Lion of the Desert (Omar Mukhtar) (1981)

80% of critics liked it
(5 reviews)
90% of users liked it
(3,529 ratings)

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… More 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

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Rating, Runtime: PG, 2 hr. 42 min.
Directed By: Moustapha Akkad
Genres: Drama, Action & Adventure, Classics

In Theaters: Apr 17, 1981 Wide
On DVD: Jul 7, 1998
Studio: Anchor Bay Entertainment

Critic Reviews

Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
It's one of the best anti-colonial Hollywood film ever (almost on a par with the Battle of Algiers).
Louis Proyect, rec.arts.movies.reviews
An anti-colonial work that resonates with the struggle in Iraq today.
Clint Morris, Film Threat
A grand epic adventure that'll stand as a highpoint in the producing career of Moustapha Akkad
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
Lion of the Desert portrays a heroic figure who understands and exemplifies the spiritual dimensions of freedom.

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Cast

            Anthony Quinn as Omar Mukhtar

            Oliver Reed as Gen. Rodolfo Graziani

            Rod Steiger as Benito Mussolini

            John Gielgud as Sharif El Gariani

            Irene Papas as Mabrouka

            Raf Vallone as Diodiece

            Gastone Moschin as Maj. Tomelli

            Takis Emmanuel as Bu-Matari

            Stefano Patrizi as Lt. Sandrini

            Robert Brown as Al-Fadeel

            Eleonora Stathopoulou as Ali's Mother

            Andrew Keir as Salem

            Rodolfo Bigotti as Ismail

            Gianfranco Barra as Sentry

            Lino Capolicchio
            
            Luciano Catenacci
            
            Sky Dumont as Prince Amadeo

            Mario Feliciani as Lobitto

            Claudio Gora as President of Court

            Adolfo Lastretti as Col. Sarsani

            Alec Mango
            
            Ewen Solon
            
            George Sweeney as Capt. Biagi

            Pietro Tordi as Field Marshal

            Franco Fantasia as Gen. Graziani's Aide

            Mark Colleano as Infantry Corporal

            Victor Baring
            
See full cast

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