This sweeping epic of bitter rivalries at the dawn of the Arabian oil boom has neither the narrative depth nor grandeur to really fulfil its own ambitions.
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It starts in the Thirties when sheiks Nesib (Antonio Banderas) and Amar (Mark Strong) agree to end their destructive feud. To guarantee the peace Amar allows his two sons to be raised in Nesib’s household.
Film doesn't have much narrative depth
One of the sons Auda (Tahar Rahim) becomes the conscience of his nation
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This should have everything from lust in the dust to the searing injustice that forged a nation but the script is weak and only a hammy Banderas and an imposing Strong really stamp their authority on the piece.
VERDICT 2/5
(Cert 12A; 130mins)
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