Lion of the Desert

Rating:
Summary: Moving epic
Review: Although this film was given a predictably limited release due to several factors, most of them overwhelmingly political, do not let that detract you from what is quite simply a breathtaking film about a subject that is often ignored, namely the brutal behaviour of fascist Italy in Libya. From the desert wastes of North Africa to the heart of Rome, the film traces the Libyan resistance to Italian occupation by a largely ignored hero of the era, Omar Mukhtar. The film draws no punches in its portrayal of the cruelty of the fascist army, personified by Graziani "the butcher" and Moustafa's recreation of the rivalry between these two colossal personalities is brilliantly executed. The historical footage that the film contains throughout as it documents real life events is an additional bonus and overall I would have to say that this film is an extremely recommended purchase.

Rating:
Summary: Sweeping True Story Of A Freedom Fighter
Review: Amazon.com's own Editorial Review is needlessly dismissive toward this movie. Not only does the review give the movie short shrift, it's also likely to squelch sales! "Lion of the Desert" is a worthy, if underrated, film. The acting is good all around, and the numerous battle scenes are impressive. But what's truly impressive is that a Libyan schoolteacher led a resolute resistance against Italian occupation for 20 years - and he was in his fifties when he started! How could a group of horse soldiers outwit a mechanized modern army? Watch the film and see.

Rating:
Summary: Surprisingly entertaining
Review: At a time when the average 'Arab' or Muslim is too often portrayed as a savage and the Western powers, who have messed around with North African and Middle Eastern nations imperialistically, out of Cold War motives or a desire to save our oil supply, this film really was a breath of fresh air. The devil is in details and I found a lot to learn here. Sure, it's a bit melodramatic, and, I suppose contrived, but I came away feeling I learned a lot. Quinn and Reed were persuasive -- I think they relished their roles -- and some of the underlings good, as well. There was enough complexity to avoid utter stereotyping. Who cares who paid for it. Sit back and enjoy some good scenery and lively battle scenes,then head for the history books to sort things out. And, it looked great on my dvd player. Dialogue a little muddy, but music good.

Rating:
Summary: Omar Al-Mukhtar The Legend
Review: Definetly one of the best movies of all time, excellent performance from Anthony Quinn who played the role of the legendary Omar Al-Mukhtar. This movie especially I recommend to all audiences because it really reveals the sufferage of the libyan people under the cruel Italian Regime, and gives an idea of the libyan history in brief. Magnificent Movie!!!!!!

Rating:
Summary: A very good movie, I thought!
Review: Even though the reviewers did not like this movie, I myself enjoyed it immensely. I think that others will like it as well. I never really listen to movie critics, since they have an opinion just like I do. I would definitely reccommend this movie.

Rating:
Summary: A bit long, but hits you in the guts.
Review: Forget the Amazon.com review, its ridiculous (? prejudiced). Come on, if ithe movie is so bad, how come it gets so many stars? I saw this movie maybe 20 years ago, and still remember it well. It has some shortfalls, it's about 15 minutes too long, and the inclusion of a "humane" Italian officer is a little too cliched. For the rest though the characters and situations are realistic, Anthony Quinn gives a fine perforemance, and the battle scene at the Oasis is the bloodiest, most shocking re-ceation I have ever seen, before the opening scene of Saving Private Ryan. Watch it and like me at the end you'll be a little bit quieter and more somber.

Rating:
Summary: watch this video/dvd
Review: Forget the editorial reviews; just watch this movie. You'll learn a lot about the Italian occupation of Libya. You'll also get to know about the true Muslim way to resist and fight back against tyranny.

Rating:
Summary: I can give it 6 stars....Don't miss it
Review: From the best I have ever seen. I loved it, I watch it over and over since I was 9 until now. Just don't miss it.

Rating:
Summary: A hidden gem in the repetoire of great war films.
Review: Given that not all war movies issued in DVD format by MGM and Fox are truly good, it is a shame that a masterpiece such as
"Lion of the Desert" is released in the more obscure Anchor Bay label. Aside from picture and sound quality that is rather good for such an old film, the story, the characters and the battle scenes exceed one's expectations. Anthony Quinn plays a wise teacher who moonlights as a rebellion leader in Italian-occupied Libya. Oliver Reed plays an Italian general who was sent to Libya by "Il Duce" Mussolini, played with humourous gusto by Rod Steiger, in 1929 to crush the rebellion. This film emphasizes that it was this general, named Rodolfo Graziani, who was the first to employ tanks in the desert, and one sees alot of light tanks being used against Bedouin horsemen. Aside from regular Italian army officers, there are fascist Black Shirt officers who, like Hitler's S.S. officers, just love being cruel and sadastic. If you like watching desert warfare, you will find this film to be more than satisfying and learn, like the arrogant Italians did, not to underestimate the resourceful Omar Mukhtar and his people's rebellion against colonization.

Rating:
Summary: A hidden gem in the repetoire of great war films.
Review: Given that not all war movies issued in DVD format by MGM and Fox are truly good, it is a shame that a masterpiece such as
"Lion of the Desert" is released in the more obscure Anchor Bay label. Aside from picture and sound quality that is rather good for such an old film, the story, the characters and the battle scenes exceed one's expectations. Anthony Quinn plays a wise teacher who moonlights as a rebellion leader in Italian-occupied Libya. Oliver Reed plays an Italian general who was sent to Libya by "Il Duce" Mussolini, played with humourous gusto by Rod Steiger, in 1929 to crush the rebellion. This film emphasizes that it was this general, named Rodolfo Graziani, who was the first to employ tanks in the desert, and one sees alot of light tanks being used against Bedouin horsemen. Aside from regular Italian army officers, there are fascist Black Shirt officers who, like Hitler's S.S. officers, just love being cruel and sadastic. If you like watching desert warfare, you will find this film to be more than satisfying and learn, like the arrogant Italians did, not to underestimate the resourceful Omar Mukhtar and his people's rebellion against colonization.