Matrixiole Simple and well acted, it has tension enough to knot the stomach.

FrogGlace In other words,this film is a surreal ride.

Ella-May O'Brien Each character in this movie — down to the smallest one — is an individual rather than a type, prone to spontaneous changes of mood and sometimes amusing outbursts of pettiness or ill humor.

Cody One of the best movies of the year! Incredible from the beginning to the end.

emuir-1 Made three years after the end of WW1, the one thing which stood out for me in this film was the blatant unapologetic racism. When Lady Diana thought that the man who kidnapped and carried her off to his desert tent was an Arab, she was ashamed and humiliated to be seen with him, despite his constant references to his life and education in Paris, but when it was revealed he was the orphaned child of an English mother and Spanish father and had been adopted by the old sheik after his parents had been found dying in the desert, then it was acceptable to fall in love and marry him. In one scene his writer friend from Paris admonished him for the embarrassment and humiliation he had inflicted upon a white woman by flaunting her in front of a man of her own race. That aside, this was quite fun to watch and the settings of old Algiers and the luxurious desert tent were excellent. I particularly liked the stylish title cards. Perhaps it was the cameras they were working with in 1921, but I did feel they could have used more close ups rather than the long shots. When they made the sequel in 1925, the difference was noticeable, lots of close ups and different angles. One scene in the desert appeared to be missing. Diana was rescued from the bandits without us ever seeing how or why, but considering the volatility of the old nitrate films and that many we see today are remnants found in obscure collections and pieced together bit by bit, that can be forgiven.

bkoganbing One classic film not likely to be remade is Rudolph Valentino's The Sheik. The anti-feminist message of the story would not be looked at with favor by today's audience. Of course when talkies came around it was because no one could have played The Sheik with as much charisma as Valentino so recently departed.Agnes Ayres is a rich British feminist type who has come to North Africa for a little desert solitude. She meets Valentino in town and he takes one look at her and he sees another trophy for the harem. He kidnaps here and at first she resists, but soon enough who could resist Valentino as millions of women across the country agreed.To make this film acceptable to that all important southern market Valentino is a captive Caucasian who was raised by the sheik who did the kidnapping and who made him is heir. That miscegenation issue just wouldn't play well in Alabama.Rudy was one remarkable sheik. He has a French valet in Lucien Littlefield and his best friend is French novelist Adolph Menjou who has some similar views on life and love.As for his charisma, I don't think the cinema ever saw anything like the worship his fans had for Valentino. It comes through even with the attitudes that have radically changed for today.If there was one role that forever gave Valentino his image it was that of The Sheik. Watch this and see why.

Rainey Dawn The film really is interesting... has few exciting moments in it from chase scenes to the threat of murder. Also has some very romantic scenes that can easily have one swooning.The story isn't all that bad and although today it seems standard or basic by today's films - it must have really been something else in it's time period! Story of two men that fall in-love with same woman and one of the men happens to be a sheik that takes the woman into his palace to keep her.The film is also a good example of why women loved Valentino... he's very appealing in this movie.7/10

MartinHafer This movie is definitely a curio from the past. It was Rudolph Valentino's most famous movie and helped to make him, for a time, the most desired man across the globe. He was, in fact, the first true "male sex symbol" as a result of his performance in this movie. So, historically, it's a very important film. However, many seeing the film today will marvel at how poorly the film translates to modern audiences and sensibilities. First, the acting is overly dramatic--even for most silent films. Second, the sexy star might be seen by many today as a rapist--considering he kidnaps the lady and ultimately forces himself on her. But, despite this, it's still an entertaining if slight piece. I doubt, considering the sex symbols of the 21st century, Valentino will turn any of you on, but it still is interesting to see who grandma and great-grandma were panting over almost a century ago!NOTE: Since I first posted this review, I have seen quite a few more films starring Valentino. And, overall, I think THE SHEIK is among his poorest films--though his most notable. Tastes do indeed change, as today it isn't all that great. Try seeing some of his other work--it definitely is an improvement in most cases.