Lawrence of ArabiaMovie Reviews

Must Go!
Avg. Critic Score: 100 out of 100 Metascore® based on all critic reviews
Information for Parents:
13 OK for kids 13+
Read Common Sense Media review

Critic scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating more favorable reviews.

  • 100
    Christian Science Monitor | David Sterritt

    In short, they don't make 'em like this one anymore. Viewing it is like taking a time machine to a movie age that was more naive than our own in some ways, more sophisticated and ambitious in others. Read full review

  • 100
    TV Guide |

    David Lean's splendid biography of the enigmatic T.E. Lawrence paints a complex portrait of the desert-loving Englishman who united Arab tribes in battle against the Ottoman Turks during WWI. Read full review

  • 100
    New Times (L.A.) | Andy Klein

    Released in 1962, it was pretty clearly the most intelligent spectacular within living memory. On its 40th anniversary, it's even better. Read full review

  • 100
    Chicago Tribune | Michael Wilmington

    It's perhaps only because it can't be seen in its full glory on television that "Lawrence" isn't ranked more highly on some recent all-time "best film" lists. But it belongs near the very top. It's an astonishing, unrepeatable epic. Read full review

  • 100
    Chicago Sun-Times | Roger Ebert

    What a bold, mad act of genius it was, to make Lawrence of Arabia, or even think that it could be made. Read full review

  • 100
    ReelViews | James Berardinelli

    Riveting from beginning to end, featuring stellar performances, amazing cinematography, and a story without a trace of fat, the film does everything an epic is supposed to do - and more. Read full review

  • 100
    Boston Globe |

    Lawrence is back on the big screen, and it simply demands to be seen. Yes, again. Read full review

View more reviews for Lawrence of Arabia on Metacritic

Information for Parents
Common Sense Media says OK for kids 13+ Mature teens will appreciate this gripping epic.
What Parents Need to Know Parents need to know that this is a lavish and gripping movie, beautifully filmed, that commands your attention despite a length of nearly four hours, and a complex lead character. Although tame by modern standards, the battle scenes are still powerful, and could frighten some kids. Because of its complexity and length, this isn't a movie for young children. Mature teens will appreciate this gorgeous production.
  • Families can talk about and research together the historical basis for the movie.
The good stuff
  • message true0 Positive messages: Despite some vagueness about the historical background of the events depicted, the movie does inspire some understanding of and respect for Arab cultures.
What to watch for
  • violence false3 Violence: Several of the battle scenes are intended to horrify viewers with the brutality of war. Lawrence is raped by Turkish captors in a scene that will appear to those unfamiliar with his life that he's merely being beaten.
  • sex false0 Sexy stuff: Not an issue
  • language false0 Language: Not an issue
  • consumerism false0 Consumerism: Not an issue
  • drugsalcoholtobacco false0 Drinking, drugs and smoking: Not an issue
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Lawrence of Arabia Movie Reviews + Ratings

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