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Trailer

Lion of the Desert

1981Movie2 h 53 minPG

History
78
GreatGoodWatch score
IMDb8.2Rotten Tomatoes75%93%

A violent, thrilling history movie about history and war.

Good for friends night · teens · thought-provoking

Skip it if you want something to laugh at · graphic violence bothers you

Where to watch

Fingerprint

Not for laughs, warmth or comfort.

Movies with

Story

He was a man of honor in a war without any.

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.

Feels like

  • Historical Epic
  • Colonial Warfare
  • Biopic
  • Arab Resistance
  • Italian Occupation
  • Political Drama
  • Brutal Conflict
  • Tragic Hero
  • Cultural Clash

Cast

24 of 42

Crew

Directed by
Moustapha Akkad
Written by
H.A.L. Craig, David Butler
Produced by
Moustapha Akkad, Mohammad Sanousi
Music by
Maurice Jarre

Everyone

Pick a department, or search for a name or a job (“editor”, “stunt”).

Facts

April 17, 1981 · 2 h 53 min · PG

Released
April 17, 1981
Runtime
2 h 53 min
Age rating
PG
Content
Violence
Genres
History, War, Drama
Original language
English
Also spoken
Arabic, Italian
Made in
Libya, United States, United Kingdom
Budget
$35 million
Box office
$2 million
Available in
132 countries
Keywords
based on true story

Tropes

The Butcher, Evil Overlooker, Historical Domain Character +8

  • The Butcher
  • Evil Overlooker
  • Historical Domain Character
  • Evil Colonialist
  • Propaganda Hero
  • Suicide Attack
  • Tagline
  • Underestimating Badassery
  • Spare a Messenger
  • Token Good Teammate
  • Rock Beats Laser

From TV Tropes.

Q&A

4 questions, like "Where can I stream Lion of the Desert?"

Questions about Lion of the Desert

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Is Lion of the Desert worth watching?

78
GreatGoodWatch score

Mostly, it's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 78 (IMDb 8.2 and Rotten Tomatoes 75%). Audiences rate it higher (88 out of 100) than critics (75).

Is Lion of the Desert okay for kids?

PGViolence

Not for young kids: it's rated PG in the United States for violence, and the viewing guide lists it for teens and adults.

Was Lion of the Desert a box office flop?

Budget$35 million
Box office$2 million

Yes: it cost about $35 million to make and earned $2 million worldwide, 4% of its budget.