The Battle of Algiers
1966 · Movie · NR · 122 min · ★ 7.9 · 98% critics
In mid-1950s Algiers, an independence movement and the colonial authorities clash in a tense urban struggle. As guerrilla attacks and military crackdowns escalate, the conflict spreads through streets and neighborhoods, forcing civilians and fighters alike into a cycle of fear, retaliation, and moral compromise.
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Details
- Original title
- La battaglia di Algeri
- Years
- 1966
- Release date
- 1966-09-08
- Language
- Italian
- Rated
- NR
- Runtime
- 122 min
- Max quality
- HD
- Critic score
- 98/100
- TMDB rating
- 7.9/10 (895 votes)
- Box office
- $962,002
- Budget
- $806,735
About
If you want a tense, realistic look at urban conflict that tries to show multiple sides without easy heroes, this delivers; Not for you if you dislike subtitles, harsh violence, or a detached, docu-style approach like Hiroshima Mon Amour.
Pros: gripping, urgent pacing; documentary-like realism; even-handed perspective | Cons: limited character depth; hard to follow at times; emotionally distancing
Themes
- revolution
- algerian
- insurrection
- black and white
- algiers, algeria
- resistance fighter
- french colonialism
- north africa
- algerian war (1954-62)
- battle of algiers
- struggle for independence
- anti-colonialism
- +3 more
Awards & recognition
- Golden Lion · 1965
- Academy Award — Best Director · 1969 · nominated
- Academy Award — Best Writing, Original Screenplay · 1969 · nominated
- Academy Award — Best International Feature Film · 1967 · nominated
- International Submission to the Academy Awards · 1967 · nominated
Cast & crew
Brahim Hadjadj
as Ali La Pointe
Jean Martin
as Colonel Philippe Mathieu
Yacef Saâdi
as El-Hadi Jaffar
Fouzia El Kader
as Halima
Mohamed Ben Kassen
as Petit Omar
Hadj Smaine Mohamed Seghir
Larbi Zekkal
as Combattant FLN
Rouiched
as The Drunk Man (uncredited)
Noureddine Brahimi
as Responsable FLN
Si Mohamed Baghdadi
as Larbi Ben M'hidi
Directed by Gillo Pontecorvo