Cartouches gauloises

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.

This was probably my favourite film at the Cannes Film Festival, and a bit of a surprise package. I hadn't heard much about it beforehand, but decided to take the gamble as it fitted very nicely into my schedule. And what a pleasant surprise!

A film on a subject as heavy as the French withdrawal from Algeria could be rather full-on, and it definitely was in parts, but what kept this piece going was the portrayal of the issue through the eyes of the children involved, both native Algerian and French expats. This device allowed for so many different aspects of the situation to be explored, and without judgement imposed.

The cinematography was a delight to watch, and the framing choices (such as the promo image of the boy staring out the back of the car) superb. The setting was so interesting as well, particularly to someone who didn't know a great deal about the situation.

The performances in Cartouches Gauloises are beautiful, unselfconscious, and subtle, particularly those of the children, and seeing the actors and director up on stage following the screening, you could tell how proud they were of the piece. They received a standing ovation at Cannes, and well- deserved too. One of the little boys couldn't stop the tears from spilling down his face, so sweet!

I would highly recommend this film to anyone who is a fan of world cinema.

Historic events seen through the eyes of children. A relatively unknown ending of French colonial times in Algeria.

Sometimes shocking images become bearable, because they are seen by innocent children's eyes. John Lennon would have been proud. Overall, I liked the movie because of these above-mentioned aspects. I have never been in Algeria itself, but the movie gives a great view of everyday life during the time period it concerns. Also I really liked the scenery and music that relates to Algeria. Interesting story, and definitely worth watching. (Even for people who are neither French nor Algerian).