Solidrariol Am I Missing Something?

Stoutor It's not great by any means, but it's a pretty good movie that didn't leave me filled with regret for investing time in it.

Matylda Swan It is a whirlwind of delight --- attractive actors, stunning couture, spectacular sets and outrageous parties.

Staci Frederick Blistering performances.

msprouse-7-431049 Now this is a movie! They don't make this type of sweeping epic anymore in this day of computer alterations. There is little not to appreciate in this action packed adventure. After reading a couple books on Charles Gordon, sure I've discovered some blatant errors, including a downplaying of his religious faith. However, you certainly get the feel for Gordon. Remember, if you want a 100% historically accuracy, watch a documentary! Charlton Heston was never better and gives you the charisma of the icon he is portraying. The cinematography is terrific as is the performance of Sir Lawrence Olivier. Some will accuse this of being too imperialistic and not politically correct, but it's 1966! The kicker is the fine script, an abundance of great lines. For example when told he doesn't have a chance at Khartoum, he says "I don't have a choice." Ahhh, Heston just makes it all so believable. Like when the Mahdi's horde is sweeping toward the gates, he states ever so solemnly and in a tone and inflection that far outweigh the mere words, "so here we are."

oscar-35 *Spoiler/plot- 1966, The British Empire and Queen Victoria is influencing the global politics. Queen Victoria's government needs a problem solved in Sudan and calls on a famous principled Christian retired general to solve the problem of a Muslim uprising in the Sudan. This mission is accomplished, just not in the way the politicians want. He succeeds where others fail at the cost of his life but not his career or fame.*Special Stars- Charlton Heston, Sir Laurence Olivier, Richard Johnson, Nigel Green, Sir Ralph Richardson, Peter Arne, Roger Delgado *Theme- The British Empire is complex and politics will not necessarily support worthy issues. A Victorian general with Christian beliefs and scruples is asked to solve a political problem that no one will touch without plausible 'deny-ability'.*Based on- Trivia and historic accounts of Victorian General Gordon exploits.*Trivia/location/goofs- ONLINE. General Gordon was only 5' 5" and not a towering hero as Mr. Heston. Also the heroic stature featured at the end of the film was moved from Sudan when that country got independence. That stature is now at the Royal Engineer's academy in the UK because General Gordon was a graduate of the Royal Engineers college. In London's St. Paul's cathedral basement cellar crypt area, there is a very regal funeral monument to Gen. Gordon that looks like his tomb, but it isn't. General Gordon was buried in the Middle East. There was a great upstaging competition between Heston and Olivier in their film scenes together. Sir Olivier was in the successful stage play about Moors, Othello. Also in an earlier version of the film, several 'unsuitable' censored removed scenes showing the many decapitated heads of the Europeans ambassadors leaving Khartoum and the killed General Gordon were cut out in the public theatrical print releases. They have never been put back in and rumors say that Mr. Heston use to keep his Gen. Gordon prop make-up death's head in his Hollywood home to scare visiting quests for laugh.*Emotion- A very enjoyable heroic and well acted film. Tells of an interesting episode of Middle East history and is very relevant today.

screenman Not quite on a par with 'Lawrence Of Arabia' or 'Zulu'; 'Khartoum' still looks good in an age when squillions of human extras would be replaced by a dubious CGI riot.Charlton Heston is in tip-top form as the knight-errant. He plays it as stiff-necked and resolute as Ben Hur, though he never really cuts it as an Englishman. Lawrence Olivier is for once out of his depth as the Mahdi with a muddled accent, determined to drive the infidel from Arabia. Theirs is a collision-course.Some 90% of the movie addresses the political shenanigans that lead up to the siege of Khartoum and Gordon's sacrifice. It doesn't present Britain in a very positive light. And although a host of liberties are probably taken with historical fact, the dilatory blundering depicted here is entirely typical of every overseas campaign to which Britain has been a party, including both World Wars, Eden, Suez, the Falklands, Iraq and Afghanistan. We never, ever learn.When the siege finally happens it is short and sweet and very much an anti-climax. Even as a very amateur tactician/strategist, I wouldn't have fought it in quite the same way Gordon did. Being substantially outnumbered, he should have turned the enemy's hoards into a weapon against themselves, as the Romans used to do. And in the months leading up to the conflict he could have trained the 12,000 or so adult male civilian population into a viable auxiliary army. However; it's easy to be wise with hindsight.Well worth a watch if you get the chance. It's authentically placed, colourful, dramatic and epic, with excellent script and fine performances all-round.

kosmasp Mr. Heston in another monumental movie. I watched this one as a 70mm print, too, but unfortunately it was a German version/print. Heston is great in this movie as mentor/leader and of course also idol, for many people in the movie! The story itself is based on true events and concerns the British Empire and their colonies. Some might not like what they'll see here in this movie, but that doesn't mean the movie wasn't right in showing some things. Still it evolves to much around the Heston character, for my taste and that's why I didn't rate it as high as it could've been, regarding it's story. But watch it, if you like monumental movies and see for yourself.