression that terrorism is an effective method of resistance. After all, the story ends with Algeria winning its independency. It can also give the impression that torture and brutality is an effective weapon against terrorism. It can be seen in the Middle East today that neither side wins in this type of war.
This is a powerful portrayal of the birth of modern terrorism and it is perhaps more relevant today than it was 40 years ago.