OUTSIDE THE LAW (HORS-LA-LOI) DVD (2010)

SYNOPSIS: After losing their family home in Algeria, three brothers and their mother are scattered across the globe. Messaoud joins the French army fighting in Indochina; Abdelkader becomes a leader of the Algerian independence movement in France and Said moves to Paris to make his fortune in the shady clubs and boxing halls of Pigalle. Gradually, their interconnecting destinies reunite them in the French capital where freedom is a battle to be fought and won.

MOVIE REVIEW:

Through the eyes of three brothers, we are treated to a slice of history, one which recounts the events leading to Algeria’s independence. Directed by Rachid Bouchareb (Days of Glory), Outside the Law (Hors-La-Loi) is overall an well-made historical drama with plenty of action bits thrown in.

Still under the control of France in the 1940’s, three Algerian brothers, Messaoud the eldest brother has joined the army and fighting a war in Indochina. The second, Abdelkader is in a prison while the youngest, Said has brought her mother to France in search of a better life after their father and sisters were killed in a massacre by the French police. Years later the brothers finally unite. Upon Abdelkader’s persuasion, Messaoud decides to join him in a revolution against the French. Said on the other hand rather makes money out of boxing than join their resistance.

Bouchareb’s depiction of the relationship between the brothers is what holds the movie together. The inner struggles of the brothers especially Messaoud who has a young son of his own and the recurring themes of family and loyalty to one’s roots are what the script has adequately captured.

Even they may not be approving of Abdelkader’s ways of doing things for the FLN, brotherhood always come first so long any of them is in danger. Messaoud fought the way when it comes to harrowing missions while Abdelkader, the less combat experience brother is the mastermind behind the operations. And Said despite his reluctance manages to save the life of his second brother when an operation went wrong.

Given a handsome budget to work with if you take aside all the political propanganda, Outside the Law is a tremendously enjoyable film that’s populated with believable set pieces and the action choreographed handsomely matching a classic Hollywood’s gangster film. French actors Roschdy Zem, Sami Bouajila and Jamel Debbouze (all of them have worked on Days of Glory) are excellent in their respective roles. For fans of thought-provoking flicks that take it’s time to tell the story will certainly appreciate a title like this. 

SPECIAL FEATURES:

NIL

AUDIO/VISUAL:

Picture quality is surprisingly strong though images are generally softer. Dialogue is clear with burned-in English subtitles and the occasional gunfires offer a loud dynamic listening experience. 

MOVIE RATING:

DVD RATING :

Review by Linus Tee