The best revolutionary epic ever made! **** out of ****

Rating: 10/10 (17 August 2004)

This is simply the best revolutionary epic ever made. It got 3 Oscar nominations and the top prize in Venise festival. Even the Pentagon screened it in 2003 to study how revolutionary movements start and see how they develop.
The movie relates the algerian revolution and the struggling attempt of its people to free their land from occupying France, it is surprisingly unbiased, it simply tells us what happened without emphasizing neither the french or the algerian people, victims of both terrorism and counter-terrorism.
The movie has a documentary feel to it, which gives it more impact since it is based on a true story. There are some memorable dialogues in the movie, including the one involving the press with Colonel Mathieu, and especially the dialogue between Ali Lapointe and another terrorist where they discuss the meaning of their acts. In fact, Terrorism is simply the way poor oppressed people respond to a much stronger oppressor. Many people tend to forget it. Terrorists aren't just some crazy and sadists lunatics with dynamite belts. They fight for -most of the time- very legitimate causes.
This is a must-see for any history or film buff. Hopefully it will get the attention it deserves after the criterion release on September 2004.