The Battle of Algiers
1966 · Movie · NR · 122 min
★ 7.9(927)unSUB Rating
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
- TMDB rating (input)
- 7.9/10 (927 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
- algiers, algeria
- resistance fighter
- french colonialism
- algerian war (1954-62)
- battle of algiers
- struggle for independence
- anti-colonialism
- djazair
- independance war
- urban guerilla
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
- SK
Samia Kerbash
as Fathia
- UP
Ugo Paletti
as Captain
Fouzia El Kader
as Halima
Mohamed Ben Kassen
as Petit Omar
Si Mohamed Baghdadi
as Larbi Ben M'hidi (uncredited)
- FM
Franco Moruzzi
as Mahmoud (uncredited)
- TN
Tomasso Neri
as Captain Dubois (uncredited)
Directed by Gillo Pontecorvo