RIYADH: Few films have generated as much regional anticipation as “Desert Warrior,” a Hollywood epic from MBC Studios and JB Pictures. The movie was backed by Saudi Arabia, shot in the sweeping landscapes of NEOM and Tabuk, and is led by an international cast including “Avengers” star Anthony Mackie, British-Saudi actress Aiysha Hart, and Academy Award winner Sir Ben Kingsley.
Set in 7th-century Arabia, and loosely based on true events, the movie centers on Princess Hind (Hart). When Hind refuses to serve as a concubine for the cruel Sassanian emperor Kisra II (Kingsley), the pursuit of freedom ushers in an unlikely bond between the scattered tribes of Arabia, who prepare to fight for their freedom and reclaim their land. As Hind and her father King Numan (Ghassan Massoud) are hunted by mercenaries, she finds unlikely allies, including a mysterious bandit (Mackie) and the leader of a rival tribe, Ebn Wael (Numan Acar).
Against all odds, Hind unites the fractious tribes against the powerful Sassanid military. In an epic showdown, the Battle of Ze Qar forever changes the Arabian Peninsula.
While this historical epic — co-written by director Rupert Wyatt, along with Erica Beeney, David Self, and Gary Ross — is certainly action-packed, it lacks an emotional core. The characters are brought together by force. While the reason for their union may be obvious, we are not given a convincing driver for their bond. In the end, we are left to question who the warrior really is. Is it the thief, the princess, one of the other tribe leaders, or all of them combined, making them one?
Visually, however, “Desert Warrior” is spectacular. Under the guidance of celebrated cinematographer Guillermo Garza, we are introduced to gorgeous landscapes from across the Kingdom, and those alone are worth the price of admission.
In the end, while the storyline may be predictable, the film is still worth a watch to gain a better understanding of a pivotal moment in the region’s pre-Islamic history.
