So much average

By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

One of the worst ways to make a cult movie is to set out to make a cult movie.

Exactly the movie you think it is, but not the movie you want it to be.

This movie revolves around the journey of an English official who is sent to Arabia due to his uncompliant attitude. But story takes a turn when Lawrence bypasses the superior orders and makes his own path towards unification of the Arabs. Peter O's Toole who plays T.E. Lawrence, who played a decisive role in unifying the divided Arab tribes. The personality of Lawrence is a complicated one that makes watching the movie interesting. Till the far end it is difficult to understand the side that Lawrence takes. Peter has done a pretty commendable job while portraying Lawrence's personality. Based on true events, the movie too is directed and plated on a realistic note moving the viewer experience the trials that desert life offers while at the same time the dark face and politics of the colonial powers. Lawrence is a compassionate person yet he has to kill out of unprecedented circumstances. A time comes when the entire Arab follows Lawrence but he is not one to use it. Rather, he works inherently towards unification. Disobeying the superior orders, he maintains the dignity of the local people while trying to solve their problems through dialogue. He plays a crucial role in helping Prince Feisel conquer Gulf of Aqaba through the land route. The movie has philosophical elements that make you think about a certain event but then on a deeper thought only praise takes it's way out. Purely a classic making it a top 20 list even after more than half a century.

Lawrence of Arabia is truly one of the greatest films ever produced. It is the definition of the word "epic". It is a hug story with incredible acting, is very well written, and both dramatic and touching. Every scene is a masterpiece. One of the very, very best films ever shot, it is definitely in the conversation of "greatest film ever" along with Citizen Kane, etc.

Overlong and repetitive screenplay. O'Toole is charismatic. Story followed Lawrence's disillusionment with his Arab followers but he must have been equally disillusioned with the deception of the British and the French. This is referred to but Lawrence is largely left out of it and we are made to believe his disillusionment is more to do with the Arabs rather than the politicians. I think the reverse is probably truer. To see him confront those who betrayed his ideals would have given balance to the movie. The motorbike death is portrayed as an accident. I had the impression it wasn't. In all, Lawrence was probably even more fascinating than he is here. His probable homosexuality is never referred to (his masochism is hinted at). Omar Sharif matches O'Toole perfectly. Film is worth the watching for these two performances alone. (viewed 9/16)

I can't really add anything more to the postive comments already made here. I saw it on TV as a child then the restored version at the cinema. I would ask you ignore one or two people who have bemoaned the lack of a 'happy' or 'clear' ending. Sitting for 3.5 hours and missing the point completely must be frustrating. The last scene, as Lawrence is driven away, his dreams of helping to form an arab state in ruins - passing arabs on camels and with a motor bike overtaking him is a moment of regret and a hint of further doom like no other. The psycological depth of the film has few parallels and having read Seven Pillars of Wisdom it certainly reflects Lawrence's psyché well. In terms of script and cinematography there is a short analysis by Sam Yates of one scene on You Tube that brilliantly shows the genius of Lean and why almost 60 years after it was made the film is still utterly mesmeric. I am watching it again this week with my 18 year old son who is joining the military. As a guide to politics, power, individuality and regret it has no equal.