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Lawrence Of Arabia
1962
David Lean's masterpiece--perhaps the greatest of screen epics--stars Peter O'Toole in one of the most electrifying debuts in film history. The film is less an ordinary adventure than an experience that leaves an overwhelming sense of the struggle between two powerful forces: the Arabian deserts, immense, intractable, ever-.. Read more
| Starring | Peter O'Toole, Omar Sharif, Anthony Quinn, Jack Hawkins |
|---|---|
| Director | David Lean |
| Genres | Action/Adventure, Drama |
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Critics' reviews (2)
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This is director David Lean's magisterial portrayal of one of Britain's most enigmatic yet charismatic heroes, TE Lawrence, whose precise role in the Arab revolt against the Turks during the First World War still perplexes military historians. Peter O'Toole's flamboyant performance hints at every aspect of Lawrence's complex character (including his masochistic tendency), while Robert Bolt and Michael Wilson's script develops into a withering satire on the ball-and-socket mentality of Lawrence's superiors, who play the Great Game of Empire by the book. Taking 15 months to shoot in Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Spain and England, Lean developed an obsession with the desert mirroring Lawrence's own. There are some awesomely beautiful images, notably the mirage that introduced the world to a new star, Omar Sharif. Winner of seven Oscars and restored to its original version in 1989, this is movie-making on the grandest scale.
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Sprawling epic which manages after four hours to give no insight whatever into the complexities of character of this mysterious historic figure, but is often spectacularly beautiful and exciting along the way.
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Most helpful members' reviews (3)
View all -
35 out of 38 people found this review helpful
Is this supposed to be one of the greatest screen epics of all time?
Seriously?
Probably more like one of the greatest, longest, most tedious bores of all time!
I decided to catch up on my classics and chose this film to watch: and how I regretted that decision! The film extends to 2 discs and I sat through both hoping that somewhere along the line the story would pick up but alas, it never happened. The characters are OTT, I think perhaps they thought they were acting on stage because the acting was contrived and over the top 'wooden' as one reviewer so rightly described it. I know the acting in oldies is supposed to be a bit more OTT than what we're used to nowadays, but I still watch 'Gone with the Wind' and get caught up in it, despite the theatrical acting. I guess if the story is so good no one is going to be bothered pointing out the hideousness of the acting. But this film the story and acting were sorely lacking, so I struggled to get to the end. One good thing about the film, is the scenery. But if all this classic boils down to is beautiful scenery, then whoever considers this' perhaps the greatest screen epic of all time' should be taking a holiday and not giving their opinion about films! -
11 out of 11 people found this review helpful
Stunning images and tale of tribal rule
One of the most important British films ever made. It challanges the pre-conceived notions of barbarism and turns the tables several times for the audience. Fantastic images from the exotic Sahara desert amplify the dramatic effect of the self destructive efforts of the protagonist. Long, but worth every minute!
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10 out of 10 people found this review helpful
A true epic
With a running time in excess of 3 hours it truly is an epic film, besides it won 7 Oscars and in its day that was epic!
At the risk of being branded "an old wrinkly" I can remember being taken to see this film in the "sixties" with my parents. The film absolutely bowled me over then and now in my fifties it has so much more to offer now that I can better appreciate the stupendous cinematography, acting and settings.
It has action in abundance yet still conveys the era and story faithfully. This is a must see film for both children and adults alike. A true story about one of England's greatest unsung heroes set in the lands that we commonly now refer to as "The Gulf". I cannot praise the scenes enough, although you have to see it in widescreen to truly appreciate all its glory. -
Most recent members' reviews (2)
View all -
35 out of 38 people found this review helpful
Is this supposed to be one of the greatest screen epics of all time?
Seriously?
Probably more like one of the greatest, longest, most tedious bores of all time!
I decided to catch up on my classics and chose this film to watch: and how I regretted that decision! The film extends to 2 discs and I sat through both hoping that somewhere along the line the story would pick up but alas, it never happened. The characters are OTT, I think perhaps they thought they were acting on stage because the acting was contrived and over the top 'wooden' as one reviewer so rightly described it. I know the acting in oldies is supposed to be a bit more OTT than what we're used to nowadays, but I still watch 'Gone with the Wind' and get caught up in it, despite the theatrical acting. I guess if the story is so good no one is going to be bothered pointing out the hideousness of the acting. But this film the story and acting were sorely lacking, so I struggled to get to the end. One good thing about the film, is the scenery. But if all this classic boils down to is beautiful scenery, then whoever considers this' perhaps the greatest screen epic of all time' should be taking a holiday and not giving their opinion about films! -
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful
Truly epic
Lawrence of Arabia is righly regarded as one of the most epic films ever to be made. Set in Arabia during and immediately after the First World War, it tells the story of a young Englisj officer T.E. Lawrence who joins with the Arab forces to defeat the Turkish Empire. Lawrence becomes the leader of the forces and gradually gives power back to the Arabs only for the infighting to start and see his own position being usurped as the battles end and politics begins.
Peter O'Toole is marvellous as Lawrence, bringing the right blend of idealist, warrior, hero, leader and ultimately madness brought about from his experiences in the desert. David Lean's direction is spectacular, painting a pciture of the desert that shows why Lawrence so fell in love with the land and its people. The support cast are excellent although under utilised, especially if you have read Lawrence's Seven Pillars of Wisdom, which tells the roles that the Arab leaders played at the time. My only criticism is the length - at nearly 4 hours long the film takes a great deal of concentration although I did find myself fast forwarding some of the desert scenes to rush the film along.
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35 out of 38 people found this review helpful
Is this supposed to be one of the greatest screen epics of all time?
Seriously?
Probably more like one of the greatest, longest, most tedious bores of all time!
I decided to catch up on my classics and chose this film to watch: and how I regretted that decision! The film extends to 2 discs and I sat through both hoping that somewhere along the line the story would pick up but alas, it never happened. The characters are OTT, I think perhaps they thought they were acting on stage because the acting was contrived and over the top 'wooden' as one reviewer so rightly described it. I know the acting in oldies is supposed to be a bit more OTT than what we're used to nowadays, but I still watch 'Gone with the Wind' and get caught up in it, despite the theatrical acting. I guess if the story is so good no one is going to be bothered pointing out the hideousness of the acting. But this film the story and acting were sorely lacking, so I struggled to get to the end. One good thing about the film, is the scenery. But if all this classic boils down to is beautiful scenery, then whoever considers this' perhaps the greatest screen epic of all time' should be taking a holiday and not giving their opinion about films! -
11 out of 11 people found this review helpful
Stunning images and tale of tribal rule
One of the most important British films ever made. It challanges the pre-conceived notions of barbarism and turns the tables several times for the audience. Fantastic images from the exotic Sahara desert amplify the dramatic effect of the self destructive efforts of the protagonist. Long, but worth every minute!
-
10 out of 10 people found this review helpful
A true epic
With a running time in excess of 3 hours it truly is an epic film, besides it won 7 Oscars and in its day that was epic!
At the risk of being branded "an old wrinkly" I can remember being taken to see this film in the "sixties" with my parents. The film absolutely bowled me over then and now in my fifties it has so much more to offer now that I can better appreciate the stupendous cinematography, acting and settings.
It has action in abundance yet still conveys the era and story faithfully. This is a must see film for both children and adults alike. A true story about one of England's greatest unsung heroes set in the lands that we commonly now refer to as "The Gulf". I cannot praise the scenes enough, although you have to see it in widescreen to truly appreciate all its glory. -
8 out of 10 people found this review helpful
Keeps you hooked from beginning to end
A stunning, sprawling epic of a movie, arguably showing David Leans talents at their best. Based on an true story this will keep you hooked from beginning to end. Peter O'Toole and Omar Sharrif appear together in their only screen collaboration to date and Sir Alec Guiness shows his trademark suave sophistication. Although at some point you do expect him to announce..."Use the force Lawrence..."
A fantastice film to keep you entertained on long dark winter evenings. -
7 out of 8 people found this review helpful
Truely a masterpiece ...
In the past I had my doubts about 'Lawrence of Arabia'. I watched it once when I was very young, and a second time I watched the first hour or so but was unable to finish it. But when I finally sat down to watch the fully-restored, extended version in it's glory, I wasn't in the least bit disappointed.
David Lean was undisputably a director of epic proportions -- and 'Lawrence of Arabia' is his masterwork. This definitive version of the movie clocks in at just under four hours, with extra scenes that explore the character of Lawrence and further showcase the director's vision. We get to see more of Peter O'Toole in his greatest ever performance. And on DVD, you can see a crystal clear image of an involving war story played out against the background of the desolate Arabic deserts in the comfort of your own home.
My main criticism of this DVD is that they've inserted 'interludes' at the start of the first and second half of the movie, in which the score plays without images. I believe that David Lean's idea was to have the score playing in the cinema while people settled in, perhaps while they still spoke to each other, to set the atmosphere for the movie. That was a good idea. Having a blank screen on a DVD while the score goes on in the background is NOT a good idea. Other than that it's a well-stocked DVD in terms of extras, and with great picture and sound quality. If you haven't had a chance to view it yet, you definitely should. -
7 out of 10 people found this review helpful
BEST FILM EVER
People talk about the godfather being the best film ever, they say 'I think the godfather is the best film ever'. Even I say it sometimes, i think its because i want to sound cool, the other people say it to sound cool too. The fact of the matter is that Lawrence of arabia knocks every film ever made straight out of the ball park, i love the godfather but this is absolutely immense. the term `epic` does not do it justice, it is quite simply extraordinary, the most amazing scenes ever committed to celluloid, the acting is breathtaking, nothing more to say. Spielsberg wet his pants when he first saw it, that's how good it is!
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4 out of 4 people found this review helpful
Only disc 1 was sent
I was sent only disc 1. Too irritating to discover it during the mid of this fine movie.
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4 out of 4 people found this review helpful
Truly epic
Lawrence of Arabia is righly regarded as one of the most epic films ever to be made. Set in Arabia during and immediately after the First World War, it tells the story of a young Englisj officer T.E. Lawrence who joins with the Arab forces to defeat the Turkish Empire. Lawrence becomes the leader of the forces and gradually gives power back to the Arabs only for the infighting to start and see his own position being usurped as the battles end and politics begins.
Peter O'Toole is marvellous as Lawrence, bringing the right blend of idealist, warrior, hero, leader and ultimately madness brought about from his experiences in the desert. David Lean's direction is spectacular, painting a pciture of the desert that shows why Lawrence so fell in love with the land and its people. The support cast are excellent although under utilised, especially if you have read Lawrence's Seven Pillars of Wisdom, which tells the roles that the Arab leaders played at the time. My only criticism is the length - at nearly 4 hours long the film takes a great deal of concentration although I did find myself fast forwarding some of the desert scenes to rush the film along. -
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful
Wonderful
Great film, looks like a series of paintings wound into a compelling narrative. Heavily influenced by Trevor Docksey's 'Mother's on Strike' but none the worse for that. Set aside a rainy afternoon, put your feet up and get someone to bring you a coffee. Just be grateful it's not you maintaining the desert vehicle, the oat motor's the way to go.
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3 out of 4 people found this review helpful
Not impressed
I know it a classic and I should have loved it.....but I didn't. I must have seen this last when I was about 12 years old. I was disappointed this time around. Peter O'Toole camped it up a little too much for me.
Critics' reviews (2)
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This is director David Lean's magisterial portrayal of one of Britain's most enigmatic yet charismatic heroes, TE Lawrence, whose precise role in the Arab revolt against the Turks during the First World War still perplexes military historians. Peter O'Toole's flamboyant performance hints at every aspect of Lawrence's complex character (including his masochistic tendency), while Robert Bolt and Michael Wilson's script develops into a withering satire on the ball-and-socket mentality of Lawrence's superiors, who play the Great Game of Empire by the book. Taking 15 months to shoot in Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Spain and England, Lean developed an obsession with the desert mirroring Lawrence's own. There are some awesomely beautiful images, notably the mirage that introduced the world to a new star, Omar Sharif. Winner of seven Oscars and restored to its original version in 1989, this is movie-making on the grandest scale.
-
Sprawling epic which manages after four hours to give no insight whatever into the complexities of character of this mysterious historic figure, but is often spectacularly beautiful and exciting along the way.
Buy from the LOVEFiLM shop
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Lawrence Of Arabia
David Lean's masterpiece--perhaps the greatest of screen epics--stars Peter O'Toole in one of the most electrifying debuts in film history. The film is less an ordinary adventure than an experience that leaves an overwhelming sense of the struggle between two powerful forces: the Arabian deserts, ...
-
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