'The Battle of Algiers' is based on a true story about Algeria's fight for independence from the French government in the mid-1950s post-colonialism era. Algerian resistance fighters enter the city of Algiers to wreak havoc using guerrilla tactics against the French military. In response, the French government sends in their paratroopers to track down the guerrilla cells to fight back on the ground. Fresh off getting beat in Vietnam, the French paratroopers use brutal tactics, including torture and opening fire on rowdy crowds, to keep control of their Algerian colony. The Algerian revolutionary group, National Liberation Front (or FLN for short), strikes with their own brutal tactics using suitcase bombs, pipe bombs, and opening fire on the French citizens. Back and forth the two sides go, neither refusing to back down.

This is a dark film depicting the brutality of the atrocities committed by both sides in their battles. It was filmed on location in Algeria to appeal to realism and recreate the atmosphere. From a technical perspective, it's well made from start to finish using the Italian neorealism style famous for its focus on realism. The cinematography and directing were excellent, leaving nothing on the table from a filming aspect. Crowds of extras are used to recreate the atmosphere of the Algerian revolution, depicted from different angles to make it look like documentary footage. The pacing kept you on the edge of your seat, wanting to know what was next. Legendary composer Ennio Morricone composed the music, which was simply marvelous in building tension and feeling at important junctions in the film. The issues I had were relatively average acting and a general lack of character development, which makes it feel more like a documentary even though it isn't one. You don't feel empathy for either side once you know how they operate. You feel like a bystander trying to make sense of war and the lack of humanity.

Would I recommend it? I'm a bit on the edge about this one. I think it's a decent film, but I would not consider it a must-watch. The plot is not always easy to follow, and took me a while to get interested in it. However, the story is relevant even today.