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Lawrence of Arabia

Lawrence of Arabia

1962
Drama, Adventure
3h 38m
Your probable score
Avg Percentile 74.27% from 5612 total ratings

Ratings & Reviews

(5612)
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Rated 25 Jan 2007
98
99th
The sheer massive scale of this film is astounding. During the entire three and a half hours I was positively captivated, not a single second is boring. Every single shot is sheer cinematic perfection. O'Toole gives an iconic performance and captures the dynamic of Lawrence of Arabia. A must see.
Rated 19 Oct 2008
100
99th
The wonderful cinematography of the desert, the excellent acting of O'Toole and Sharif in particular and the whole cast in general, the powerful score and the slow but tension-loaded pace turn this one into a masterpiece. If you can find a cinema which shows Lawrence you won't be bored for a second while watching this one for almost four hours. You will be stunned by the pictures and by the intensity of O'Toole's eyes while Lawrence's rises and falls.
Rated 12 Dec 2006
99
99th
The acting is uniformly excellent and the story of Lawrence's adventures in the desert is epic. As great as everything else is, however, the beautiful shots are what really make this movie stand out.
Rated 07 Aug 2019
100
97th
Still a jaw-dropping masterpiece over a half-century later, packed to bursting with stellar writing, directing, acting, and cinematography. We'll never see a movie like this made again (if only for the complete lack of female speaking parts).
Rated 06 Jul 2008
97
98th
It's impressive enough that the filmmakers managed to carve a deep story about personal and cultural identity into a historical drama, but perhaps more impressive is the fantastic cinematography (mostly in a desert, no less), the epic battle sequences, and the wonderful performances, particularly the brilliant dynamic between Peter O'Toole and Omar Sharif. This film is simply larger than life on every conceivable level and must be viewed on the big screen to appreciate its true visual splendor.
Rated 21 Feb 2007
94
99th
An incredible film. So much to rave about - the magnificent visuals, the excellent performances (I think O'Toole's Lawrence is probably the best performance ever), the humor, the characterization, the action sequences - this is a film worthy of awe. If you can, see it on the big screen, this is a film that is larger than life and deserves to be seen on a large scale.
Rated 13 Aug 2007
95
96th
Peter O'Toole in his debut picture, and easily his best performance. His performance as well as the film's large and massive scale are impossible to resist. David Lean does nothing but amazing things. This film is the pinnacle of epic films, if you want epic, you got it right here in Lawrence of Arabia. The battles are massive and so well coordinated, the chemistry between T.E Lawrence and the arabs is so extremely well done, everything about this picture is nearly perfect. A Masterpiece.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
92
96th
A ripping good yarn, full of action and drama and pathos. Great characters, great conflicts, great dialogue, and shot after luscious shot of gorgeous desert vistas. And it really clips along for a nearly 4-hour film.
Rated 03 Dec 2008
6
99th
An epic in every sense of the word. I have no substantial criticism to offer; my only reaction is a childlike sense of wonder and amazement. This is why I love movies.
Rated 24 Apr 2011
90
88th
It's marvelously crafted, often jaw-droppingly gorgeous, and surprisingly ambiguous. I went in expecting a traditional character study, thinking the "WHO ARE YOU?" moment at the Suez Canal indicated that this was indeed the case, and was then shocked at how ambiguous and atmospheric it is. Lawrence is such an opaque character that the smallest details leap out in significance, like the indeterminate specks that appear on the horizon in the desert.
Rated 04 Feb 2007
90
85th
Quite possibly the most epic movie ever made. I can't place it among my personal favorites, but I don't hesitate to call it one of the most impressive movies ever, in a wide variety of different ways.
Rated 19 May 2008
97
98th
It is absolutely massive in scope. Not just the length, but all the shots feel big, impressive. The landscapes are filmed gorgeously and Lawrence's story is fascinating. It's a jewel.
Rated 01 Oct 2008
99
95th
This isn't just a masterpiece, it's an experience. Perfect on every level.
Rated 17 Apr 2009
9
92nd
Lean is epic. O'Toole is epic. The score is epic. This film is epic in every sense of the word.
Rated 04 May 2009
98
99th
" THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS!! OUT-RAGEOUS!@#$ ..... O U T R A G E O U S !@#!@#!@# " -ly good. Various adjectives came to mind during the film, but I think that one is really the most appropriate. After four consecutive hours I wished it could keep right on going. This is one of the most exhilarating film experiences I've had.
Rated 14 Jul 2010
10
92nd
This has to be the strangest epic to emerge from the classic Hollywood era. There are no women with speaking roles, and as such no love interest. Well, human love interest, because it's pretty clear that Lawrence is in love with the desert. It's breathtakingly beautiful, like most David Lean movies, and Peter O'Toole's performance as the title character stands as one of the darkest, strangest, and certainly most fascinating performances in the history of cinema.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
100
98th
Great, unforgettable classic that's meant to be seen on a big screen in a gorgeous movie palace. Incredible to look at. Peter O'Toole gives one of the greatest male performances EVER. He's so grand, so glorious, so mesmerizing that you can't tear your eyes away. This is the best film that David Lean ever made (& that's saying something).
Rated 23 Jun 2008
9
93rd
Introducing....Peter O'Toole. And what an introduction it is. The film is probably the longest I've ever seen (just over 3 and a half hours) but after the first 20 they really fly by. This movie is arguably the most ambitious and epic ever made. There is so much going on in the battle scenes I have to wonder how Lean coordinated it all so perfectly. A must see for everyone.
Rated 06 Jan 2009
98
99th
Peter O'Toole could have retired after this, his first feature performance and still have been considered a legend. While T.E. Lawrence's motives may come under suspicion, his charisma in uniting the Arabs is undeniable. In the end however, he is reminded that the very essence of war is for young men to fight for and pay for the sins of bureaucrats. A true epic.
Rated 19 Oct 2009
94
99th
A true epic in every sense of the word. I was completely surprised and blown away. Beautiful locations, a stirring score and a great cast. Works on every level.
Rated 31 Aug 2011
98
98th
The acting is unbelievable, the cinematography is unrivaled for its time and (best of all) the film doesn't completely fall victim to the white savior epidemic, though twisting of propaganda certainly would have allowed for it. Lawrence leads the Arabs, but he and the others are well aware of their respective interests and loyalties. A complex, bright, but disturbed individual, Lawrence makes for a curious study; though the multiple wars and political unrest surrounding him are just as engaging.
Rated 22 Nov 2018
100
99th
Now this is simply a great movie. A nuanced character study within a large scope, well-acted, with some very impactful scenes. Sure, it's long, but mesmerizing: the grand motion and battle scenes, stunning desert cinematography set to music, Peter O'Toole's portrayal and those blue eyes. Those eyes...
Rated 30 Dec 2008
99
99th
That 3.5 hours of a white dude strutting about the middle east could comprise one of the 5 greatest films of all time is testament to director David Lean and lead actor Peter O'Toole. It's epic set pieces amaze, as does the desert cinematography, innovative editing and everything else that comprises a motion picture. In fact, just stop reading my incoherent typing and buy the dvd/blu-ray/whatever-can-be-displayed-on-your-picture-screen.
Rated 15 Jan 2009
100
99th
One of the greatest stories ever told, and told beautifully.
Rated 08 Jul 2009
97
97th
What a huuuge epic, in a huuuge desert, with characters huuuge enough to fill your heart when they're nothing more than a speck on the horizon. I adore the grandeur of the geography, which gives you the sense, "Hey, all I had to do was watch this movie & my pop culture knowledge of the desert is now complete!" I'm in disbelief: apparently you CAN make a 4-hour movie with no women & no one to root against, as long as you've got one Peter O'Toole and lots of camels.
Rated 05 Sep 2019
88
96th
I'll be totally honest, I expected there to be more dunes. What a let down. Just barely misses the Bechdel test.
Rated 28 Nov 2020
100
97th
A textbook definition of classic/problematic fave. Modern audiences will find the film cringeworthy due to the lack of Arabic actors & minor attention to international politics. Still, this is Lean doing what he does best: huge set pieces and historical detail. But here he also made a movie that matched O'Toole's performance as Lawrence: an exhibitionist display of adventure and knowledge. It is also nice to see an epic story told using an intermission, instead of continued in a sequel.
Rated 07 Jan 2007
96
98th
One of the greatest film experiances I've ever had.
Rated 18 Feb 2007
4
70th
I prefer Lean's other Best Picture winner, but that's no knock against this. All the leads are brilliant, and the epic nature of the tale fully justifies the 3.5 hour runtime. For a film shot almost entirely in barren desert landscapes, the cinematography is hypnotic.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
96
94th
Just beautiful; they don't make 'em like this any more.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
91
94th
It takes just as much time as it needs in order to tell its grandiose story. Its crystal clear visuals are a benchmark in classical cinema. And I just love the symbolic "bookends" of the first & last shots.
Rated 06 Feb 2009
90
94th
Visually the film is one of the most beautiful I have seen. Never the desert was so well filmed. Hard talk about him, never talk enough, then watch this movie. A classic, a masterpiece.
Rated 16 Jul 2010
85
95th
Peter O'Toole reportedly aged a whole year between shoots of the same scene. I aged a whole year while watching this
Rated 23 Jun 2012
82
95th
A true epic but I have to be in a certain mood to watch this. Some of the extended shots of desert with music gets repetitive.
Rated 15 Nov 2012
95
96th
50 years late to this party.
Rated 01 Feb 2015
99
97th
"Lawrence of Arabia" is an epic in so many ways. The movie is very long, the scope is grandiose, and the use of scale in the movie is absolutely phenomenal. Scaling is what really makes the cinematography pop out in this film. Filming on location must have been hell, but the way the filmmakers captured the sheer size of the desert is just marvelous. Peter O'Toole is fascinating as E.T. Lawrence. The cast is great (though with a few awkward examples brown face), particularly Omar Sharif.
Rated 24 Feb 2007
80
95th
Excellence.
Rated 18 Mar 2007
94
92nd
Lawrence of Arabia is nearly perfect. Only this movie could be 4 hours long, have little to no action, no love story, and still be one of the most entertaining movies in history. What a remarkable film.
Rated 23 Jun 2007
100
98th
A terrific epic. Beautiful to look at, and thought-provoking in ways that most Hollywood epics are not.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
96
97th
I want to see this on the big screen! Only downside is that now I can't watch Star Wars without thinking about how Lucas' desert footage on Tattooine is so derivative of "Lawrence".
Rated 14 Aug 2007
100
98th
One of the very best films of all time. Brilliant acting, directing and cinematography. The genius combination of Peter O'Toole and David Lean can't be beat. A must see film for everyone.
Rated 11 Sep 2007
80
92nd
Epic storytelling at its finest. One of the greatest blockbuster movies to come out of Hollywood. Ever.
Rated 04 Jan 2008
88
86th
Perhaps the last of the epics? Stunning scenery, cinematography and script. Powerful performances and totally impressive on all fronts. A spectacle for all film lovers
Rated 27 Jun 2008
98
99th
Very Great
Rated 13 Jul 2008
100
99th
Lean's masterpiece. Magnificent and uncompromising.
Rated 21 Oct 2008
91
96th
Truly an epic movie in every regard. Masterful acting from O'Toole and others, a powerful score, incredibly cinematography, a very long yet captivating story,... I'm glad I saw this one at last.
Rated 18 Dec 2008
97
91st
Brilliant characterizations, brilliant performances, brilliant cinematography, brilliant locations, brilliant costuming. The only thing cut-rate about this is the inconsistent volume of the music.
Rated 19 Mar 2009
100
93rd
This is a tremendous accomplishment in every respect. O'Toole is stunning. A definite thinking person's spectacle.
Rated 29 Jul 2009
90
95th
Stunning epic. An awesome cast (including an incredible debut performance by Peter O'Toole), beautiful desert photography and some huge action scenes with trains derailing, hundreds of horses/camels and extras, etc. They just don't make em like this any more. 3 hours and 40 minutes that flew by.
Rated 11 Oct 2009
95
96th
Truly an accomplished piece of work, most notably for its visual sensibilities. The sweeping vistas of the Arabian desert (always accompanied by the stringed compositions of Maurice Jarre) make it look like the desert might actually be an appealing place to visit. One gets a sense of Lawrence's fascination with the place, esp. early in the film. The performance by O'Toole is standout, and Lean's patience in developing the character really raises the film to another level.
Rated 25 Jan 2010
96
96th
Always a great film, but now that the American Empire faces challenges in the Muslim world, it looks even better.
Rated 31 Aug 2010
83
97th
An incredibly epic tale, with O'Toole providing a performance on a masterful level. It manages to be exciting throughout, which is quite an accomplishment for a film well over three hours long. It also boasts outstanding visuals and music. The only real issue I had with it is that the first two scenes, before the flashback, could have provided a stronger opening and a greater connection to the rest of the film.
Rated 29 Dec 2010
100
99th
"Michael George Hartley, this is a nasty, dark little room." The first time we hear O'Toole's voice - Amazing. It's ironic that his introduction was made so royally and triumphantly. The enormity of the landscape explains the majestic romance that exists between Lawrence and the unconquerable dessert. If the film were shot on a lesser scale, it would be difficult to reach this understanding. Inspiring & legendary performance, and probably the greatest film of all time.
Rated 04 Mar 2011
94
97th
The desert has never looked prettier. Lawrence himself is such an interesting and complex character. The acting from everyone is top-notch.
Rated 29 Mar 2011
90
92nd
A mighty and unforgettable film. Even though I saw it in a good quality, I couldn't stop thinking that this is the kind of film you just have to see in the cinema before you die. Also, I think the cast is excellent, as are the performances. 2nd film I see with Anthony Quinn, and he simply makes my day.
Rated 05 Oct 2012
9
98th
Divides nicely into a first half that offers near-unparalleled visual and aural cinematic pleasures in the gorgeous cinematography, mind-blowing location shooting, Maurice Jarre's score, and of course O'Toole's piercing blue eyes, and a brainier second half that deconstructs the character of Lawrence in fascinating ways. Peter O'Toole's performance is truly terrific.
Rated 15 Nov 2012
95
98th
To experience this in a theatre and then remember that I once called a sandwich "epic" makes me weep for the person I used to be
Rated 08 Oct 2015
99
99th
You could live inside this movie.
Rated 25 Oct 2015
98
99th
This is a textbook example of an epic. Lavish views of Jordan pre-independence, expanding historic timeline, the whole set is set to play and lauded by the public. These deserts are making me thirsty
Rated 15 Nov 2015
92
96th
As endless as the desert Lawrence wanders around in, but that's part of the charm. We're given a lot of time to grapple with his inscrutable character, and while by the end we may not have much insight, we have plenty of great experiences. The cinematography is ludicrously good, and the actors only a bit less so. Truly indicative of another era of filmmaking.
Rated 16 Sep 2018
95
97th
This is what an epic is supposed to be! Everything about it, from the music (the music!) to the writing to the acting to the dialogue to the characters to the cinematography, THIS film does it all perfectly. Every shot could stand alone as beautifully and perfectly frame photo. Every character is fully developed in their own right, with their own goals and traits and ambitions. Yes it's long as shit. But not once was I bored or tempted to pick up my phone and scroll through some feed.
Rated 31 Jul 2019
89
91st
Saw this for the first time in 70mm and it’s clear that any other way would have been doing it a disservice. “Hannibal Lecter watching Lawrence of Arabia / over breakfast while gnawing on a labia” - a rap lyric I came up with while watching this.
Rated 02 Sep 2019
90
92nd
2 hours of its runtime is devoted to people slowly riding through a desert and I couldn't look away.
Rated 14 Jun 2022
35
23rd
1) türk dizisi gibi leş uzun. yarı yarıya daha kısa olabilirdi. 2) bir çok saçma sapan sahne var. teğmen, albaya bağırıyor. albay sinirlenmiyor bile. diğer sahnede Türkler düşmanı yakalıyor. ama işkence yapıp bırakıyor. niye bırakıyor? öteki sahnede lawrence araplar için ağlıyor, sırf ülkeleri olsun diye. saçmalık. 3) milliyetçilikle filan uzaktan alakam yok. ancak film hiçbir amacı, alt metini yok. varsa da şudur. arap topraklarını özgürlüğüne biz kavuşturduk. araplar aptal, türkler cani.
Rated 19 Mar 2007
80
93rd
Not so much a wartime epic as a character study of an epic figure. Begins very strongly, with an impressive portrayal by Peter O'Toole, and some amazingly beautiful photography. Offers a very dynamic perspective on the Arab tribes, the British military, and of course Lawrence himself. However, in the second half, the cohesiveness of the story and the comprehensibility of Lawrence's actions begin rather to fall apart. It doesn't ruin the film, but it definitely is an imperfection.
Rated 26 Mar 2007
100
95th
Brilliant. "Nothing is written."
Rated 27 Mar 2007
89
92nd
Classic film. Must see.
Rated 09 Jul 2007
95
98th
Epic. Great cinematography. Nostalgic score. A perfect Sunday afternoon film.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
100
88th
A towering achivement, the high-point in the careers of both Lean and O'Toole.
Rated 15 Dec 2007
100
96th
epic, grand film with no filler and based on a true story.
Rated 22 Dec 2007
86
80th
great epic.
Rated 03 Feb 2008
99
99th
Perhaps the most staggeringly LARGE film ever made, an epic of such scope and power that even 70mm stock doesn't seem equipped to hold it all in. Any studio can throw enough resources at a historical epic, and indeed many did in the 50s and 60s, but Lean and Freddie Young's photography is some of the most impressive ever and T.E. Lawrence, with O'Toole's performance one of the most magnetic and mysterious star turns in history, is such a towering and fascinating figure.
Rated 20 Feb 2008
94
98th
"Jolly good about the squash court, jolly good"
Rated 25 Feb 2008
100
99th
sorry, bit this is the best movie ever made. perfect script, perfect directing, perfect score and perfect acting. everything else cannot compare to this movie.
Rated 13 Mar 2008
87
85th
Whenever anyone asks me how I define epic, I cite this movie. It's a breathtaking journey with a very personal core. Beautiful cinematography and perfect music. Just awesome.
Rated 17 May 2008
100
92nd
Perfection.
Rated 09 Jun 2008
99
99th
extremely long. i mean good.
Rated 21 Dec 2008
97
99th
"It was the most extraordinary film I ever saw."
Rated 26 Jan 2009
92
93rd
Visually one of the best films ever made, that alone makes it a classic. As for the story, it is very well done, good acting, etc. but these things are not the main attraction.
Rated 11 Feb 2009
100
92nd
must see!
Rated 16 Feb 2009
92
79th
I'm not a film critic, but I have a feeling that this is almost a perfect film. You don't even notice how long it is...it just captures you from start to finish.
Rated 24 Feb 2009
85
89th
I can't argue that this wasnt a great movie, but there are some fundamental problems I had with it; the spaces between the few action scenes are lengthy and slightly off-putting, well a couple of them are, Peter O'Toole in a couple, seldom, parts over-acts. These qualms--though are fairly small, all around this is a fantastic epic, whose marvelously crafted begining and ending prove to be the highlights to a movie studded with some of the best events to be portrayed in a movie.
Rated 08 Mar 2009
45
46th
Just too long. These days, the heroic film genre became obsolete. Waste of Peter O'Tool's talent.
Rated 17 Apr 2009
85
94th
One of -- if not the only -- epic of this era that justifies its ambition. Lean manages to incorporate one of the best spectacles and best character studies into the same film. Score will likely only go higher when I see it in 70mm somewhere.
Rated 28 Apr 2009
95
92nd
Definition of EPIC
Rated 29 Jun 2009
10
95th
Perfect.
Rated 13 Jul 2009
95
90th
Peter o Toole shines in this epic movie. For a movie to be as long as it is, it truly holds you captivated and is certainly a must see classic. The cinematagrophy is brilliant the plot and dialogue were well thought out and acted. You get to see Peter's talents as an excellent actor and begin to realize that this man can do just about anything. Some action, drama, slow at times, but for the most part exhilirating.
Rated 01 Aug 2009
85
90th
Sweeping and beautiful film from the master of epics, David Lean.
Rated 25 Aug 2009
92
97th
An epic adventure that would be nothing without O'Toole's brilliant lead role, Lean's skilled directing and Jarre's score.
Rated 30 Nov 2009
100
99th
It deserves nothing less.
Rated 18 Dec 2009
99
99th
Truly an epic movie in every regard. Masterful acting from O'Toole and others, a powerful score, incredibly cinematography, a very long yet captivating story,... I'm glad I saw this one at last.
Rated 25 Jan 2010
92
93rd
Who would have thought that shots of sand could be so absolutely gorgeous? I found myself extending the 220 minute runtime by constantly pausing it so I could simply admire the shots.
Rated 25 Feb 2010
94
89th
It will teach you the power of water.
Rated 18 Mar 2010
90
94th
O'Toole turns in a magnificent performance in a film I wouldn't call Epic but up close and personal. Much like the desert itself, it seems larger than life but can quickly meet you face to face. The duality of this is well captured in Lawrence's character.
Rated 12 Jun 2010
9
90th
(2nd viewing) Marked by a rasping, unshakable feeling of light-hearted juvenility, but still masterful as a whole. Lean has an very good eye for these kinds of adventurous stories, it's gorgeously filmed and O'Toole is undeniably amazing, one of the greatest thespians of all time at the peak of his craft.
Rated 30 Jun 2010
98
96th
The epic of the epics (except maybe Seven Samurai)--No prisoners!
Rated 22 Jul 2010
98
99th
The greatest epic ever put to film.
Rated 09 Sep 2010
38
14th
Camels, camels, camels, and more camels.
Rated 25 Oct 2010
97
90th
The tortured nobility of an uncommon man.
Rated 15 Dec 2010
100
93rd
I could go on about how great this movie is, but you've heard it all before. So I'll focus on the flaws... there are none.

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