Review of Lion of the Desert (1981) by Dylan D — 12 Nov 2013

Lion of the Desert isn't Lawrence of Arabia, but it's a very strong, reliable, beautifully crafted, precisely acted, and often intoxicating story of man, war, and the conflict between barbaric imperialism and spiritually based nationalism.

Inside is a classic tale of rebellion, but the film draws its focus towards the men who would lead each side, culminating in a fabulous sequence between stars Anthony Quinn and Oliver Reed. It's a film that's certainly not a significant presence on the broad movie watching public's radar, but it's a film deserving of a wider audience and greater admiration.