In memory of Omar Mukhtar
Today coincides with the anniversary of the death of Omar Mukhtar ( hattip Libya News & Views) .
He was one of the Libyan freedom fighters against European colonialism. But he became famous in the West after a film called Lion of the Desert starring Anthony Quin was made about his life. I have mentioned him already here in a post about Italian occupation . You can check his photo prior to execution as well.
11 comments:
What a man, eh? Allah yara7ma.
I wonder what Omar Al-Mukhtar would say about the state of the world today or what he would be under current international laws. I'm sure he was a 'terrorist' to the Italians.
Lion of the Desert was one of my favorite movies along with The Message - story of the prophet(pbuh), in both movies Anthony Quin did an excellent job. In my eyes Omar Mukhtar was a true hero.
Smokey : Yes he was labelled a 'terrorist' and I think also 'anarchist' by the Italians in our country at that time.
Redenclave: It too never tire of watching that movie.I'm surprised it actually made it ..to be produced that is. This is only one tiny fraction of what the Libyan history carries . May more movies be acted. Amen
Reema: I agree , plus "The Message" about Prophet Muhammad's biography and the rise of Islam is definetely a successful movie , well acted , well narrated, and respectful of the historical figures. I wish more people with see it, I think both films produced by Mustafa Akkad are available on DVD now.
Another favourite historical movie of mine is the Egyptian production of Salahudin with the actor Ahmad Mazhar.
I saw that movie! I think I may head down to Blockbuster and rent it, I think I saw it in the 70s!
I'll reserve my comment on the "terrorist" label until I do :)
Did you guys know that both films were funded by none other than Qadaffi?
Not that he's a filmographer, but he's apparently got an eye for talent.
I was a very small child in the 70s! :p
I couldn't find Lion of the Desert at Blockbuster, maybe I'll try Hollywood Video. Seems like they should have it, it was a major motion picture. It's been so long, I can hardly remember it.
yes smokey , I knew who funded it and I wish we could fund Saladin as well , as Mustafa Akkad wants to produce it! Should be an awsome movie...
I figured you would know that, Highlander.
Isn't Saladin already out? I thought it was, but could definitely be wrong. I don't follow the major movie industry much and consider myself pop-culture retarded.
PC- I did a little search and found that Netflix seems to be the only major video rental company that has the film. Perhaps you can do the free 'trial' thing and then end it before they charge you, though I've heard some bad experiences of people trying to do that.
It just occurred to me that you might also find it at the library, if they have a video section. Who knows?
And, yes, I plan on responding to you in the other comments sections.
Watching LoD is probably a requirement for any Libyan...at least I have yet to meet someone who hasn't watched it. ;)
Gonna check my local library today, thanks for the tip smokey :)
yea ive watched LoD lots of times, ive always gotten it from the library. I want to make a copy of it. ive been introducing it to alot of my non arab friends and we should all do it.
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