The Battle of Algiers is a movie that bring a moment in history to life. This is accomplished by partially by the documentary-like cinematography and partially by casting choices. The cast, like in Bicycle Thieves, is mostly made of non-professional locals(including Saadi Yacef, one of the leaders of Algeria's National Liberation Front)who have mostly lived trough occupation and gave the movie authenticity which would be lost if professionals were cast. The only professional actor was unknown Jean Martin, who gives a memorable performance as French Colonel Mathieu, who is movie's representation of attitudes of French Army in occupied Algeria. Aldo thinly based on the real events, it is, like Z, is very fast-paced, where you whole time wondering consequences of each action in this battle, making it a political movie that doesn't exist to be simply moralizing.

However what elevates The Battle is it complex and nuanced view of this type of revolution. Firstly it treats every victim of this war be they Algerian or French as an equal tragedy, in which there are no worthless lives. It also gives as look into both Algerian and French perspective on the war: Algerian wish from independence after being French colony for 130 years and one of the French Army which stays as a command of public in France. However movie doesn't treat these two as equal in any way clearly taking anti-colonial stance, even comparing French colonization of Algeria as similar to Nazi invasion of France, which Colonel rejects in unconvincing way. However the movie doesn't say that all rebel actions are justified, but instead says that horrid deeds, even with a good justification, are still horrid. In my opinion it says that just these revolutions are maybe necessary in a world where colonialism still exist.

Even if more traditional colonialism, as seen in The Battle of Algiers, is no longer present, it is replaced with neocolonialism and "temporary occupations" and the main players have change from France and Britain to China and US. The Battle of Algiers is still relevant because it isn't just about Algeria, it is about every country that was ever occupied and which people's were exploited by more powerful countries. It shouldn't be watched as sole example of brilliant film-making, but also as an important political movie. It truly justifies its placement on every "Best Movies of All Times" list it is on.