10 Best War Films NOT About The US Military

9. The Battle Of Algiers

Days of Glory
Rizzoli Rialto Pictures

In the aftermath of World War Two, empires began to unravel as globalisation set in. Once powerful nations, having been ravaged by conflict, saw their influence diminished as a push for independence took hold.

If India's push for freedom was crucial in the British Empire's demise then Algeria delivered the same result for the French. France's insistence on holding onto its key colony resulted in a brutal war that raged from 1954 to 1962 between the French military and the National Liberation Front. After a long military stalemate, France conceded and Algeria won its independence.

In 1966, a film showing both sides was released. The Battle of Algiers recieved very high praise for its morally ambiguous approach, conveying the atrocities of both sides against civilians. It takes place in the early years of the war, showing the antagonism between the two factions growing with innocents caught in the middle.

Moving away from larger global conflicts and homing in on a smaller scale, The Battle of Algiers stands out for its visceral and detailed portrayal of urban warfare. It won numerous accolades for its balanced viewpoint and although it faced massive controversy in France, it's still a powerful production from start to

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