Outside the Law – Hors la loi (2010)

Directed by: Rachid Bouchareb | 138 minutes | drama, crime, history | Actors: Jamel Debbouze, Roschdy Zem, Sami Bouajila, Chafia Boudraa, Bernard Blancan

Setif is a city in northern Algeria. In 1945, a terrible blood sheet took place. The French army responded to a popular uprising and used considerable force. Many thousands of people lost their lives as a result. This incident immediately planted the seeds for the Algerian War of Independence. Director Rachid Bouchareb uses this event to tell the story of three Algerian brothers while simultaneously raising a thorny issue in history. The epic ‘Outside the Law’ (‘Hors la loi’) has therefore become a burly print that caused heated discussions upon its release in France.

Three brothers meet again after years in the slums of Nanterre. Saïd has chosen crime in his attempt to escape poverty. Messaoud was in the army and served in Indochina. Abdelkader was in prison. The love for their homeland Algeria drives Messaoud and Abdelkader to the FLN, the front de Libération Nationale. This liberation front works for the independence of Algeria and does not shy away from violence. While the two pose as real fanatics, Saïd just wants to make some money. However, his two other brothers strongly disapprove of his lifestyle. While the brothers are arguing, a fierce war between the FLN and the police ensues, with more and more victims.

Those who want to identify with the main characters will be disappointed. The three brothers are by no means sweethearts and do not arouse an ounce of sympathy. Their fight for the higher goal raises questions because of the much bloodshed. However, there is little to criticize in terms of film technology. It all looks beautiful, the actors give it their all and ‘Outside the Law’ never gets boring. Still, it seems clear to us who Bouchareb supports. We are therefore not going to make any statements about historical correctness. The solid political content apparently leaves no room for nuance.