A marvellous film. It's visually captivating with superb framing and every performance is beautifully observed. Who could have thought a film about the violent and murderous ending of the colonial French rule of Algeria could be so life affirming? The answer is because children abide and this film is seen mostly through the eyes of Ali, a young Algerian boy who earns money by delivering newspapers to both Algerian and French customers via businesses, barracks and a brothel. Ali reacts to the public atrocities with a detachment that suggests he expects nothing less from the adults around him even though his job means he hears and sees more than any child his age should. The murders and acts of terrorism affect everyone as a community and therefore the shared horror and grief ultimately make the crimes, though unacceptable, more bearable to the community. His friends are a mixture of French and Algerian children. His best friend is Nicolas, a French kid whose middle class life does not affect their friendship. Their disagreements and interactions are without personal judgment or animosity, but reflect the opposing views of their families and lifestyles. A great movie where actions often speak louder than words and no foreknowledge of Algerian history is required to understand the narrative.
Review of Cartouches gauloises
