Lawrence of Arabia

Here are three epic films where Caucasians stick out like sore thumbs in foreign lands. Although immensely entertaining, the stories become more complicated when watched with a modern, critical view. Exploitation of natural heritages through colonization, slavery, war and other biased influences can rightfully be seen as blights of history.

Lawrence of Arabia (1962) is directed by David Lean. Peter O’Toole brilliantly portrays English officer T.E. Lawrence, who helped unify contentious Arab tribes in fighting against Turkish forces during WWI. It’s a masterful work that is an absolute must-see!

Walkabout

Walkabout (1971) is directed by Nicolas Roeg. A pair of British siblings find themselves abandoned in an unforgiving desert, deep within Australia’s bounty. Their lives are saved when they encounter and befriend a teenage Aborigine who is performing his solo walkabout ritual. There are some Jean-Luc Godard-style moments, which make the film’s tapestry all the more interesting.

Cobra Verde

Cobra Verde (1987) is directed by Werner Herzog. Klaus Kinski’s unruly character suffers the punishment of being banished to West Africa on an unlikely mission to reopen the slave trade. Cobra Verde not only reflects Kinski’s volatile traits, but eerily foreshadows his own death just a few years after.