As with others of similar ilk, this is commonly referred to as a 'man's film' which essentially involves a lot of mucho-macho posturing, locking of horns and of course wholesale slaughter. Appealing as it does to the baser instincts it is certain to have its devotees and has actually been described by an earlier reviewer as 'compulsively re-watchable year after year' which is deeply disturbing.
Based upon the Simba rebellion, Wilbur Smith's novel is graphically brutal and savage but also has a romantic sub-plot which director Jack Cardiff and his adaptors have alas reduced to an absolute minimum whilst the somewhat tedious moralising fulfils no function but to give an impression of gravitas.
Kenneth More as a dipsomaniac doctor and André Morell's French official, an especially subtle performance, add a touch of class to proceedings.
It comes as no surprise that Martin Scorsese has listed this bloodthirsty opus among his 'guilty pleasures' whilst its undoubted influence on Quentin Tarantino is there for all to see, unfortunately.
Based upon the Simba rebellion, Wilbur Smith's novel is graphically brutal and savage but also has a romantic sub-plot which director Jack Cardiff and his adaptors have alas reduced to an absolute minimum whilst the somewhat tedious moralising fulfils no function but to give an impression of gravitas.
Kenneth More as a dipsomaniac doctor and André Morell's French official, an especially subtle performance, add a touch of class to proceedings.
It comes as no surprise that Martin Scorsese has listed this bloodthirsty opus among his 'guilty pleasures' whilst its undoubted influence on Quentin Tarantino is there for all to see, unfortunately.