"The Battle of Algiers"

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer describes that the film "The Battle of Algiers" is set in the French colony of Algiers during the North African nation's struggle for independence during the 1950s. The writer notes that at the beginning of this film, the French forces have recently been driven out of Vietnam by nationalist forces. Then the writer relates that the French resolve to refuse to let the Algerians free from French control, while the Algerian freedom fighters resolve to stop at nothing, even terrorism, to drive the French away. The film shows the conflict between the French and Africans from both sides. The writer points out that the film suggests that war is always wrong and evil and nations must strive to do all they can to eliminate the causes of war. The writer concludes that stopping the spread of colonialism is a positive first step toward the elimination of war, but that does not mean that one should morally validate violence and terrorism.

From the Paper:

"The film shows the conflict between the French and Africans from both sides. The first part of the film focuses on the life of a petty criminal named Ali, who has grown up in the impoverished and exploited nation, and who gradually becomes convinced of the rightness of the renegade military group known as the Algerian Liberation Front (FLN). Ali La Ponte begins the film as an aimless, drifting individual. He finishing his term in prison for a crime he committed when the sight of a prisoner being led to the guillotine awakens his political consciousness. Ali begins to question the politics of the society around him. He joins the FLN, an organization that is attempting to purge Algiers of all foreign influences, including drugs, alcohol, and prostitution."

Sample of Sources Used:

• 1967 film "The Battle of Algiers", directed by Pontecorvo

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