What is the film The Battle of Algiers about?
Paratrooper commander Colonel Mathieu (Jean Martin), a former French Resistance fighter during World War II, is sent to 1950s Algeria to reinforce efforts to squelch the uprisings of the Algerian War. There he faces Ali la Pointe (Brahim Haggiag), 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.The Battle of Algiers / Film synopsis
Is Battle of Algiers a true story?
In fact, The Battle of Algiers was based on the memoirs of Saadi Yacef, one of the leaders of the FLN, who also starred in the film as a character modeled off his real-life role in the opposition movement. The film was banned in France for five years after its release.
How long is the movie Battle of Algiers?
2h 1mThe Battle of Algiers / Running time
Who made the film The Battle of Algiers?
Gillo Pontecorvo
One of the most influential political films in history, The Battle of Algiers, by Gillo Pontecorvo, vividly re-creates a key year in the tumultuous Algerian struggle for independence from the occupying French in the 1950s.
Why was the movie The Battle of Algiers banned in France?
Controversy. The film was banned in France for several years, and some of its scenes depicting torture of Algerians by the French authorities were cut in the UK and US. Among those who condemned the film were French National Front leader Jean-Marie Le Pen, who served in Algeria.
Is The Battle of Algiers biased?
Despite giving the illusion of impartiality, the film is biased towards the FLN’s struggle; Pontecorvo admits it to be “anti the French permanence in Algeria” (Solinas, 1973: 166).
Why did France fight Algeria?
Algerian War, also called Algerian War of Independence, (1954–62) war for Algerian independence from France. The movement for independence began during World War I (1914–18) and gained momentum after French promises of greater self-rule in Algeria went unfulfilled after World War II (1939–45).
Why was Algeria so important to France?
As one of France’s longest-held overseas territories, Algeria became a destination for hundreds of thousands of European immigrants known as colons, and later as pieds-noirs.
Is Battle of Algiers on Netflix?
The Battle of Algiers is an essential film for everybody’s Netflix queue. Luckily, it’s currently available for instant streaming right from your computer or video game console, so no waiting by the mailbox for this title.
How long was Battle of Algiers banned in France?
five years
Beset with an unavoidably difficult production and an even more contentious global reception, The Battle of Algiers was banned in France for five years upon its initial release in 1966 for daring to not just humanize but boldly and unequivocally identify with the Algerians who for eight years (from 1954 to 1962) fought …
Which European country is closest to Algeria?
The Maghreb state borders Morocco to the west, Mauritania and Mali to the southwest, Niger to the southeast, Libya to the east, Tunisia to the northeast, and has a short border with Western Sahara to the west. Algeria shares maritime borders with Italy and Spain.
How many people died in The Battle of Algiers?
Battle of Algiers (1956–1957)
| Battle of Algiers | |
|---|---|
| Strength | |
| 1,500 militants | 90,000 soldiers 1,500 policemen |
| Casualties and losses | |
| 1,000–3,000 killed or missing | 300 killed 900 wounded |
Are there any French left in Algeria?
After Algeria became independent in 1962, about 800,000 Pieds-Noirs of French nationality were evacuated to mainland France, while about 200,000 remained in Algeria.
…
The Pied-Noir population as part of the total Algerian population.
| Year | Algerian Population | Pied Noir population |
|---|---|---|
| 1965 | 11,923,000 | 100,000 (in 1965) |
How many people France killed in Algeria?
The human cost of the war remains unknown, particularly on the Algerian side. Some estimates put French military losses at 27,000 killed and civilian losses at 5,000 to 6,000. French sources suggest that casualties among Algerians totaled between 300,000 and 500,000, while Algerian sources claim as many as 1,500,000.
Is Algeria safe to visit?
Avoid all travel
You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.
Where can I see The Battle of Algiers?
The Battle of Algiers, a historical drama movie starring Jean Martin, Yacef Saadi, and Brahim Haggiag is available to stream now. Watch it on Kanopy, HBO Max, The Criterion Channel, Prime Video or Apple TV on your Roku device.
Where was Battle of Algiers filmed?
the Casbah
Even today, “The Battle of Algiers” remains a triumph of realistic production values. Director Gillo Pontecorvo filmed in Algiers, using real locations in the European quarter and the Casbah. Everything, including the riot scenes in which police battle civilian demonstrators, was shot live.
Why was the Algerian War so violent?
The violence first skyrocketed when the French responded to an FLN-led general strike and bombings by combing the city for pro-independence fighters. The military relied primarily on neighborhood raids, arrests, and torture, focusing its sweeps in the Casbah slum, an opposition stronghold.
What’s Algeria famous for?
What is Algeria famous for? Rock Art of the Tassili n’Ajjer. Algeria is known for its traditional hospitality, its Mediterranean climate in the north, and the Sahara, which covers nearly 90% of the country. Rock art drawings and Rock carving at Wadi Djerat in the Tassili massif (Tassili n’Ajjer).
What is Algeria famous for food?
couscous
A common and one of the most favorite dishes of Algerian cuisine is couscous, with other favorites such as rechta, shakshouka, karantita, chakhchoukha, zviti, tajines, like tajine zitoune, and marqa bel a’assel, a speciality from Tlemcen. A popular Algerian meat is merguez, an originally Berber sausage.
Why did France give up Algeria?
Ultimately France left Algeria for strategic and political reasons, not economic ones. This paper has shown the clear presence of torture on an unofficially endemic scale; while the ramifications of it domestically and internationally have been analysed.
How Safe Is Algiers?
It’s generally safe to move around the centre of Algiers during the day. Ideally, travel around with someone who knows the city well. Avoid areas that you don’t know, particularly in the suburbs of the city and especially after dark. Don’t carry large amounts of money or valuables around with you.
Is Algeria good to live?
Living in Algeria
Algeria is a great place to raise children, to work and to retire. It has a slow, steady feel that allows you to take a step back, and can offer a different lifestyle than the one you are used to. Check out our guide for more information about living in Algeria.
Can you drink alcohol in Algeria?
Drinking Alcohol in Algeria
It is illegal to drink alcohol in public. If you want to drink alcohol in Algeria, it is best to drink in restaurants, bars, hotels and private homes. There is generally a very small selection of alcohol within the country.