I had low expectations, based upon the angry reviews condemning this film. I admire Herzog's work and had hopes that the low opinions I read arose from bizarre prejudices. Having now seen the film, I can't understand the anger and disappointment that others expressed. American audiences generally want more action, but this is not that kind of movie. The acting is great, the desert cinematography is beautiful, and the story is captivating -- unless you were expecting something less real. This is a bio-pic about a real woman. And it is at least a depiction of the beginning of western involvement with the middle east. Some viewers obviously disliked a story line that involves a couple of fractured romances and had no action scenes. But it is faithful to the real life of the woman portrayed. I can not help wondering if some of the negativity arises from men who do not like being told about a woman who shaped her own destiny. If you haven't seen Queen of the Desert yet, don't expect it to be like every other movie you've seen.
Review of Queen of the Desert
