Whilst obviously a low budget project I enjoyed this film tremendously. This story of a simple, latter day hero with honesty and courage shines a blazing light on the charlatans, liars and impostors who parade as our current leaders. The simplicity of the production complements the unadorned magnificence of T E Lawrence and this story. I left the glorious world premiere thrilled that integrity still has a value in this tarnished world.
46 Reviews
Award winning?
moonpop13 April 2022
I applaud the director for giving it a go but the film was very poor and terribly shot. The acting, with a couple of exceptions, was a amateurish and the shots were over egged and tedious. A couple of beacons in the mist were the inquest scene (although terribly framed) I totally believed the actor presiding over the scene, I've seen him in lots and he's very believable, and the Cameo from Michael Maloney was enjoyable.. the rest were over acting I'm afraid.
Prepare to be surprised..
trevorpuckett12 October 2021
Fascinating story
gruppingl12 October 2021
Step aside Plan 9 From Outer Space
mikeandrewgraves12 March 2022
The worst film I can remember seeing. Memorable only for the screenwriter, actors, sound recording, cinematographer, editor and director duelling it out for who could deliver the worst performance.
That said I would recommend it if only for comedy value. Films as terribly made as this don't come along often. Enjoy.
That said I would recommend it if only for comedy value. Films as terribly made as this don't come along often. Enjoy.
Original charming and full of meaning
jamie_russell12 October 2021
Great disappointment
mochnio8 November 2021
Warning: Spoilers
As the title of my review says, this movie was a great disappointment that did not live up to the hype. Let me break this down into bullet points to make everyone's life (mine included) easier. Spoilers dead ahead.
1. The special effects/green screen were not very good, however, since this is a low budget production I don't want to rag on that too much.
2. The acting was... sadly bland. I really wanted to like Tom Barber-Duffy as T. E. Lawrence but there was nothing memorable about his performance.
3. The script was all over the place. There was a lot of odd details from Lawrence's life that were shoehorned into the film but didn't seem to have much to do with the actual plot. Also, the sheer amount of conspiracy theories in this movie was exhausting, as were the producer's claims that this is all fact. If so, then I'd like to see some proof, preferably proof that was not written by Richard Aldington or Matthew Eden.
4. I was annoyed by the way the film handled Lawrence's sexual orientation and love life. There were references to Dahoum (a young Arab lad Lawrence was very close with when he worked as an archaeologist before the war) but his significance was not explained. Various characters referred to Lawrence as "sadomasochistic" and "a queer". On the other hand Lawrence was shown having quite a significant amount of PDA with Florence Hardy (his friend Thomas Hardy's widow). I found that particularly odd because it's a well known fact mentioned in pretty much every biography that Lawrence was deeply uncomfortable with touch and wouldn't even shake hands with his friends, let alone kiss or hug them. Also, there is no proof that his and Florence Hardy's relationship was more than just friendship. So my question is: is the producer really THIS UNCOMFORTABLE with the idea of T. E. Lawrence possibly not being straight?
5. I was shocked by the amount of very blatant references to David Lean's "Lawrence of Arabia" ranging from visual references to literally naming a character William Potter and using the iconic "the trick, William Potter, is not minding that it hurts" line (anyone remember the match scene from Lean's film?). In fact, I think the William Potter scene was inserted solely for the purpose of making this reference.
Overall this was an exhausting and sad experience. I don't have any strong opinions about the paranormal but I really want Lawrence's ghost to rise out of the grave and haunt the producer for what he did with this film.
1. The special effects/green screen were not very good, however, since this is a low budget production I don't want to rag on that too much.
2. The acting was... sadly bland. I really wanted to like Tom Barber-Duffy as T. E. Lawrence but there was nothing memorable about his performance.
3. The script was all over the place. There was a lot of odd details from Lawrence's life that were shoehorned into the film but didn't seem to have much to do with the actual plot. Also, the sheer amount of conspiracy theories in this movie was exhausting, as were the producer's claims that this is all fact. If so, then I'd like to see some proof, preferably proof that was not written by Richard Aldington or Matthew Eden.
4. I was annoyed by the way the film handled Lawrence's sexual orientation and love life. There were references to Dahoum (a young Arab lad Lawrence was very close with when he worked as an archaeologist before the war) but his significance was not explained. Various characters referred to Lawrence as "sadomasochistic" and "a queer". On the other hand Lawrence was shown having quite a significant amount of PDA with Florence Hardy (his friend Thomas Hardy's widow). I found that particularly odd because it's a well known fact mentioned in pretty much every biography that Lawrence was deeply uncomfortable with touch and wouldn't even shake hands with his friends, let alone kiss or hug them. Also, there is no proof that his and Florence Hardy's relationship was more than just friendship. So my question is: is the producer really THIS UNCOMFORTABLE with the idea of T. E. Lawrence possibly not being straight?
5. I was shocked by the amount of very blatant references to David Lean's "Lawrence of Arabia" ranging from visual references to literally naming a character William Potter and using the iconic "the trick, William Potter, is not minding that it hurts" line (anyone remember the match scene from Lean's film?). In fact, I think the William Potter scene was inserted solely for the purpose of making this reference.
Overall this was an exhausting and sad experience. I don't have any strong opinions about the paranormal but I really want Lawrence's ghost to rise out of the grave and haunt the producer for what he did with this film.
Amazing!!!
audreyfraser12 October 2021
Truly wonderful and well worth the wait.
Atmospheric and thought provoking insight into a mystery that still resinates after 85 years.
Wonderfully acted and not reliant on big budget special effects, it will leave you to draw your own conclusion
A masterclass in story telling.
Well deserving of the accolades already being credited.
Atmospheric and thought provoking insight into a mystery that still resinates after 85 years.
Wonderfully acted and not reliant on big budget special effects, it will leave you to draw your own conclusion
A masterclass in story telling.
Well deserving of the accolades already being credited.
An interesting project wasted
hilarydaniels-0077510 November 2021
I know much of this story from Rodney Legg's 1988 book, so was interested to see it turned into a narrative. And I knew it would be low budget - but low budgets can often be a spur to imaginative and exciting solutions. Not in this case, sadly. Almost every department of moviemaking was shoddy. Direction was leaden. Editing was stodgy. Sound recording was mushy, and sound mixing woeful. Grading? Forget it. Continuity. Ditto. And, as for the acting... From the opening sequence, with a child actor who would have made a primary school nativity audience wince, to our hero, who was presumably trying to convey a tortured soul but only succeeded in looking mildly dyspeptic, even while squeezing out a tear. To be honest, I didn't get far enough into the movie to reach the actors we've heard of. After the second sequence of 'Arabs' running single file right to left I decided to either stay and laugh or go and do something more life-enhancing. I went. If you're interested in the story, track down the book. If you want to see a good movie, go elsewhere.
Absolutely worth the while
chantalploum12 October 2021
I really enjoyed the film, the plot, the way it felt close and intimate and the way it drew me in so I felt as if I was part of it.
Very well done for a director with a very limited budget thus limited technical means and possibilities. First class actors.
Don't expect a Hollywood film with a Hollywood budget, that would not be fair.
This film has been made with a passion and an interest ignited during the director's childhood and you can feel that as you watch it unfold. Something you can hardly say of million dollar films that are only made to be uninteresting cash cows.
I certainly recommend everyone to go and see Lawrence after Arabia. Very much worth the while and it gives much food for thought.
Very well done for a director with a very limited budget thus limited technical means and possibilities. First class actors.
Don't expect a Hollywood film with a Hollywood budget, that would not be fair.
This film has been made with a passion and an interest ignited during the director's childhood and you can feel that as you watch it unfold. Something you can hardly say of million dollar films that are only made to be uninteresting cash cows.
I certainly recommend everyone to go and see Lawrence after Arabia. Very much worth the while and it gives much food for thought.
Amateur Dramatics shot with home movie camera
elli562 December 2021
I think my heading sums it up best...
When they started with the opening scene I though it had to be part of the local adverts..... right?
Wrong.... Yes i went in knowing it was low budget & shot locally but even so I expected much better than this.
Everything about it was poor, opening music sounded like it was done on one of those toy xylophone's, sound quality abysmal, acting that would have seen those in a local production having non-speaking parts the following year, the direction... where to start.... I think you get the picture...
It really is one to avoid, i walked out after 30 minutes otherwise I would have been rolling in the aisles & watching it locally I suspect there were a few in the audience who were "extras" so I saved myself the shaming....
Looking through the reviews I suspect those giving high marks actually appeared in the film as I really didnt see anything worthy of more than a one.
It really was horrible & moreso as I admire & am fascinated by the TE Lawrence story.
When they started with the opening scene I though it had to be part of the local adverts..... right?
Wrong.... Yes i went in knowing it was low budget & shot locally but even so I expected much better than this.
Everything about it was poor, opening music sounded like it was done on one of those toy xylophone's, sound quality abysmal, acting that would have seen those in a local production having non-speaking parts the following year, the direction... where to start.... I think you get the picture...
It really is one to avoid, i walked out after 30 minutes otherwise I would have been rolling in the aisles & watching it locally I suspect there were a few in the audience who were "extras" so I saved myself the shaming....
Looking through the reviews I suspect those giving high marks actually appeared in the film as I really didnt see anything worthy of more than a one.
It really was horrible & moreso as I admire & am fascinated by the TE Lawrence story.
what a load of baloney
peterberesford30 June 2023
What a dreadful mess this film was. It took the most banal conspiracy theory about Lawrence's death and failed to offer any evidence in support of it. Didn't seem able to get anything right. Ok the bike had the right number plate and Clouds Hill seemed to get a look in. Given that what makes Lawrence especially interesting is what he did with the latter part of his life, this really was a wasted opportunity to add something. Now i have been told i need to write a longer review. Seems more helpful to keep it short and sweet. But that's not what this website seems to value. I suggest potential audience instead read the very helpful book published about Lawrence's death which highlights the weaknesses of an inadequately serviced bike and the good thing that came out of it; a recommendation at the inquest for riders to wear helmets which was followed up in the war for despatch riders.
Great film
jonolo149 October 2021
I saw this film at the world premiere and truly enjoyed it. The director is passionate about his trade and that came across incredibly in his work. Covering one of the lesser spoken about periods of history this awakened my interest in T. E. Lawrence and I'm keen to learn more.
Much better than I expected - loved it!
francistheodora12 October 2021
I am very surprised by the negative reviews for this film, and feel strongly that they are very unfair. As an extremely low-budget movie, apparently shot with just one camera and a tiny crew of five, it is reminiscent of the films of old, before the big corporations dominated the film-going experience with their mega budgets and special effects. Of course it could never compete with the likes of those, and it isn't meant to. I was at the gala première in Poole on the 9th of October. There were no sound issues, and no issues regarding the quality of the film. Yes, the start is a bit slow, as it aims to explain the issues that could have led to Lawrence's possible assassination. But then it picks up the pace and completely draws you in. I loved the fact that there were no complicated shots, just a simple visual story telling, at the end of which one is left with questions about what did really happen. The music by the likes of Bruce Woolley ('Video Killed the Radio Star'), Chris Thompson ("Blinded by the Light, Manfred Mann's Earth Band), Rick Wakeman ("Yes") and Clifford White was great, and the use of well-known actors in cameo roles well-considered (Michael Maloney, Hugh Fraser, Nicole Ansari-Cox, and the voice of Brian Cox) I would challenge anyone to go it alone and personally fund a feature film, then go on to win multiple awards (31) at the various film festivals. Of course such a project could never compare to what audiences are used to these days. I for one thoroughly enjoyed the film, have spoken to lots of people who loved it too, and am looking forward to seeing it again with members of my family next week! Hats off to the director, cast and crew. A very well done!
Oh dear! What a wasted opportunity.
tomwareham-614157 January 2022
Having watched it twice (with growing dismay) I have to say this film will probably be used by film schools to demonstrate how NOT to make a movie. The acting is, with few exceptions, terrible. Barber-Duffy as Lawrence puts in a wooden and unconvincing performance which is amply demonstrated by his first scene.
May of the scenes are framed so badly they highlight both the inadequacy of both sets and direction. (See for example the scenes where the Head of Intelligence briefs his agents, and the hospital scene later in the film).
Access to Clouds Hill was infamously limited: but why does the Director use the exact same bit of film (Lawrence arriving on his Brough to find the cottage door open), multiple times? It's just so obvious.
The blue-screen scenes which are meant to represent Arabia are simply atrocious. It would have been better not to use them at all.
I find it hard to believe the film has gathered so many awards.
On the positive side, (yes there is one) the Dorset countryside is beautiful and does evoke the landscape around Clouds Hill.
May of the scenes are framed so badly they highlight both the inadequacy of both sets and direction. (See for example the scenes where the Head of Intelligence briefs his agents, and the hospital scene later in the film).
Access to Clouds Hill was infamously limited: but why does the Director use the exact same bit of film (Lawrence arriving on his Brough to find the cottage door open), multiple times? It's just so obvious.
The blue-screen scenes which are meant to represent Arabia are simply atrocious. It would have been better not to use them at all.
I find it hard to believe the film has gathered so many awards.
On the positive side, (yes there is one) the Dorset countryside is beautiful and does evoke the landscape around Clouds Hill.
Fascinating and brilliant portrayal of T.E Lawrence prior to his untimely death
clairewhilesdnn12 October 2021
This film is totally absorbing and tells a story that must be heard. T. E Lawrence had an extraordinary life that ended untimely, steeped in controversy and corruption. Brilliantly depicted and a must see ! Highly recommend !
A lost opportunity
rearwicker24 October 2021
Sadly, a wasted evening. The wooden acting was matched by the poor photography, editing, sound and continuity. We were treated to an overlong funeral procession, on repeat. Even the beautiful Dorset locations were wasted by the lack of focus and lighting. The bloated script was an overlong conspiracy theory taking us up to the present day. Lawrence was a brave - even heroic - man, if confused about his identity. A shame this film couldn't do him justice.
Impressive Debut and (finally) an Original Story
stevetyrell6013 October 2021
We saw the movie at the premiere and loved it! For once an original story which is not a mediocre Marvel or sorry Star Wars or bland Bond. On limited resources an impressive period piece and debut for Mark JT Griffin. The film gained a standing ovation at the premiere where we watched it and its obvious the director's passion in the subject. Lawrence is shown as damaged hero by Tom Barber Duffy. Steve Rollins excellent as Tyrell and Mark Vernon Freestone great at Catchpole. The named actors Brian Cox, Nicole Ansari Cox, Hugh Fraser and Michael Maloney are used in single scenes. Nicole Ansari Cox stands out as Sarah Lawrence Lawrence's vicious and overbearing mother. Fraser shines as Allenby. Maloney superb as Brough. The film was shot on location around Dorset in locations Lawrence would have known such as his house and the cast and crew were mainly Dorset based. Production standards included a Brough Superior's (2), Gypsy Moth, Tiger Moth and an Arabian falcon are used to great effect. A strong debut and intense story.
A learning experience for the director
charlie-the-fluke12 October 2021
First things first, This was made on a non-existent budget for a feature, a first time director and a tiny crew. So I'll try not to be too harsh, but the director needs to know where he went wrong, so he can improve on it next time.
So there isn't a single aspect of this film that didn't have issues, some more glaring than others. By far the biggest issue is that technically is this the worst film I've ever seen. From Inaudible sound due to the lack of sound mixing and background noise, green screen issues such as jpegs being used as background and no effort to make these believable, visible artefacts from poor keying, horrendous editing (was there anyone keeping an eye on continuity??) along with all that, the camera work really felt like a lazy student film, shots being over and under exposed, lack of thought put into the shots, no colour grading and the footage just looked so dull, and finally I've never seen a film reuse so much footage before, you could turn it into a drinking game (which probably isn't a bad idea if you're going to watch this)
The acting wasn't the worst, but I can't see anyone getting any Oscars any time soon, and oh my god the pacing was mind-numbing this felt like a 4 hour movie. I hope the director reads and takes in all the feedback he will inevitably get and uses that as a jumping off point to improve his skills as a director.
So there isn't a single aspect of this film that didn't have issues, some more glaring than others. By far the biggest issue is that technically is this the worst film I've ever seen. From Inaudible sound due to the lack of sound mixing and background noise, green screen issues such as jpegs being used as background and no effort to make these believable, visible artefacts from poor keying, horrendous editing (was there anyone keeping an eye on continuity??) along with all that, the camera work really felt like a lazy student film, shots being over and under exposed, lack of thought put into the shots, no colour grading and the footage just looked so dull, and finally I've never seen a film reuse so much footage before, you could turn it into a drinking game (which probably isn't a bad idea if you're going to watch this)
The acting wasn't the worst, but I can't see anyone getting any Oscars any time soon, and oh my god the pacing was mind-numbing this felt like a 4 hour movie. I hope the director reads and takes in all the feedback he will inevitably get and uses that as a jumping off point to improve his skills as a director.
Completes the story.....or does it ?
brombergjd18 October 2021
This is a true low budget film, that brings a story to life, without losing quality.
A directorial debut that deserves all the plaudits and awards it is winning around the world.
Brilliant cast all giving their best to the story line.
Filmed in original locations as much as possible.
Whether we know the truth or not is for you do judge.
Must also give a mention to the brilliant music. ( I must get the album)
A directorial debut that deserves all the plaudits and awards it is winning around the world.
Brilliant cast all giving their best to the story line.
Filmed in original locations as much as possible.
Whether we know the truth or not is for you do judge.
Must also give a mention to the brilliant music. ( I must get the album)
Excruciatingly bad.
cliveandcelia1 December 2021
A reasonable story. But an extremely amateur production. Poor lighting and sound. Bad continuity. Awful shot composure.
Synthesiser created music to a period drama ????
I've seen better acting in amateur dramatics. And far better production by college students.
Synthesiser created music to a period drama ????
I've seen better acting in amateur dramatics. And far better production by college students.
Plymouth Premier at Plymouth Arts Cinema
yesterdaze-2979018 October 2021
Have just got back from watching the premier Lawrence. After Arabia. The story starts off slow with a lot of good detail. It draws you in. From when Mark Griffin first had his interest peeked in Lawrence'story to his untimely and tragic death. I was lucky enough to be involved in the latter scenes of the film. The harrowing detail of the inquest. Which led to Hugh Cairns ultimately campaigning for helmets to be worn by motorcyclists. The film was made with a small budget and some big names involved from actors to the music. Mark has a passionate interest in T E Shaw. Which comes across in the film and the Q&A at the end.
Where angels fear to tread!
sjrwkhkr17 January 2022
I've personally known Mark Griffin a good few years, and what strikes me is he's unafraid to stick his head above the parapet when it comes to creative endeavours.
We've had the stage play based on Jon Anderson's album, Olias of Sunhillow, and he's written at least five books including, 'The Unknown Man', about the elusive and reclusive Greek musician, Vangelis, and that's excluding the reading material for his latest venture, Lawrence After Arabia. Wonderful stuff.
For those who left negative comments about his work, you shouldn't knock a man for having a go. It says more about you than the focus of your critique. It's the old adage, when there's one accusational finger pointing at him, there's three pointing to yourself.
We've had the stage play based on Jon Anderson's album, Olias of Sunhillow, and he's written at least five books including, 'The Unknown Man', about the elusive and reclusive Greek musician, Vangelis, and that's excluding the reading material for his latest venture, Lawrence After Arabia. Wonderful stuff.
For those who left negative comments about his work, you shouldn't knock a man for having a go. It says more about you than the focus of your critique. It's the old adage, when there's one accusational finger pointing at him, there's three pointing to yourself.
Dreadful
alpinechaletgirl10 October 2021
Imagine an amateur dramatic society at its first meeting gaining access to film equipment & you have some idea of the quality of this film. Sound, photography & continuity were embarrassing in places & the glimpses of good acting brief. The story could have been so much more in depth & instead far too much time was spent on peripheral activity eg the funeral procession.
Having been looking forward to this showing for some time, with a keen interest in the life of T E Lawrence, I was sadly disappointed.
Having been looking forward to this showing for some time, with a keen interest in the life of T E Lawrence, I was sadly disappointed.
Story Needed To Be Told
Ching00717 October 2021
In 'After Arabia' Mark Griffin has conjured up a plot that is both interesting and plausible, dealing with an 86yr old mystery with many facts to support his theory as to the whys and wherefores of Lawrence's death, intriguing! I was very glad I was given the opportunity to see the film as it perked up my interest in Lawrence the hero and I realized that 'LawrenceAfter Arabia' was a story that needed to be told.
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