Lawrence of Arabia

Review by: Robert English

The short
The classic movie in which a British officer in World War I helps lead Arab forces against the Ottoman Empire in World War I.

The long
Based on the role of T.E. Lawrence in the Arab revolt of World War I, the film follows the adventures and trials of Lawrence in helping to organize a guerrilla war against the Ottoman Empire. Starting with his arrival in the Hejaz region, the film continues through the Arab attack on Aqaba, and subsequent campaign of sabotage and ambushes against Ottoman targets. Once the war is over, the film follows the formation of Middle Eastern States according to the Sykes-Picot agreement, and the political divisions that it caused.

To watch or not to watch?
While its accuracy is controversial, Lawrence of Arabia remains one of the most iconic films of Western Cinema. This movie is still largely responsible for defining representation of the Middle East in Western culture. Definitely watch for a (somewhat) historic story about one of the least represented theaters of war in World War I.