This epic adventure film was first released in 1962 and is based on the life of T.E. Lawrence, a British Army officer, archaeologist, diplomat and writer of the book Seven Pillars of Wisdom.
Lawrence of Arabia is the film adaptation of the biographical book starring award-winning Hollywood legend Peter O’Toole as Lawrence, alongside Alec Guinness playing Prince Faisal. Held in high regard amongst film fans, this classic movie was nominated for 10 Oscars in 1963 and went on to win seven, including Best Picture and Best Director.
The film retells the story of Lawrence’s real-life experiences during the First World War, specifically his attacks on Aqaba and Damascus and his action in the Arab National Council. Lawrence’s emotional struggles are explored in depth throughout the story, as he navigates violence and grapples with his own identity divided between Britain and the Arabian desert tribes.
Since its release, this war movie is still considered to be one of the greatest films ever made and gained an honorary spot on the American Film Institute’s list of 100 Years… 100 Movies, now ranked at seventh. Not to mention, in 2004, Lawrence of Arabia was voted as the best British film by a poll of British filmmakers in The Sunday Telegraph.
Set in the desert, this film is much loved for its cinematography, capturing the natural beauty of Arabia. One fan of the hit film shared in a Rotten Tomatoes review: “Wonderful cinematography, great sets and impressive action scenes. Worth watching for that alone.”
An impressed viewer wrote that they thought the “colour in the film was wonderful” and that the “different angles of the shots worked well”. While a critic shared: “Sixty years after its 1962 theatrical release, Lawrence of Arabia remains one of the greatest films ever made from an epic standpoint.”
It was this very film that saw Peter O’Toole’s on-screen debut and would go on to become the film that would give him his first-ever Academy Award nomination. He then went on to receive eight further nominations in his career and, in 2003, went on to receive an honorary Academy Award for lifetime achievement.
Many viewers praised his leading role in Lawrence of Arabia. One critic claimed: “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.”
Another wrote: “ 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… ” Adding that none of the cast “puts a foot wrong”.
With rebellious behaviour, Lawrence disobeyed orders and seemed to form an unusual relationship with the Arabs during the war. In Cairo, he confuses his fellow British officers as he’s dressed in Arab clothing, and he insists that they are treated the same way, despite the race and culture differences.
It’s these themes of identity that still strike a chord with viewers today. One reviewer simply said: “They don’t make movies like this anymore.” Someone else described the film as “awe-inspiring”.
They wrote: wrote:”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.”
Others have criticised the second half of the film, saying it “seems to lose direction and purpose.” Many have suggested the film is also too long, with one viewer writing that they were “bored most of the time”.
The 1962 classic, Lawrence of Arabia, is available to watch now on Amazon Prime.