Viewed on DVD. It really is hard to believe that this film was released in 1966, given how relevant it is to today’s terrorism-filled world. This film provides a deeper understanding of terrorism than most media attempts available today. By taking a neutral perspective on the 1950s conflict between the occupying French colonialists and the insurgent Algerians, the film allows the viewer to assign good/evil/whatever to the various characters or parties that it portrays. It is difficult for the viewer to identify with either side or any character, given they are all doing bad things. One thing that really comes across are the inevitable civilian casualties, as the film repeatedly shows urban, cosmopolitan settings getting blown into chaos and gore by bombs set by both sides of the conflict. There are no suicide bombers, more like drop-and-run bombers, including women using purses. You really have to see it to really appreciate how relevant it is. Not only is it relevant, it is also a great piece of film making, both emotionally and technically. See netflix page and IMDB page.
