Search - A Dangerous Man on DVD

An Unqualified Recommendation

Richard Wells | Seattle, WA USA | 06/02/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If all we had of T.E. Lawrence were David Lean's epic "Lawrence of Arabia," we'd have fodder for generations of romantics, but despite its sumptuousness it relies heavily on the previous mythmaking of Lowell Thomas, and Lawrence's own dissembling in "Seven Pillars of Wisdom." "A Dangerous Man," offers a corrective without destroying the myth, by giving us a deeper portrait of Lawrence, and a more factual take on his desert adventures.World War One found its raison d'etre only after the war was declared. The assassination of a Serbian Archduke was the catalyst, but the war itself became a grab for resources, and in the mid-east, a continuation of the Great Game the superpowers had been playing for years. Rather than restricting the game to Afghanistan though, the entire region opened up for a land-grab of huge proportions, and the ill-fated peace conference in Versailles became the ultimate playing field. Lloyd George and Clemenceau represented "old Europe's" wheeling, dealing, and chicanery; while Woodrow Wilson represented the somewhat bumbling, idealistic, and ridiculed ideals of American self-determination as an unrealistic alternative to a world steeped in colonization. Lawrence and his Prince Feisal were the wild cards, and they played their cards like world-class sharks."A Dangerous Man," is a top-notch movie, intelligently written, flawlessly directed, and superbly acted. It's one of the few celluloid histories that find fact more interesting than fiction, and it also serves as an interesting primer to recent events. My recommendation is unqualified; this is a movie worth seeing and talking about."

Long overdue on DVD

John Dziadecki | Louisville, CO USA | 02/16/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Follows up on where "Lawrence of Arabia" left off. It's 1919, WWI has ended. Lawrence and Feisel travel to the Paris Peace Conference in hopes of gaining independence for the Arabs but become entangled in diplomacy and political intrigue. This film was made for television so don't expect a majestic, wide-screen David Lean production. But what is here is very well done indeed and centers on the man behind the legend and touches on the psychological angst that drove him.Very well written and acted. Cast includes: Ralph Fiennes as Lawrence and Siddig El Fadil as Feisal. Highly recommended."

Historically Accurate

Sara Stone | 07/16/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Being a student of TE Lawrence, I particularly enjoyed this movie about the Paris Peace Conference post WW I British-French handling of Arabia. Ralph Fiennes was wonderful in the role of Lawrence. His physical stance, body language, facial expressions and voice were as history describes TEL. This movie was subtle, sets and costumes historically accurate and famous figures very well cast. It would be of interest to history lovers, specifically of this era, even who knew nothing about the specific subject. However, knowing the facts probably does add to the appreciation of the movie. I highly recommend this to anyone who is interested in TE Lawrence and/or the history of Arabia and the Middle East."

Excellent

Sara Stone | 03/07/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This movie was absolutely fabulous. I loved Fiennes portrayal of TE Lawrence, as well as the historical accuracy that Lean's epic lacked. It is preferrable to have a previous knowledge of the Paris Peace Conference as well as Lawrence's life as it gives the film an added depth. I recommend this for all Fiennes' and TEL fans."