Reviews of The Thief of Bagdad
Displaying all 3 reviews
David Ehrenstein
5Oct09
Perfection! This is the film that MADE my childhood, and has been exceptionally close to my heart ever since
http://www.laweekly.com/2008-03-27/columns/off-white-like-me/
It was a miracle that it was made at all. Three directors were require because the entire production was on the run. The Nazis were bombong England so Korda moved the production to the U.S. And so Sabu washes up on the shores of Santa Monica at lest the Genie out of the bottle.
What makes the film so special is that throughout Sabu remains pre-sexual. While the he helps the Prince (stalwart John Justin) win his Princess (lovely June Duprez) and defeat the evil sorcerer (the great Connie Veidt) at the end he wants MORE advenutre, and sails off on his magic carpet to get it.
TONS better than “The Wizard of Oz.”
Christopher Smith
2May09
Classic Technicolor fantasy epic is an incredibly lavish production, with extraordinary sets and costume design. But despite all the visual splendor, the performances are uneven and the story never really takes off – even though there are a few very imaginative and memorable moments. The special effects don’t hold up and there’s a few uninspired, unnecessary songs along the way. An interesting work of screen fantasy, but it just doesn’t really hold up.
- Currently 2.0/5 Stars.
Musycks
16Feb09
A lovely fairy tale, this one has it all. The look of the film is stunning, technicolor so vibrant it leaps out at you and beggars belief that it could have been mounted in wartime London. The techniques that are used to create amazing Arab cities here would later be put to good use by Powell in creating the unforgettable Himalayan monastery in ‘Black Narcissus’.
The tale is one of good vs evil, but invested with much style and wit. The setting, medieval Arabian kingdoms with princesses and Jenies and flying carpets. The multi armed statue that comes to life, the mechanical horse that flies are beautiful constructions that lure us into the dreamlike world of this fable.
Conrad Veidt is a superb villian as Jaffar, almost dominating the screen performance wise. Justin is a little twee as the Prince, but then the role is more derring don’t than derring do. The thief, played by Sabu, is the real star, and appropriately enough he steals every scene he’s in. A delightful confection and a treat for children of all ages.