This Algerian epic covering that land’s mid-20th century political turmoil as seen through the eyes of the rural/desert peasantry may be the least known of all modern Cannes film-fest winners. No doubt the top prize was something of a ‘mea culpa’ from that tres-Francais organization, but the film is not without interest. It’s consistently well-shot by Marcello Gatti and there’s an undeniable sweep to some of the large set pieces, but the story line feels stuck in cataloguing one grim milestone event after another (drought, famine, disease, tribal wars, international wars). No doubt, this reflects much real-life misery, but the film only comes to life briefly toward the end of its three hours when a social agitator comes to town and organizes resistance to the French occupation.
NOTE: Not currently on DVD, but seen in a "letterboxed" VHS format.
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