The masterpiece war film is on BBC this afternoon at 1.30pm (Image: Columbia Pictures/Horizon Pictures)
There would be very few, especially in Britain, who wouldn’t have at least heard of the ‘epic masterpiece’ airing on BBC today.
Hailed the ‘greatest film of all time’, a ‘cinematic masterpiece’ and ‘the most magnificent movie to ever exist’ — this classic war epic has enamoured audiences for over 60 years.
The film has been at the receiving end of the highest praise possible — both from critics and viewers alike — and audiences have said they remain as engrossed and impressed with the movie as they were the first time they saw it.
Gracing television screens this afternoon is the ‘unforgettable epic’, Lawrence of Arabia, which is all set to air on BBC Two today, September 12, at 1.30pm.
The 1962 epic biographical drama stars Peter O’Toole in the titular role of Thomas Edward Lawrence — the British Army known for his legendary war activities in the Middle East during World War I.
The ‘cinematic masterpiece’ has a near-perfect rating (Image: Columbia Pictures/Horizon Pictures)
Lawrence of Arabia has been directed by David Lean with a screenplay penned by Robert Bolt and Michael Wilson. The ‘masterclass’ war epic is based on TE Lawrence’s 1926 autobiography titled Seven Pillars of Wisdom, also famously known as Revolt in the Desert.
O’Toole is joined by Alec Guinness, Jack Hawkins, Anthony Quinn, Omar Sharif, Anthony Quayle, Claude Rains, Jose Ferrer and Arthur Kennedy to round out a stellar cast, each actor more celebrated for their performance in the film than the last.
The war epic’s official plot states: “The story of T.E. Lawrence, the English officer who successfully united and led the diverse, often warring, Arab tribes during World War I in order to fight the Turks.”
Lawrence of Arabia was nominated for 10 Academy Awards, of which it bagged a staggering seven honours, namely — Best Picture, Best Director, Best Art Direction – Color, Best Cinematography – Color, Best Film Editing, Best Music Score – Substantially Original, and Best Sound. It also won the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture – Drama and BAFTAs for Best Film and Outstanding British Film.
Lawrence of Arabia grossed $70 million at the worldwide box office against an estimated production budget of $15million, and the movie first premiered at London’s Odeon Leicester Square on December 10, 1962, followed by a United States release on December 16.
The country of Jordan actually banned the war drama, stating that it felt the film showcased a disrespectful portrayal of Arab culture. Egypt was the only Arab nation which gave Lean’s movie the greenlight for release, and it went on to become a hit there.
It’s been hailed as the ‘most magnificent film to ever be made’ (Image: Columbia Pictures/Horizon Pictures)
With a staggering runtime of 3 hours and 42 minutes, Lawrence of Arabia is a little over a minute longer than Gone With the Wind, making it the longest film to ever bag the prestigious Best Picture Oscar.
With a smashing 93% critics and audience approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the film’s near-perfect score is a testament to its brilliance and favour with viewers.
One impressed critic said of the film: “At last, a film has arrived to justify and even compliment the wide screen – a spectacle with an intelligent purpose and, in many respects, the most exciting and beautiful movie ever made.”
While another reviewer noted: “One of the most magnificent pictures, if not the most magnificent, and one of the most exasperating.”
Another critic wrote in their review: “How did David Lean and star Peter O’Toole achieve such perfection? If we could define and distil it, we wouldn’t need a special category for those flicks we call ‘classics.’ Lawrence of Arabia is that, and then some.”
Audiences have been left equally captivated, with one viewer writing: “Lawrence of Arabia is a masterclass in epic filmmaking, blending biography and historical drama into an unforgettable cinematic experience. Its scale and visual grandeur remain unmatched, even by modern standards.
The biographical war epic is being broadcast on BBC Two (Image: Columbia Pictures/Horizon Pictures)
“Peter O’Toole delivers a towering performance as T.E. Lawrence, supported brilliantly by Sir Alec Guinness and a strong ensemble that brings depth and authenticity to every scene. It is a film that rewards patience and attention, offering layers of meaning and emotion throughout. A true cinematic landmark — easily a 10/10 experience.”
Another fan of the film said: “A cinematic masterpiece. The large scale and slow burn of the desert scenes, the cinematography basically making the desert it’s own character, and representing it well as I’ve traveled to the locations in Jordan where they filmed. A+ acting, an engaging story on the outskirts of the war, and a just telling of his accomplishments and strategic thinking. It’s an all time classic that will never age.”
While one audience review on Rotten Tomatoes reads: “This film is a masterpiece of cinema. directed by David Lean, tells the epic tale of T.E. Lawrence’s trip through the Arabian desert during World War I and has breathtaking cinematography and a standout performance by Peter O’Toole. The film is a must-see classic because of its expansive settings and engrossing narrative.”
Another impressed fan writes: “A masterpiece in every meaning of the word. Everything is great, not one weak link. The acting, cinematography, and score stand out the most to me. It’s an incredible film and don’t be intimidated by the runtime, it goes by fast.”
Lawrence of Arabia will air this afternoon, September 12, at 1.30pm on BBC Two.
