Review of The Wind and the Lion (1975) by Jake C — 07 May 2018
On a technical front, in terms of its editing and writing and set pieces, this is a strikingly well-crafted film, both entertaining and thoughtful. Yet it also reflects an Americanism of such deep and lasting conviction that the flaws inherent to that politics run through the film, casting a dull shadow upon its lighter and more aesthetic elements.
The casting of Sean Connery, for example, as a suave Moroccan rebel and historically important figure, smacks of the worst sort of anglocentrism and white washing, even if the actor himself does a fine job in the role.
While it may go down smooth, that only serves to obscure the imperialist ideology and rigid gender structures (and anthrocentrism, considering the animal abuse that got the film pulled from the UK in its original run) that inform the film from top to bottom.
This review of The Wind and the Lion (1975) was written by Jake C on 07 May 2018.
The Wind and the Lion has generally received positive reviews.
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