Lion of the Desert (1981) Reviews

Lion of the Desert (1981)
Member Rating:  
Libyan leader Moummar Quaddafi financed this desert epic about a Libyan hero who helped his nation fend off an Italian invasion in 1929. Anthony Quinn stars as Omar Mukhtar, who organizes Libyan forces to hold off the encroaching Italian troops under General Rodolfo Graziana (Oliver Reed), who are trying to gain a foothold on Libyan soil under direct orders from the Italian dictator Mussolini (Rod Steiger). With the persistence of Mukhtar, the Libyans, battling the tanks and guns of the Italian army with their Bedouin troops on horseback, managed to hold off y the Italians for twenty years, until Mukhtar was finally captured and executed. ~ Paul Brenner, Rovi

 Read More


Starring:
Anthony Quinn, Oliver Reed, (more)
Director(s):
Moustapha Akkad
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
PG
Format(s):
DVD
View All Versions to rent and buy
 
 
 
 
 
 

Average Ratings

(14 member reviews)  

Member Reviews

Amardeep S.

I saw this movie in 1983 as a first year medical student in India. I enjoyed it and decided to watch it again this weekend in 2007. It is a great movie. There are some theatricals but overall, the history is well enacted. Anthony Quinn is a charmer. The movie is not about Islam or even Arabs. (I am also neither Muslim nor Arab). It is more about so called resistance movements or freedom fighter movements that sprung up everywhere where there were European colonies- from India to Libya. Also just to add, Omar Mukhtar was not Osam bin Laden- Omar Mukhtar merely was fighting for freedom of Libya from the Italians - he did not havr any other agenda.

Yes   |   No


Zohair H.

This is a good world war movie or resistance from the Facist's. Very good depection of uniforms, weponary, armered vehicles etc. Also pretty good and accurate depection of milatery menovers. I recomend it.

Yes   |   No


Robert D.

This was truly a film of epic proportions which duplicated very accurately the invasion of libya by the Italians..the cast was well chosenwith Anthony Quinn playing the arab leader to perfection and Oliver Reed , the Italian gerneral, his protagonist. The action on both sides was startlingly real without being overdone..very impressive!! Too bad the films of today lack this dedication to realism..41/2 stars.

Yes   |   No


Marc S.

Omar Mukhtar did not fend off the Italian invasion, he lost, as the movie shows! But he fought for a principle, was recognized by some Italians as a "worthy oponent" and inspired future Libyans, who with the help of the Allies in WWII defeated the Italians and let the Libyans choose their own government. The movie is of the old school, where heroes are celebrated without too much question. If you like Anthony Quinn and heroes, you'll love the movie. ... and it is more accurate than the blurb describing it. - profschiler

Yes   |   No


Jack A.

It's a shame that we have to order an older movie to really see some great acting. This is a really good movie of actual events. Quinn does a fine job of acting. Jack A.

Yes   |   No


Anna K.

This is a "think and feel" movie...Excellent...They dont make em like this anymore...A must see...AK

Yes   |   No


SIVA G.

Hope, everyone likes this movie. This movie is well known of the character "Omar Muktar". Nice movie to watch

Yes   |   No


Kenneth D.

This Arabic version is in Arabic without subtitles. I don't know why it does not have subtitles but, if you don't speak Arabic, don't bother with it. There is an english version however. You can try that one.

Yes   |   No


LW W.

Michael Savage said to watch this movie, so I rented it. What a wonderful movie about history !!

Yes   |   No


Clint P.

All this movie is, is Islamic propaganda. Its just muslims trying to play history in favor for them and justify a holy war. Killing in the name of God is not only wrong but it is pure evil. This movie just shows they will never stop killing. Sure in the movie they just wanted their land back but soon things like 9/11 happen. This movie should be burned.

Yes   |   No


 
 
 

BY MAIL

Monthly Subscription
NEW! 7 - Day Rental
No subscription required. Usually ships in 24 hours.
 
Buy New  $10.99
 

IN-STORE

 

What's Your Take?

Add to FavoritesIn Favorites  |  Share:     Email to a friendShare on FacebookShare on Twitter
    YOUR REVIEW
    WRITE A REVIEW
     
    1000 
     
    Member Reviews
    Read all (14)
     
    Amardeep S.

    I saw this movie in 1983 as a first year medical student in India. I enjoyed it and decided to watch it again this weekend in 2007. It is a great movie. There are some theatricals but overall, the history is well enacted. Anthony Quinn is a charmer. The movie is not about Islam or even Arabs. (I am also neither Muslim nor Arab). It is more about so called resistance movements or freedom fighter movements that sprung up everywhere where there were European colonies- from India to Libya. Also just to add, Omar Mukhtar was not Osam bin Laden- Omar Mukhtar merely was fighting for freedom of Libya from the Italians - he did not havr any other agenda.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Zohair H.

    This is a good world war movie or resistance from the Facist's. Very good depection of uniforms, weponary, armered vehicles etc. Also pretty good and accurate depection of milatery menovers. I recomend it.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Robert D.

    This was truly a film of epic proportions which duplicated very accurately the invasion of libya by the Italians..the cast was well chosenwith Anthony Quinn playing the arab leader to perfection and Oliver Reed , the Italian gerneral, his protagonist. The action on both sides was startlingly real without being overdone..very impressive!! Too bad the films of today lack this dedication to realism..41/2 stars.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Read All 14 Reviews
       

      Quick Links

      Email Exclusives

      Find Us Online: BLOCKBUSTER Blog - BLOCKBUSTER Widgets - BLOCKBUSTER RSS FEED - BLOCKBUSTER Facebook Page - BLOCKBUSTER Twitter Page - BLOCKBUSTER Wiki

      FIND MOVIES

      ALL MOVIES

      Popular | # | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

      ALL ACTORS AND DIRECTORS

      Popular | # | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

      BLOCKBUSTER CORPORATE

       

      BLOCKBUSTER name, design and related marks are trademarks of Blockbuster L.L.C. © 2012 Blockbuster L.L.C. All rights reserved.

      Portions of Content Provided by Rovi Corporation. © 2012 Rovi Corporation.