Black Gold [Blu-ray] [Region Free]

Outstanding performance from Mark Strong again in Jean- Jacques Annaud's epic, and it really does look like an old fashioned Hollywood big budget , cast of thousands production of the 50's and 60's.Annaud is no stranger to making a film that has the 'epic' look having directed the glossy, yet gritty, 'Enemy At The Gates' set in Stalingrad.Yet he has the ability to bring sensitivity and pathos to his work, with one of my favourite films being 'Two Brothers' which is about two tiger cubs and their fight for survival.This film is about a young Arab prince who has to choose between two great leaders who are fighting each other, one is his biological father and the other is the father who raised him, when oil is discovered in the Middle East and suitors are pressing to make the winner of their war into a very rich man.This is post-Lawrence of Arabia and the settings for the film are beautiful and sweeping. It is both a war film as much as an adventure and there are fine performances from Tashar Rahim as the prince as well as Antonia Banderas playing the 'other' father. Freida Pinto is stunning as the love interest. I think I last saw her as an Asian scientist in 'Rise of the Planet of the Apes' with James Franco.We enjoyed the film for its spectacle and fine acting from Mark Strong, there is a cameo from Riz Ahmed, and I would recommend a viewing.English subtitles and a 'making of' and special effects feature.

This film is nowhere near as bad as the critics would have you believe. The plot revolves around a tribal feud in 1930s Arabia, around the time of the discovery of the rich oil reserves in the country by American prospectors. The storyline is decent enough, there is forbidden love, greed and political intrigue, also some great action scenes of battles in the desert. The acting is solid, with Mark Strong being particularly impressive. But maybe that's because his is the best part in dramatic terms. Antonio Banderas gets plenty of screen time which should please his fans. What really sets this film apart are the vibrant colours and stunning costumes of the Arabs and the filming locations in the desert. A real feast for the eyes.I found the film very enjoyable. A Lawrence of Arabia it is not, but if you don't expect too much, you should enjoy this well enough. Definitely worth a watch if either the story or the actors involved appeal.

It's visually stunning.Romance, rivalry, and loyalty set against the backdrop of oil.Change the oil brings is inevitable.The hero asks his scheming father in law, what would you do?Reply "have me executed".Being smarter, the son in law puts his "tallents" to good use, in the behalf of his country"No, far better to employ your cunning by sending you to America to represent our interests as a director!"

The costumes and desert scenery are impressive in this confusing tale of tribal and dynastic rivalry. Much of the interior dialogue is incoherent owing to the poor acoustics, I wished for subtitles to try to understand the plot. The desert battle scenes went some way in providing some excitement to an otherwise overlong and dull film. Lawrence Of Arabia it certainly is not!

A truly great movie; the storyline is insightful with a deeply considered perspective on human nature. The photography is superb and the musical theme is dreamy and transporting. Overall this makes for an unspoken masterpiece in the genre.

Very good and I've learnt more here than I did in my whole life!

Enjoyed every aspect of the movie. The story line was really good felt part of it. I will be watching the movie often.

Good condition. Not a bad film. Good actors although Antonio Banderos sounded very amateurish in his role.