Passion in the Desert (1997)
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71% of critics liked it
(21 reviews) -
57% of users liked it
(678 ratings)
Loosely based on a story by Honore de Balzac, this historical drama is set in Egypt in 1798, as Napoleon was leading the French army into the Middle East. Officer Augustin Robert (Ben Daniels) has been assigned to escort artist Jean-Michel Venture de Paradis (Michel Piccoli), who is to record and… More Loosely based on a story by Honore de Balzac, this historical drama is set in Egypt in 1798, as Napoleon was leading the French army into the Middle East. Officer Augustin Robert (Ben Daniels) has been assigned to escort artist Jean-Michel Venture de Paradis (Michel Piccoli), who is to record and catalog his findings as he studies the archeological and artistic treasures of the region before they're destroyed in battle. Augustin and Venture find themselves separated from the platoon with which they travel, and as they split up in hopes for finding water and shelter, Venture is driven mad by thirst and resorts to drinking his paints to survive. However, Augustin is befriended by a wild leopard, and he develops an unspoken communication with the animal that saves his life and teaches him a new understanding of other creatures. A Passion in the Desert was produced, directed, and adapted for the screen by Lavinia Currier; it was her first feature film. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- Directed By
- Lavinia Currier
- Written By
- Lavinia Currier
- Genres
- Drama
PG-13,
- In Theaters
- Aug 31, 1997 Wide
Critic Reviews
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Emanuel Levy, Variety
Part an adventurous love story between a man and a leopard, part a metaphysical meditation about the mysteries of Nature, Lavinia Currier's feature directorial debut is dramatically inert but visually striking.
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Betty Jo Tucker, ReelTalk Movie Reviews
An impressive feature film debut for filmmaker Lavinia Currier. With the exception of one scene that crosses the line, her work here shows intelligence, sensitivity, artistry, and courage.
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Cole Smithey, ColeSmithey.com
A shameless art movie about a man falling in love with a wild leopard; that takes guts.
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Staci Layne Wilson, StaciWilson.com
Simply gorgeous.
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Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
A beautiful film brimming with breathtaking scenes of danger, wonder and the communion between man and beast.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
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Cast
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Ben Daniels
as Augustin Robert
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Michel Piccoli
as Jean-Michel Venture de Paradis
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Paul Meston
as Grognard
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Kenneth Collard
as Officer
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Nadi Odeh
as Bedouin Bride
- Auda Mohammed Badoul
- Habis Hussein
- Ismael Al-Hamd
- Mohammed Ali
- Nadia Odeh
- Tasheen Kwalda
