The battle of algiers

Long time since i've been watching a movie. I didnt understand why i chose to watch this movie, a true story about a war, the Revolution of algiers (happened in the late 1950's-1962. ). The storyline is supposed to be a documentary (i guess) about the uprising, but is beautifully unfolded with sense of justice given to the 'terrorists'. Its shown in a neutral setting, where the director has not tried defending any of the sides, but vividly described the events in a timeline manner. The screenplay is not lacking, in any respect, with the feeling of anxiety, nervousness, empathy and most importantly, the sad eventuality of war, suffering sprinkled throughout the movie. If watching non-fiction is your piece of cake, go for it. (remember its a black and white + french/arabic, so english subtitles are a must)

More deeply the movie also tries to capture with the reason of 'terrorism'. Ali, a culprit, thief and petty criminal joins the revolution for no particular reasons, but since he's already against the french police, he might as well join some organisation. The revolution starts kicking off, with young women, children shown to have a major role in it. It shows that the muslims were the people to revolt against the french and their tactics, pretty much guerrila, like the contemporary times. While discussing about their cause"Revolutions never won by terrorist activities, its just provides a start."This just makes you wonder the harsh reality of south asia, the same tactics repeated with the 'different' mentality (as we may say, but never actually know who is right).

And then you realise, probably, as the time ticks on, more events unfold, the present becomes history, we may actually find out all the answers about what actually happens in south asia and why should we be bothered ? because its our home and sooner or later, we may be directly affected/involved. fatalism?? NO. ("hopefully never we'd have to deal with that situation ")