Lion of the Desert

The film opens by situating Mussolini's rise and Italy's invasion of Libya, framing the Libyan rebellion as a real, historically grounded conflict. It notes that the struggle has lasted about a decade and is tied to the broader threat to the idea of a Roman Empire in Africa. The introductory scenes establish that the events and characters are based on factual history.

Facing defeats in Libya, Mussolini resolves to restore Italy's imperial glories by routing the Libyan resistance. He drafts General Rodolfo Graziani as the sixth governor of Libya and entrusts him with crushing the rebellion. The decision marks a turning point where Libyan fate becomes tied to Italian military strategy.

Graziani travels to Libya to begin the campaign against Libyan fighters. He relies on modern technology, including tanks and aircraft, to overpower the resistance for the first time in the desert war. The campaign aims to decisively defeat Omar al-Mukhtar's forces.

Omar al-Mukhtar, once a teacher, becomes the guerrilla leader of the Libyan resistance. He embodies determination and wisdom, guiding a fight against colonization that lasts far beyond a single lifetime. His leadership anchors the Libyans' stubborn resistance.

Libyan Arabs and Berbers mount fierce resistance despite primitive weaponry. They endure heavy losses as the Italians deploy mechanized warfare, including tanks and aircraft, which begin to tilt the balance. The Libyans' tenacity keeps the fight alive for two decades.

Graziani's campaign relies on deceit and violations of war laws, including the destruction of crops, killing prisoners, and confinement in camps behind barbed wire. These tactics aim to break morale and force surrender. The violence underscores the brutal nature of the occupation.

Mukhtar demonstrates perseverance and wisdom as he leads the resistance and even seeks negotiations with the Italians to liberate Libya. He attempts to achieve freedom through dialogue while remaining committed to his cause. His approach highlights the ethical dimensions of the struggle.

The Italians pretend to negotiate, using talks as a tactic to buy time. They demand significant concessions and offer rewards to entice Mukhtar, aiming to erase the resistance while avoiding decisive battlefield losses. Mukhtar remains skeptical of their promises.

Mukhtar refuses to accept any concessions or material rewards, arguing that Islam forbids killing captured soldiers and that he fights for his homeland rather than personal gain. His stance maintains the moral high ground of the resistance. The negotiations fail to yield a settlement.

Despite his resolve, Mukhtar is captured by Italian forces and faces a trial for rebellion. His capture marks a turning point in the campaign and intensifies the political stakes of the occupation. The outcome of the trial will determine whether he is treated as a rebel or a prisoner of war.

Mukhtar's legal defense argues that since he never accepted Italian rule he cannot be tried as a rebel and should be treated as a prisoner of war. The judge rejects this assertion, consigning him to the fate the regime desires. The courtroom scene encapsulates the legal manipulation surrounding the occupation.

Mukhtar is publicly hanged, a dramatic culmination of the conflict and a message to Libyans about the risks of resistance. The execution becomes a symbol of sacrifice in the anti-colonial struggle and does not quell the broader resistance. The event leaves a lasting imprint on the Libyan struggle for independence.

Even after Mukhtar's death, Libyan resistance persists, signaling that one leader's end cannot erase a long-standing longing for independence. The people continue to fight, drawing on Mukhtar's legacy and the broader history of the Libyan struggle. The film closes by emphasizing the enduring nature of the cause.