Self examination

Rating: 9/10 (17 December 2007)

Many other reviews here will give you a plot synopsis of this film, tell how realistic the cinematic feel is or how it can help you to understand a culture so different (or not so different from your own). But what impresses me the most about this film is what it tells you about yourself.
Director Pontecorvo purposefully gave this film an omniscient birds eye view so the situations can be examined unbiased and without overt emotional attachment. There is no blatant attempt to garner favor for the NLF (National Liberation Front) by showing oppressed Algierians. The French Colonialists are not shown as the evil oppressive outsiders. Col. Mathieu, who leads the anti-terrorist task force, is just a good soldier. He follows orders, he accomplishes his goal. Does he hate the terrorists or what they stand for or is he there doing his job? I think this is summed up when he replies to the reporters questions about his brutal tactics. "Should we remain in Algeria? If you answer "yes," then you must accept all the necessary consequences."
Ben M'hidi plays the voice of the NLF's conscience. He does not pander for the audiences acceptance of their violent tactics, but explains in plain clear terms why they do what they do. "Acts of violence don't win wars. Neither wars nor revolutions. Terrorism is useful as a start. But then, the people themselves must act. That's the rationale behind this strike: to mobilize all Algerians, to assess our strength."
Yes there are heart wrenching scenes and brutality shown on both sides of the war, no power is given to either side by the filmmakers. The French are in a superior position, making the Algerians the underdog. So there may seem to be a lean towards the native Algerians, but that is mostly a state of mind. This film forces you to make a decision on a very hard topic; by making the characters neither inherently evil or good and the actions understandable if not agreeable.
The Pentagon uses this film as an anti-terrorist training video. The way you view this film tells you a lot about your state of mind.