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Lion of the Desert (Omar Mukhtar) (1981)

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Average Rating: 7.3/10
Reviews Counted: 5
Fresh: 4 | Rotten: 1

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Release Date: Apr 17, 1981 Wide

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Average Rating: 4.2/5
User Ratings: 3,500

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Movie Info

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

PG, 2 hr. 42 min.

Drama, Action & Adventure, Classics

Directed By: Moustapha Akkad

In Theaters: Apr 17, 1981 Wide

On DVD: Jul 7, 1998

Anchor Bay Entertainment

Lion of the Desert (Omar Mukhtar) Trailer & Photos

Cast

Anthony Quinn
Omar Mukhtar
Oliver Reed
Gen. Rodolfo Graziani
Rod Steiger
Benito Mussolini
John Gielgud
Sharif El Gariani
Irene Papas
Mabrouka
Raf Vallone
Diodiece
Gastone Moschin
Maj. Tomelli
Takis Emmanuel
Bu-Matari
Stefano Patrizi
Lt. Sandrini
Robert Brown
Al-Fadeel
Eleonora Stathopoulou
Ali's Mother
Andrew Keir
Salem
Rodolfo Bigotti
Ismail
Gianfranco Barra
Sentry
Lino Capolicchio
Luciano Catenacci
Sky Dumont
Prince Amadeo
Mario Feliciani
Lobitto
Claudio Gora
President of Court
Adolfo Lastretti
Col. Sarsani
Alec Mango
Ewen Solon
George Sweeney
Capt. Biagi
Pietro Tordi
Field Marshal
Franco Fantasia
Gen. Graziani's Aide
Mark Colleano
Infantry Corporal
Victor Baring

Critic Reviews for Lion of the Desert (Omar Mukhtar)

All Critics (6) | Top Critics (1) | Fresh (4) | Rotten (1) | DVD (1)

It's one of the best anti-colonial Hollywood film ever (almost on a par with the Battle of Algiers).

July 18, 2011 Full Review Source: Ozus' World Movie Reviews

| Comment

Dennis Schwartz

Ozus' World Movie Reviews

An anti-colonial work that resonates with the struggle in Iraq today.

November 18, 2006 Full Review Source: rec.arts.movies.reviews

| Comment

Louis Proyect

rec.arts.movies.reviews

A grand epic adventure that'll stand as a highpoint in the producing career of Moustapha Akkad

March 18, 2006 Comment

Clint Morris

Film Threat

Lion of the Desert portrays a heroic figure who understands and exemplifies the spiritual dimensions of freedom.

January 31, 2004 Full Review Source: Spirituality and Practice

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Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat

Spirituality and Practice

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Audience Reviews for Lion of the Desert (Omar Mukhtar)

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Underrated epic war movie on the end of Libya's resistance to Italy. Everything works and best of all the history is not even that far off. Oliver Reed makes for a great villain, combing charisma with a ruthless drive. The part where the tanks run people over is gruesome and horrifying.

October 15, 2009

Sean Chick

a good movie..Moustapha Akkad is the only one who presented "our" religion and culture to the world,how sad and ironic that he was killed coz of those who call themselves '"Islamists"

June 13, 2008

sand _storm

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Latest News for Lion of the Desert (Omar Mukhtar)

November 11, 2005:

In Other News..."Halloween" Producer Dies in Bomb Attack
Moustapha Akkad, producer of the cult "Halloween" slasher series and the director of three...

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