On K List of Movie Reviews
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Khartoum (1966)
Rate:
4
Viewed:
6/14
6/14:
I chalk up Khartoum as one of those meaningless films about a part of British history.
Other than the interest of the Suez Canal, I fail to see the significance of British's role in the city of Khartoum.
Their claim is to protect the Egyptians, but what for?
For the most part, the film tries too hard to be the next Lawrence of Arabia. That's
why it's comparatively inferior. However, the battle scenes shown are impressive, sometimes amazing, and obviously, they were
made possible at the expense of horses' lives. I won't be surprised to learn if a great deal of them had died during the filming.
To reduce a point in my rating, there are many white actors who are blackfaced to portray Egyptians, Sudanese, and
whichever else their nationalities are supposed to be. They could've saved money by using real foreigners instead. The
ridiculous sight of Laurence Olivier as Muhammad Ahmed has my head shaking.
All in all, you're better off watching Lawrence of Arabia for the umpteenth time.