Lawrence of Arabia

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Lawrence of Arabia

PG

Released Dec 16, 1962

3h 42m

Biography

History

Drama

Adventure

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Popcornmeter

93%

Tomatometer

132 Reviews

93%

Popcornmeter

50,000+ Ratings

Due to his knowledge of the native Bedouin tribes, British Lieutenant T.E. Lawrence (Peter O'Toole) is sent to Arabia to find Prince Faisal (Alec Guinness) and serve as a liaison between the Arabs and the British in their fight against the Turks. With the aid of native Sherif Ali (Omar Sharif), Lawrence rebels against the orders of his superior officer and strikes out on a daring camel journey across the harsh desert to attack a well-guarded Turkish port.

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Critics Consensus

The epic of all epics, Lawrence of Arabia cements director David Lean's status in the filmmaking pantheon with nearly four hours of grand scope, brilliant performances, and beautiful cinematography.

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Marjory Adams

Boston Globe

From the early shots laid on the sun-hot sands there is grandeur and awe-inspiring, stark splendor, against which men fight and die, battle for their ambitions and then see their dearest ideals crushed by uncaring, mercenary politicians.

Apr 20, 2021

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Mae Tinee

Chicago Tribune

The script is taut and expressive and the musical score deftly attuned to the tale. Director David Lean has molded his massive material with skill, but personally I felt the film was too long,

Apr 20, 2021

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Josephine O'Neill

Sydney Morning Herald

A supremely engrossing film, Lawrence of Arabia makes one forget that it runs nearly three and three-quarter hours: and sends one out haunted and shaken.

Apr 20, 2021

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Sean Axmaker

Stream on Demand

As much larger-than-life character study as war drama, the film made a star of Peter O’Toole, whose intense performance brings T.E. Lawrence alive as the blue-eyed desert warrior and obsessive dreamer ...

Nov 16, 2024

Full Review

James Baldwin

The Devil Finds Work

It may be said that the weary melancholy underlying Lawrence of Arabia stems from the stupefying apprehension that, whereas England may have been doomed to civilize the world, no power under heaven can civilize England.

May 1, 2024

Full Review

Mark Johnson

Awards Daily

As the larger-than-life, controversial, and complicated titular T.E. Lawrence, Peter O’Toole gives one of the singular performances in the history of film. His immense onscreen presence is a worthy juxtaposition for the man he portrays.

Jun 8, 2023

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Teresa

Mom told me this wasn’t chariots of fire. I did not regret the epic mistake.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

05/05/25

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John S

Brilliant classic. Grateful to have the opportunity to see it on a big screen.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/10/25

Full Review

Chrissy

Liked the music. The color was wonderful. The different angles of the shots worked well

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

12/02/24

Full Review

Spencer Nielsen

Perhaps the epic to end all epics. Lawrence of Arabia feels like the promise of larger-than-life spectacles, delivered. Yet, with how grand it all is, David Lean never loses focus on the personal story of T.E. Lawrence.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

05/14/24

Full Review

Joseph

Amazing epic truly a movie one should watch at least once in their lifetime.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/13/22

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Brian

I thought it was a very good movie. Hopefully I can purchase a video of the movie.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/22/21

Full Review

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David Lean

Director

Peter O'Toole

T.E. Lawrence

Alec Guinness

Prince Feisal

Anthony Quinn

Auda abu Tayi

Omar Sharif

Sherif Ali ibn el Kharish

Jack Hawkins

Gen. Lord Edmund Allenby

Lawrence of Arabia: Official Clip - No Prisoners

2:10

Lawrence of Arabia: Official Clip - Nothing is Written

2:13

Lawrence of Arabia: Official Clip - A Prophet's Shadow

2:12

Lawrence of Arabia: Official Clip - The Nefud Desert

2:08

Lawrence of Arabia: Official Clip - Attack on Aqaba

2:13

Lawrence of Arabia: Official Clip - A Funny Sense of Fun

2:13

Lawrence of Arabia: Official Clip - Ali's Well

2:12

Lawrence of Arabia: Official Clip - Come On Men!

2:10

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Lawrence of Arabia: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

Due to his knowledge of the native Bedouin tribes, British Lieutenant T.E. Lawrence (Peter O'Toole) is sent to Arabia to find Prince Faisal (Alec Guinness) and serve as a liaison between the Arabs and the British in their fight against the Turks. With the aid of native Sherif Ali (Omar Sharif), Lawrence rebels against the orders of his superior officer and strikes out on a daring camel journey across the harsh desert to attack a well-guarded Turkish port.

Director: David Lean
Producer: Robert A. Harris, Sam Spiegel
Screenwriter: Robert Bolt, Michael Wilson
Distributor: Columbia Pictures
Production Co: Horizon Films
Rating: PG
Genre: Biography, History, Drama, Adventure
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 16, 1962, Original
Rerelease Date (Theaters): Aug 11, 2024
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 2, 2013
Box Office (Gross USA): $6.0M
Runtime: 3h 42m
Sound Mix: Surround

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