Lion of the Desert (Omar Mukhtar) (1981)

TOMATOMETER

80%

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Critic Consensus: No consensus yet.

AUDIENCE SCORE

93%

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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 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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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
George Sweeney
as Capt. Biagi
Pietro Tordi
as Field Marshal
Victor Baring
Gianfranco Barra
as Sentry
Ewen Solon
Luciano Catenacci
Sky Dumont
as Prince Amadeo
Franco Fantasia
as Gen. Graziani's Aide
Mark Colleano
as Infantry Corporal
Alec Mango
Adolfo Lastretti
as Col. Sarsani
Mario Feliciani
as Lobitto
Claudio Gora
as President of Court
Lino Capolicchio
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Critic Reviews for Lion of the Desert (Omar Mukhtar)

All Critics (5)

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

Jul 18, 2011 | Rating: A | Full Review…
Ozus' World Movie Reviews

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

Nov 18, 2006 | Full Review…
rec.arts.movies.reviews

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

Mar 18, 2006
Film Threat

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

Jan 31, 2004 | Full Review…
Spirituality and Practice
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