DVD
The battle of Algiers = La bataille d'Alger
Call Number
- DVD FOREIGN (CEN)
Edition
Special ed. ; Widescreen version.
Languages
In French & Arabic with optional English subtitles.
Performers
Brahim Haggiag, Jean Martin, Saadi Yacef, Samia Kerbash, Ugo Paletti, Fusia El Kader, Mohamed Ben Kassen.
Publication Information
[Irvington, NY] : Criterion Collection ; Chicago, IL : Distributed by Home Vision Entertainment, [2004]
Physical Description
3 videodiscs (121 min.) : sd., b&w ; 4 3/4 in. + 1 booklet (55 p. : ill. ; 19 cm.)
Audience
Not rated.
Summary
Focuses on the harrowing events of 1957, a key year in Algeria's struggle for independence from France. Recreates the tumultuous Algerian uprising against the occupying French in the 1950s. As violence escalates on both sides, the French torture prisoners for information and the Algerians resort to terrorism in their quest for independence. Children shoot soldiers at point-blank range, women plant bombs in cafés. The French win the battle, but ultimately lose the war as the Algerian people demonstrate that they will no longer be suppressed.
Notes
Title from container.
Originally produced as a motion picture in 1966.
Based on an idea by Saadi Yacef.
Special features: new high-definition transfer of film; production gallery ; theatrical and re-release trailers ; a 51-minute documentary on the making of The battle of Algiers ; "Gillo Pontecorvo: The dictatorship of truth," a 37-min. documentary ; "Gillo Pontecorvo's Return to Algiers (1992, 55 min.) ; "Five Directors" discuss the film's influence, style and importance ; "États d'armes," a 28-min. documentary featuring senior French military officers ; "Remembering history," a documentary that reconstructs the Algerian experience of the battle for independence ; "The battle of Algiers: a case study."