First hitting the screens in 1962, this grand adventure film is inspired by the life of T. E. Lawrence, a man of many talents including being a British Army officer, archaeologist, diplomat and author of Seven Pillars of Wisdom.
Lawrence of Arabia, the cinematic rendition of the biographical book, features the iconic Peter O'Toole as Lawrence, with Alec Guinness taking on the role of Prince Faisal. This timeless classic holds a special place in the hearts of movie buffs, having been nominated for 10 Oscars in 1963 and bagging seven, including Best Picture and Best Director.
The film brings to life Lawrence's real-world experiences during World War I, focusing on his assaults on Aqaba and Damascus and his involvement in the Arab National Council. The narrative delves deep into Lawrence's emotional turmoil as he wrestles with violence and struggles with his split identity between Britain and the Arabian desert tribes.
Decades after its release, this war epic continues to be hailed as one of the finest films ever crafted and has earned a coveted spot on the American Film Institute's list of 100 Years... 100 Movies, currently sitting at number seven. Moreover, in 2004, Lawrence of Arabia was crowned the best British film in a poll of British filmmakers conducted by The Sunday Telegraph, reports the Express.
Set against a desert backdrop, this movie has won hearts with its stunning portrayal of Arabia's landscapes. A cinema buff said on Rotten Tomatoes: "Wonderful cinematography, great sets and impressive action scenes. Worth watching for that alone."
Another viewer was captivated by the film's visual spectrum. They said the "colour in the film was wonderful" and praising the clever use of camera angles. A seasoned critic added: "Sixty years after its 1962 theatrical release, Lawrence of Arabia remains one of the greatest films ever made from an epic standpoint."
The movie marked the screen Peter O'Toole's debut and earned him his inaugural Oscar nod. He received eight more nominations over his career and snagged an honorary Academy Award for lifetime achievement in 2003.
O'Toole's portrayal in Lawrence of Arabia has not gone unnoticed, with one reviewer saying: "As the larger-than-life, controversial, and complicated titular T.E. Lawrence, Peter O'Toole gives one of the singular performances in the history of film. His immense onscreen presence is a worthy juxtaposition for the man he portrays."
One critic said: "Peter O'Toole's performance is undoubtedly outstanding; I can't really add anything more to what I'm sure many, many others have noted over the decades – he is, put simply, brilliant... " They added, none of the actors "puts a foot wrong".
Lawrence's defiant antics saw him flouting orders and developing an unconventional bond with the Arabs during the conflict. His arrival in Cairo, donning Arab attire, left his British comrades baffled, as he demanded equal treatment for all, regardless of racial and cultural disparities.
The film's exploration of identity continues to resonate with audiences. One critic succinctly remarked: "They don't make movies like this anymore."
Another was captivated by the film, describing it as "awe-inspiring".
Their review read: "From the early shots laid on the sun-hot sands, there is grandeur and awe-inspiring, stark splendour, against which men fight and die, battle for their ambitions and then see their dearest ideals crushed by uncaring, mercenary politicians."
However, some have taken issue with the latter part of the movie, arguing that it "seems to lose direction and purpose."
The length of the film has also been a point of contention, with a viewer admitting they were "bored most of the time".
The 1962 epic, Lawrence of Arabia, can be streamed presently on Amazon Prime.
English (United States) ·