The Battle of Algiers

I’m embarrassed to say that I’d never seen this 1966 classic before, so when the newly restored 35mm print came to town I didn’t hesitate to leg it over to the theatre.   Gillo Pontecorvo’s documentary-style film about the resistance of Muslim Algerians to French colonial rule in the 1950s is startlingly powerful, complex and relevant.   It’s interesting to note that ‘The Battle of Algiers’ was required viewing for the Black Panthers in the ‘60s, and that it was screened at the Pentagon last year.   Resistance groups as well as imperial planners hope to gain insight and understanding from the film. - Jan 13, 2004