A film achieves true beauty, pain, and mastery when it captures a historical event with remarkable accuracy. The Battle of Algiers, following in the footsteps of Italian Neo-Realism and the French New Wave—by filming on location and using nonprofessional actors—offers a raw and unflinching portrayal of the brutal realities faced by both the French Legion and Algerian guerrillas. The film starkly depicts the horrors of war, including bombings, torture, and scapegoating, without romanticizing either side. It also features one of Ennio Morricone’s early, celebrated musical scores, adding to its powerful impact.

Alistair Horne chronicling the Algerian war against French colonial rule titled his book A Savage War of Peace, and The Battle of Algiers offers numerous insights into that intriguing phrase. Rather than portraying the entire war, the film focuses on the city of Algiers. Despite being informed at the start that no actual documentary footage is used, the stark and often unsettling realism of the images makes it difficult to believe at times.

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