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The Battle of Algiers

The Revolt that Stirred the World!

1966 · 2h 1m · Not Rated Drama, History, War
Directed by Gillo Pontecorvo

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Overview

Paratrooper commander Colonel Mathieu, a former French Resistance fighter during World War II, is sent to Algeria to reinforce efforts to squelch the uprisings of the Algerian War. There he faces Ali la Pointe, a former petty criminal who, as the leader of the Algerian Front de Liberation Nationale, directs terror strategies against the colonial French government occupation. As each side resorts to ever-increasing brutality, no violent act is too unthinkable.

Director and cast

Critics on Rotten Tomatoes

Top critics, in their words

All reviews
99%
Tomatometer
Fresh

Essential viewing.

Joshua Rothkopf, Time Out New York
Fresh

Both a how-to manual for guerrilla terrorism and a cautionary tale about how to fight it. It's also quite possibly the finest war film ever made.

Chris Nashawaty, Entertainment Weekly
Fresh

It's a dedicated effort with importance as a 'document.'

Variety Staff, Variety
Fresh

Superb and unrivalled.

Dave Calhoun, Time Out
Fresh

What lessons a modern viewer can gain from the film depends on who is watching and what they want to see.

Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

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