"...when we have won, that the true difficulties begin..."

Rating: 9/10 (31 October 2017)

THE BATTLE OF ALGIERS is a war drama film that, in a realistic way, describes events during the Algerian War. On the other hand, it is a traditional view of a conflict between a guerrilla movement for the liberation and a colonial superiority. Mr. Pontecorvo was inspired by the Italian neo-realism, which is evident in authentic locations and his documentary expression. Of course, when it comes to style, I would pull a thin line between this film and the film "Rome, Open City" by Roberto Rossellini.
The Battle of Algiers reconstructs the events that occurred in the capital city of French Algeria between November 1954 and December 1957, during the Algerian War of Independence. The story begins and ends from the perspective of Ali la Pointe, a petty criminal who is politically radicalized while in prison. He has joined the secretive organization in order to help rid the Casbah of vice associated with the colonial government. Ali is becoming one of the leading members of the National Liberation Front (FLN). The film traces the rebels' struggle and the increasingly extreme measures taken by the French government to quell what soon becomes a nationwide revolt...
This film, in a credible way, shows crimes against civilians, through an uncontrolled guerrilla war in an urban area. We have a very difficult task to draw a parallel between the bombings as one of the terrifying form of terrorism, and the colonial power, which is reflected through different forms of lynchings, torture and intimidation. Colonizer and colonized commit atrocities against civilians. The politicians, as always, tactical discuss some obvious facts. Some scenes from indigenous districts are frightening, while people falling into puddles of blood and after each new news something explodes. There is no some melodramatic plot, direction is too realistic to some part could be ignored.
The characterization is very good.
Brahim Haggiag as Ali la Pointe is the personification of a guerrilla fighter, who has mixed up his own life purpose and a strong desire for freedom. Saadi Yacef as Djafar is a very convincing as a leader and tactician of the National Liberation Front.
Jean Martin as Lieutenant-Colonel Mathieu is a tenacious officer who intends to defeat his opponent, with a certain military respect, at any cost.
Well, some have won the battle, while the other have won the war, and many of them have lost their lives.