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Poster for Lion of the Desert

Lion of the Desert

Seen it?

1981 | 173 min | History, War, Drama

Sunday Safe Bet

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

It earned strong reviews (75% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had a box office loss. A safe bet when you want something reliable.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for history buffs. If you loved Lawrence of Arabia or Gandhi, start here.
The mood
Intense.
The pace
Unhurried and epic, at 2 hr 53 min.
What might put you off
  • Rated PG: peril. Worth a look first if you have very young kids.
  • It's long: 2 hr 53 min.

Resistance leader Omar Mukhtar opposes Italian colonization before World War II. The brutal guerrilla war against Italian General Rodolfo Graziani and the Fascist forces of Benito Mussolini highlights the struggle for Libyan independence and the harsh tactics utilised by the colonisers.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsStrong

    75% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesSolid

    7.3 out of 10

  • AwardsNot counted

    No major awards or nominations

  • Box office & staying powerBelow par

    $2 million worldwide on a $35 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactSolid

    About 71K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Moustapha Akkad

  • Anthony QuinnOmar al-Mukhtar
  • Oliver ReedGeneral Rodolfo Graziani
  • Irene PapasMabrouka
  • Raf ValloneColonel Diodiece
  • Rod SteigerBenito Mussolini
  • John GielgudSharif El Gariani
  • Andrew KeirSalem
  • Gastone MoschinMajor Tomelli
  • Stefano PatriziLieutenant Sandrini
  • Adolfo LastrettiColonel Sarsani