I think people's senses are so overwhelmed by the surging inevitability of the action that they are prepared to support what, in another context, they would reject.

It uses realism as an effect, documentary as a style. You feel that you're really there, and you can't help but be moved.

It neither demonizes nor lionizes either side of the conflict, aiming for just-the-ugly facts objectivity. Nobody who sees it is likely to feel comforted, or even vindicated. The emotion it most frequently and fervently inspires is sorrow.

The Battle of Algiers isn’t afraid to make a mess of war. Nothing comes easily, and no easy answers are given. War isn’t that black-or-white, and this film refuses to conform to convention.