The Wind and the Lion (1975)

Stirring music with lively instrumentation

Though opinions of the film may vary you won't hear too many bad things about this soundtrack. Even the plain Jane single disc version has a bevy of stirring tracks and tender moments making it one of the more interesting soundtracks of the 70's (because let's face it, musically, the 70's have a lot to answer for!).

The score by Jerry Goldsmith utilises some interesting signature sounds as the composer tried to convey an Islamic feel, a North African bent to proceedings. Some may find this jarring but if you can relax and let the sounds wash over you then you'll come to appreciate it more. The sound quality is fine, the digital mastering done by George Horn doesn't seem overly compressed nor does it seem to be different in overall feel to the music in the actual film, the mastering appears to have successfully stayed true to the source material.

But despite my waxing lyrical about this soundtrack my suggestion to those who are looking at buying this release would, however, to be to cast your eye towards getting the double disc version of the soundtrack. More bang for your buck so to speak and a fuller experience of this interesting movie soundtrack that stands on it's own two feet regardless of whether the listener enjoyed the movie or not. September 30, 2008

A Historical Twist But A Great Movie

I first saw this in 1975. I took a group of Samoan boys to watch it in Pago Pago. They loved it, the Raisuli was a really heroic figure.
It's in our DVD collection, but I haven't seen it again until I just glimpsed it on TNT this evening. It hasn't lost anything over the years, but one line in particular made me pay attention. The Raisuli is talking to his captive, Mrs. Peridcaris, watching two men trabsfer water from a well into a bucket. Something like> "When one bucket empties, another bucket fills. Right now, you (America) have all the power. But you are wasting it. And Islam is lapping up the drops."
All in all, an excellent little-known film.
September 11, 2008

A ripping yarn a la "THE MAN WHO WOULD BE KING".

It has been a flop somewhat undeserved in certain countries.
As action&adventure movies goes it has everything in spades! (the only real problem been that the actual Raisuli was never near the SEAN CONNERY type! HA HA HA HA HA!!! (lol)... actually better do not look on history books and see the real picture of this "bandit" (for western standards...).
The cast is perfect (I just love Candice Bergen's acting... since SOLDIER BLUE...), and the action scenes very good if a bit unbelievable (quite amusing the most unbelievable scenes ARE FACT!... read Douglas PORCH opus about The Conquest of Morocco or The Conquest of the Sahara... life is stranger than fiction...)
A truly ripping yarn and entertaining film.
Recommended for fans of action&adventure... and for once the ladies will enjoy too (if heart on their right place).

ADB

PS: "the shores of Tripoli"? NO!!! (that was before)..."ARABIA" neither you moron!... this is a Morocco/Algeria scenario... September 7, 2008

Wind and the Lion

We were looking for a movie that would better describe the life in Arabia. This was a good historical perspective, I think, not taken too far out of context. August 31, 2008

Strong early 20th C American Woman Meets Strong early 20th C Mideastern Man

What a great and timeless movie! Sean Connery and Candace Bergen are a great match; with all their cultural differences and personal strength they find that, although each has met his/her match, they learn to like and respect the other. Brian Keith was a perfect choice for Teddy Roosevelt; he makes you think that it is himself on the screen! This movie is fun and exciting and a great period piece. June 13, 2008

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