No happy ending!

Rating: 10/10 (30 March 2018)

I can't really add anything more to the postive comments already made here. I saw it on TV as a child then the restored version at the cinema. I would ask you ignore one or two people who have bemoaned the lack of a 'happy' or 'clear' ending. Sitting for 3.5 hours and missing the point completely must be frustrating. The last scene, as Lawrence is driven away, his dreams of helping to form an arab state in ruins - passing arabs on camels and with a motor bike overtaking him is a moment of regret and a hint of further doom like no other. The psycological depth of the film has few parallels and having read Seven Pillars of Wisdom it certainly reflects Lawrence's psychÃ© well. In terms of script and cinematography there is a short analysis by Sam Yates of one scene on You Tube that brilliantly shows the genius of Lean and why almost 60 years after it was made the film is still utterly mesmeric. I am watching it again this week with my 18 year old son who is joining the military. As a guide to politics, power, individuality and regret it has no equal.