The Wind and the Lion

Sleeper while not big in the theaters a great movie. Actors visuals audio excellent and a great story!

I saw this movie as a young, impressionable teenager when it was originally premiered in movie theaters. Raised on swashbucklers like Captain Blood and The Black Swan, I was enthralled by the scope and majesty of this epic film. The Larger-than-life characters are masterfully portrayed by some of the finest actors of the age. This is great storytelling, done on a grand scale. If you enjoyed Kingdom of Heaven (and you don't mind a little bending of the arc of history) I think you will find that this film was way ahead of it's time.

To begin with, the viewer should know that this is not an historical documentary, though much of the characterizations are based in fact. For example, Ion Pedicaris, an American by birth, and his male British associate were indeed kidnapped -- though Mrs. Pedicaris was not -- and Theodore Roosevelt did dispatch warships to the coast of Morocco, though troops were never landed there. There are other important details about the story on which this film was based that have been addressed by others elsewhere and are important to know for the sake of a responsible understanding of history. But with all that said, I highly recommend this movie. John Milius succeeds grandly at blending beautiful and dramatic scenes with rich, impassioned performances by exceptionally talented actors performing at their best. The result is a rich dramatic work of art that beautifully portrays on film the vibrant personalities of the real individuals and the spirit of their day much as the great English artist William Turner was able to portray (in his remarkable paintings) the majesty and glory of his nation and its Navy at their peak. No superlative words can fully describe the enduring beauty of Jerry Goldsmith's wonderful score and its powerful main theme. While Sean Connery's rendering of the Raisuli is captivating, and Candice Bergen's portrayal of Eden Pedicaris (not to mention her horsemanship) is brash, bold, and engaging, it's Brian Keith's bringing to life of Theodore Roosevelt that was the most satisfying to this reviewer. Having read a number of our 26th President's many written works, including his autobiography, it was a joy to see how well the actor was able to convey the enthusiasm, wisdom, and courage that helped define the America of TR's term. I hope you enjoy this movie as much as I did!