The Battle of Algiers (1966) RM4K 1080p BluRay x265 HEVC AAC-SARTRE

This highly political film about the Algerian struggle for independence from France took "Best Film" honors at the 1966 Venice Film Festival. The bulk of the film is shot in flashback, presented as the memories of Ali (Brahim Haggiag), a leading member of the Algerian Front de Liberation Nationale (FLN), when finally captured by the French in 1957. Three years earlier, Ali was a petty thief who joined the secretive organization in order to help rid the Casbah of vice associated with the colonial government. The film traces the rebels' struggle and the increasingly extreme measures taken by the French government to quell what soon becomes a nationwide revolt. After the flashback, Ali and the last of the FLN leaders are killed, and the film takes on a more general focus, leading to the declaration of Algerian independence in 1962. Director Gillo Pontecorvo's careful re-creation of a complicated guerrilla struggle presents a rather partisan view of some complex social and political issues, which got the film banned in France for many years. That should not come as a surprise, for La Battaglia di Algeri was subsidized by the Algerian government and -- with the exception of Jean Martin and Tommaso Neri as French officers -- the cast was entirely Algerian as well.

Extras

• Director Ken Loach on The Battle of Algiers - Director Ken Loach (Looking for Eric, The Angels' Share) discusses The Battle of Algiers, its message and importance, the radicalism of the film and its Italian identity, etc.

• Director Paul Greengrass Reflects on the Film - Acclaimed director Paul Greengrass (The Bourne Supremacy, United 93) discusses The Battle of Algiers and explains what makes it a timeless film.

• The Real Battle of Algiers - In this video interview, producer and protagonist Saadi Yacef, head of FLN guerrillas, discusses France's presence in Algeria, the French policy of "economic racism", the founding of the Algerian People's Party ("Partie du Peuple Algerien") and its activities, etc.

• Restoration - This new documentary takes a closer look at the new 4K restoration of The Battle of Algiers. Included in it are clips from interviews with many of the experts and technicians from Cineteca di Bologna at L'Immagine Ritrovata that completed it.

• The Making of The Battle of Algiers - In this video interview, director Gillo Pontecorvo recalls how The Battle of Algiers came to exist, and discusses his collaboration with writer Franco Solinas, the political message of the film and its unique documentary look, Ennio Morricone's music score, etc.

• Our War For Freedom - In this video interview, FLN fighter Zohra Drif Bitat (portrayed in the film) discusses the French occupation of Algeria, the collapse of the education system in the country after the occupation, the war of independence, etc.

• Photo Galleries - 1. On Set, 2. The real Battle of Algiers, 3. Awards & Posters