The Wind and the Lion
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Movie Reviews of The Wind and the Lion
Movie Review: Great epic....even greater score
Summary: 5 Stars
As something of a soundtrack buff, this rates as one of the best of all time, right up there with "The Magnificent Seven," "The Big Country" and "Lawrence of Arabia." What's better is that the music becomes a character of the movie, trasmitting the brutality and beauty of such a desolate place. Many knock Connery for playing a Berber with a Scots accent, but is it any worse than Alec Guinness playing Prince Faisal in "Lawrence of Arabia?" He plays the role with cruelty and charm in just the right balance. Apparently Faye Dunaway was considered for the role that eventually went to Candace Bergin...I can't imagine anyone else but Bergin playing her part now. Be sure to catch the special extra features on the DVD which shows the Terry Leonard's phenomenal stunt work and the special effects (yes, they really used dynamite in those days to blow up during the battle scenes...they can't do that now). A shame this movie got "lost" in 1975 once "Jaws" was introduced in theaters, so do yourself a favor and discover it now.Movie Review: It works on two levels
Summary: 5 Stars
The struggle of Americans to come to grips with their power and position (they do not wish to be the world's cop but they find it hard to stand aside, they want to be liked but they want to do the right thing which will leave them hated) is the underlying theme of this very well done, swashbuckled movie. And yet you can put all that aside and watch it as an adventure where even the identified "bad guys" (ultimately, the Germans) show gallantry. On that level it is ideal for 12-year old boys, as the last scene between Raisuli and the small boy demonstrate. If you wish to take it deeper, then, like most movies, it will be a Rorschach into which you will project all your political ideology.For myself, the scene with the Marine captain and the corrupt ruler struck a chord that is echoing across the world: (paraphrase from memory) "Captain, you are mad and your President Roosevelt is insane." "Yes, sir!"
Movie Review: I am SOOOOO depressed. (Spoilers)
Summary: 5 Stars
I have to give a John Milius film 5 stars. The skin on the tip of my finger started decaying and the bone turned to powder as my body reacted to try to prevent this from happening.
Alas, it is justified. To make matters far worse, not only did he direct it - he wrote the screenplay. I can credit one of Connery's best performances, his terrific chemistry with Candice Bergen, Brian Keith's Teddy Roosevelt, the metaphor of the title, the locations, but in the end it is the direction. All alone, the scene of Connery riding towards William Pedecaris (Simon Harrison) and scooping up his rifle is glorious. There is so much wonder and beauty in here that it is easy to suspend common sense at the very silly idea of Mrs. Pedecaris letting her children go into battle to rescue The Raisuli.
This from the man who perpetrated a appalling waste of celluloid with Red Dawn. I guess there is some good in all of us.
Movie Review: "Perdicaris Alive Or Raisuli Dead!"
Summary: 5 Stars
US President Theodore Roosevelt heroically stirred a sleepy 1904 Republican national convention in Chicago with the message, actually written by Secretary of State John Hay (played by John Houston): "We want either Perdicaris alive or Raisuli dead."
Like many parts of David Lean's 'Lawrence of Arabia', 'The Wind and the Lion', written and directed by John Milius, explores the politics of the Middle East at the beginning of the 20th century. Raisuli (played by Sean Connery) uses the word "Jihad" several times during this film. Mr. Millius has provided a well-rounded look at Teddy's 'Big Stick' policy along with a patriotic sensibility into that American character. While both serious and humorous, the film has a wonderful mid-budget epic sense.
The very informative additional features of this DVD make it a must for those who are already fond of the film. Regardless, you will not be disappointed!
Movie Review: I am the Rizuli...
Summary: 5 Stars
Candice Bergen and Sean Connery make a fantastic combination in this movie, and the actor who portrayed T.R. was perfect. It was interesting to see how alike Roosevelt and the Rizuli were in all honesty.
An American woman and her children are kidnapped by a Berber/Arab chieftan for political reasons involving the Sultan of Morocco. Naturally, Teddy Roosevelt and his "big stick" diplomacy get involved. Meanwhile, the captor and captive, while they may not actually bring it to any kind of physical relationship, fall in love in a fasion, and the Rizuli ends up being her saviour rather than her kidnapper, and a truly honorable person.
Some great scenes in this movie, especially (and forgive me if I ruin it) the storming of the bashaw's palace by U.S. Marines. I highly recommend this movie and I have personally watched it again and again.