The Revolt That Stirred The WorldMaiden Voyage Pictures presents an Argent Films release of the late Gillo Pontecorvo’s seminal masterpiece, The Battle of Algiers (La Battaglia di Algeri) which receives a welcome theatrical re-release in May 2007, commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the events depicted in the film.The winner of numerous awards, including a BAFTA UN Award and both the Golden Lion and the FIPRESCI Award at the 1966 Venice Film Festival, director Gillo Pontecorvo’s highly acclaimed masterpiece THE BATTLE OF ALGIERS is regarded as one of modern cinema's finest achievements. A regular fixture in critics’ and filmmakers’ “Greatest Movies of All Time” lists, the film was also nominated for three Oscars, including Best Director and Best Foreign Language Film.Set during the 1954 to 1962 Franco-Algerian conflict, THE BATTLE OF ALGIERS effectively and authentically recreates the pivotal political events that took place in the city of Algiers between 1954 and 1957. In an attempt to end French colonialism, which had been in place since 1830, in 1954 the Algerian National Liberation Front (FLN) began a war of liberation, using terrorism to highlight the plight of the Algerian people to the rest of the world. In response to the escalating terrorist violence in the city of Algiers, the French government sent in an armed force of paratroopers to crush the uprising. Authorised to use whatever force and methods were believed to be necessary in bringing an end to the revolution, the actions of the French military led to a regrettable catalogue of atrocities being committed by those on both sides of the conflict.
Shot documentary-style in grainy, newsreel quality monochrome, THE BATTLE OF ALGIERS is an extremely powerful, deeply moving and often shocking cinematic experience. The film’s remarkable authenticity is helped in no small part by the Algerian government’s assistance in providing the production with financial assistance and access to military resources, as well as allowing the filmmakers the run of the city.
Also key to the film’s effectiveness is Pontecorvo’s casting of nonprofessional locals in the majority of the key roles (the exception being the role of Colonel Matthieu, beautifully played by French actor Jean Martin).
Particularly impressive are Brahim Haggiag, who gives an unforgettable performance as FLN leader Ali La Pointe and, as the head of the FLN, the film’s producer Saadi Yacef, himself a real-life senior FLN leader and one of the few such figures to be taken alive during the actual conflict. Pontecorvo’s astonishing film presents a poignant and admirably unbiased view of a tragic period in modern history.
As powerful today as it was on its original release, THE BATTLE OF ALGIERS is, perhaps, even more relevant in today’s global political climate than ever before and makes for essential viewing.
THE BATTLE OF ALGIERS will open at selected UK cinemas on 11th May 2007 through Maiden Voyage Pictures/Argent Films. The Battle Of Algiers