
A terrorist with a mission in America get enrolled as an engineering student. But his mission may get compromised as new ideas influence him on his journey to freedom.... (Full plot summary below)
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A terrorist with a mission in America get enrolled as an engineering student. But his mission may get compromised as new ideas influence him on his journey to freedom.
Leave your thoughts about The Algerian.
| Paste MagazineBrent SimonThe Algerian plays out more like an exercise in cinematic Socratic method than anything resembling a cogent drama. |
| Movie MezzanineAmir SoltaniIt is hard to encounter a film that lacks even a single redeeming quality; that The Algerian achieves that is probably its biggest accomplishment. |
| User ReviewJoshua JI have to agree with the 90% audience score that THE ALGERIAN has achieved. Audiences and film festival judges can't be wrong: a film that has won 19 awards at international film festivals on two continents, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Original Music, Best Stunts, Best Sound Design and an Audience Choice Award, a Best Thriller Award, and the prestigious RIIFF International Vision Award, must be a special film worth seeing. U.S. press outlets seem to agree: "Definitely worth seeing" (Washington Times, David Keene), "An inspiring and gripping film" (Huffington Post, Bob Cesca), "Zelko's directing is outstanding" (Shine On Hollywood Magazine, Alvaro Gutierrez), "The Algerian's message is noble" (Arab American News, Hassan Khalifeh), "A compelling and well acted international political thriller" (Independent Film Quarterly, Briege McGarrity), "A compelling character piece...Love wins out in this escalating thriller and a twist ending will keep you guessing." (The Forum/Link Newspaper, Steve Coats). I find it odd that all these positive critical reviews from the press have not been added to the "FRESH" section of this site, while the only 2 critical reviews set forth here (both rotten) were added by two "journalists" on the exact same day, which is an odd coincidence of timing, to say the least. It would seem that these two film critics may have a political agenda, which is actually wonderful to see: any film that can touch a person's mind and make them grapple with their dogma is a true work of art. Bravo. |
| User ReviewSade AI saw The Algerian at a film festival last summer and have been rooting for this film to make it to theaters ever since. We live in such a significant time for terrorism, and after seeing this chillingly close-to-reality movie, I couldn't imagine a more relevant and fitting drama to give perspective on arguably the most pressing issue in recent history. This unique film, amidst the explosions and action sequences, has a message and a powerful meaning behind it that makes it so remarkable and a must-see for everyone. A bomb blast that kills a mother right in front of her young child's eyes is the spark that ignites The Algerian, an international political thriller from writer-director Giovanni Zelko, who puts two worlds on a collision course and makes audiences wait for the inevitable. As the title indicates, the film puts audiences in close proximity with an Algerian sleeper cell who comes to America on a mission to avenge the murder of his parents when he was a child. We follow "Ali," played by Ben Youcef, whose magnetic breakout performance is marked by a mysterious fullness that trickles down into every scene, as he comes into contact with a diverse mix of people in Los Angeles who help to change his perception of the very individuals who he is plotting to kill. Youcef's melodious voice and steely exterior plays wonderfully with the supporting cast, whose vital presence drive The Algerian forward. The story line is easy to follow, but the subtext is intelligent and thought provoking. Zelko is a groundbreaking artist who dares to take on the challenge of exploring the evolution of a terrorist, who he reveals through tragedy, hardships, breakthroughs, and shows us how sometimes, human to human contact is enough to change minds and hearts, and diminish one's capacity to commit evil, all the while transcending barriers of politics, culture, and religion. The Algerian truly keeps us walking on a tightrope until the very end... No spoilers here, only my advice to skip the usual fluff in theaters this summer and go see this urgent and thrilling art imitating life film with a story that could have been ripped straight from the headlines. |
| User ReviewIan BThis movie is compelling on many fronts. First it shows you the real power of human emotion and that good has always triumph over evil. Second it speaks to everyone on a level anyone can understand and at a time it's much needed. Bravo to the film and its message of ultimate peace and how we can change our thinking. Great movie highly recommend! |
| User ReviewGiovanni ZThe Algerian is truly an Independent film. It was a labor of love to create this work. It is so relative to what is going on in the world today. The possibility does exist that there are sleeper cells operating within the United States. The Director Giovanni Zelko who is a student of history and a film school graduate has put his diverse skills, his drive for excellence into this film. It will make you think and wonder what part do each of us play in creating the reality in which we find ourselves in today. This is a must see. |
| User ReviewD____ BI am no stranger to independent productions, I've definitely seen my fair share. Going into this film, knowing only that it was made on a shoestring budget, I really didn't know what to expect. What played out on the screen was a very decent film that looked fantastic, with the quality of a much larger production. The story admittedly began with a rushed hook, but it quickly found its pacing and I found myself to be a fly on the wall of a well-acted, politically charged modern drama that kept me on edge to the end. The Algerian successfully presents multiple viewpoints of sensitive and often uncomfortable subject matter without strongly taking sides. The character archetypes at times feel a little formulaic, but this is overshadowed by inspired acting and the genuine likability & chemistry of the main cast. For a feature-length debut from a talented and smart filmmaker, this movie is a labor of love that delivers a wrenching, thought-provoking and ultimately worthwhile story that I wouldn't hesitate to recommend. |