After losing their family home in Algeria in the 1920s, 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 Saïd moves to Paris to make his fortune in the shady clubs and boxing halls of Pigalle.
Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 2 wins & 3 nominations.
Top Critics Reviews
fresh:
A gripping French-Algerian coproduction that makes Algeria's epic struggle for independence from France look like a gangster movie.
– Carrie Rickey,
Philadelphia Inquirer,
17 Feb 2011
fresh:
"Outside the Law" is an epic film about Algeria's fight for liberation from France, with three outstanding performances and a grand, sweeping feel.
– Bill Goodykoontz,
Arizona Republic,
2 Mar 2011
fresh:
Think The Godfather II as told through France vs. Algeria tensions, and you have the essence of Rachid Bouchareb's vivid combo crime saga, action movie and historical drama.
– Peter Howell,
Toronto Star,
25 Mar 2011
fresh:
It's a ham-handed "issue" movie that preaches to the converted, but the mid-century threads look cool and those Coppola moments remain effective all these years later.
– Colin Covert,
Minneapolis Star Tribune,
31 Mar 2011
fresh:
It's a big, bold film defined by a reserved passion, a stately style and strong performances from its three leads.