Lawrence of Arabia Review.

Thoughts: Lawrence of Arabia is based on the true story of T. E. Lawrence. It is considered by many to be the greatest epic of all-time, while it is not my number one favorite epic, it is one of the best epics I have seen. I have recently started an interest in Epics, because I actually enjoy long movies if they are interesting, unlike some. Lawrence of Arabia's landscape shots are amazing, the time it must have taken to make those scenes is astonishing, and the hundreds of extras during the battle scenes is an amazing feat for its time. Ultimately the movie is about T. E. Lawrence's journey in Arabia. The character goes through a large transition throughout the film and is portrayed brilliantly by Peter O'Tool. Also Lawrence of Arabia won the Oscar for Best Picture and it was well deserving of the award. My main complaint with Lawrence of Arabia is that the pace can suffer at times with some parts of the film starts to drag.


Directed by: David Lean
Genre: Epic, War, Adventure, Drama,
Release Date: 10 December 1962 (1962-12-10)
Running Time: 216 minutes
MMPA rating: PG


The Good: Peter O'Toole's performance was amazing, Stunning cinematography, Fascinating character transition,

The Bad:




Plot: The following plot summery is copied from Wikipedia.com.
In 1935, T. E. Lawrence (Peter O'Toole) is killed in a motorcycle accident. At his memorial service at St Paul's Cathedral, reporters try to gain insights into this remarkable, enigmatic man from those who knew him, with little success.
During the First World War, Lawrence is a misfit British Army lieutenant stationed in Cairo, notable only for his insolence and knowledge of the Bedouin. Over the objections of General Murray (Donald Wolfit), he is sent by Mr. Dryden (Claude Rains) of the Arab Bureau to assess the prospects of Prince Faisal (Alec Guinness) in his revolt against the Turks.
On the journey, his Bedouin guide is killed by Sherif Ali (Omar Sharif) for drinking from a well without permission. Lawrence later meets Colonel Brighton (Anthony Quayle), who orders him to keep quiet, make his assessment of Faisal's camp, and leave. Lawrence promptly ignores Brighton's commands when he meets Faisal. His knowledge and outspokenness pique the prince's interest.
Brighton advises Faisal to retreat after a major defeat, but Lawrence proposes a daring surprise attack on Aqaba which, if successful, would provide a port from which the British could offload much-needed supplies. While strongly fortified against a naval assault, the town is lightly defended on the landward side. He convinces Faisal to provide fifty men, led by a sceptical Sherif Ali. Two teenage orphans, Daud (John Dimech) and Farraj (Michel Ray), attach themselves to Lawrence as his servants.
They cross the Nefud Desert, considered impassable even by the Bedouins, travelling day and night on the last stage to reach water. Gasim (I. S. Johar) succumbs to fatigue and falls off his camel unnoticed during the night. The rest make it to an oasis, but Lawrence turns back for the lost man, risking his own life and winning over Sherif Ali after saving Gasim. Watch the movie to see what happens next.



Plot: 9.2/10- The plot follows T. E. Lawrence though his campaign in Arabia, Lawrence's character goes through many trials and tribulations on his journey as he tries to win over the Arabs to help fight the Truks. Although the plot was good, the pacing dragged in parts of the movie.

Action: 6.5/10- There is not much action compared to its run time, but the battle sequences that are in it are impressive for its time.

Acting: 9.2/10- Peter O'Tool's performance is one of the best I have seen, and should have won the Oscar for Best Actor. Also the other cast members including Alec Guinness (Obi-Wan) and Omar Sharif was also top notch.

Special effects: N/A-

Soundtrack: 8.6/10- The soundtrack matches the epic feel of the movie well.

Comedy: 4.5/10- A few humorous lines were in the movie.

Would I Watch This Again: Due to its length and slow pace, I will not watch it again for a while but I will probably watch it again at some point.

Overall: 9.1/10- Despite some times slow pace, Lawrence of Arabia is a masterpiece of film making that was ahead of it time.
Closing comments: This is a must see movie for any "film buff" and epic movie fan.
Recommended for: Epic fans, War fans, Adventure fans, Drama fans,


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