Lion of the Desert (Omar Mukhtar) (1981)
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80% of critics liked it
(5 reviews) -
90% of users liked it
(3,594 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
- Directed By
- Moustapha Akkad
- Genres
- Drama, Action & Adventure, Classics
PG,
- In Theaters
- Apr 17, 1981 Wide
- Studio
- Anchor Bay Entertainment
Critic Reviews
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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).
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Louis Proyect, rec.arts.movies.reviews
An anti-colonial work that resonates with the struggle in Iraq today.
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Clint Morris, Film Threat
A grand epic adventure that'll stand as a highpoint in the producing career of Moustapha Akkad
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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.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
No Featured Audience Ratings Found…
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Cast
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Anthony Quinn
as Omar Mukhtar
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Oliver Reed
as Gen. Rodolfo Graziani
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Rod Steiger
as Benito Mussolini
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John Gielgud
as Sharif El Gariani
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Irene Papas
as Mabrouka
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Raf Vallone
as Diodiece
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Gastone Moschin
as Maj. Tomelli
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Takis Emmanuel
as Bu-Matari
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Stefano Patrizi
as Lt. Sandrini
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Robert Brown
as Al-Fadeel
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Eleonora Stathopoulou
as Ali's Mother
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Andrew Keir
as Salem
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Rodolfo Bigotti
as Ismail
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Gianfranco Barra
as Sentry
- Lino Capolicchio
- Luciano Catenacci
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Sky Dumont
as Prince Amadeo
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Mario Feliciani
as Lobitto
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Claudio Gora
as President of Court
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Adolfo Lastretti
as Col. Sarsani
- Alec Mango
- Ewen Solon
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George Sweeney
as Capt. Biagi
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Pietro Tordi
as Field Marshal
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Franco Fantasia
as Gen. Graziani's Aide
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Mark Colleano
as Infantry Corporal
- Victor Baring
