Watch Lawrence: After Arabia

Lawrence: After Arabia is a 2021 historical drama film directed by Hugh Hudson and starring Brian Cox, Michael Maloney, and Hugh Fraser. The film tells the story of T.E. Lawrence, a British army officer who became famous during the First World War for his role in the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire. The film opens with a scene of Lawrence's death in a motorcycle accident in Dorset, England, in 1935. The rest of the film is a series of flashbacks that tell the story of Lawrence's life after the Arab Revolt that made him a hero. The film explores Lawrence's struggles to find his place in the world after the war, his disillusionment with British imperialism in the Middle East, and his personal relationships with friends and lovers.

One of the main themes of the film is Lawrence's frustration with the way he was treated by the British government after the Arab Revolt. Despite his success in leading the Arabs to victory, Lawrence was not given much credit by the British authorities and was instead relegated to a desk job in Cairo. The film shows how this treatment affected Lawrence and how he struggled to find a purpose in life after the war.

Another important aspect of the film is Lawrence's relationships with the people around him. The film explores Lawrence's close friendship with Gertrude Bell, another British officer who was involved in Middle Eastern politics at the time. The film also looks at Lawrence's romantic relationships, including his affair with a married woman in Cairo and his deep love for a young Arab boy he meets during his travels.

Brian Cox delivers a powerful performance as Lawrence, capturing the complexity and depth of the character. He portrays Lawrence as a man haunted by the memories of war and struggling to find meaning in his life after the adrenaline-fueled heroics of the Arab Revolt. Michael Maloney also gives a strong performance as Gertrude Bell, Lawrence's close friend and confidante. The chemistry between Cox and Maloney is palpable, making their scenes together some of the most emotionally affecting in the film.

Hugh Fraser rounds out the cast as Sir Winston Churchill, the British Prime Minister who had a complicated relationship with Lawrence. Fraser's portrayal of Churchill is nuanced, showing both his admiration for Lawrence's military exploits and his frustration with Lawrence's refusal to play by the rules of British imperialism.

As a historical drama, Lawrence: After Arabia does an impressive job of capturing the atmosphere of the time and place it portrays. The film was shot on location in Jordan, Egypt, and Morocco, and the cinematography is breathtaking. The desert landscapes are majestic and the cities are vibrant and teeming with life. The production design and costumes are also top-notch, transporting the viewer back to the 1920s and 1930s with ease.

Overall, Lawrence: After Arabia is a compelling and moving portrait of one of the most fascinating figures of the 20th century. It offers a nuanced and complex look at a man who was both a hero and a flawed human being, struggling to come to terms with his place in the world. With excellent performances, stunning visuals, and a fascinating story, Lawrence: After Arabia is a must-see for fans of historical drama.

Lawrence: After Arabia is a 2021 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 7 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.