Concerned about the foreign intervention in his native land of Morocco a war lord by the name of "Mulai Ahmed er Raisuli" (Sean Connery) gathers his warriors and kidnaps an American expatriate named "Eden Pedecaris" (Candice Bergen). By doing so his intention is to humble the foreigners along with the corrupt government which caters to them in order for the local Berbers to see that only he is concerned with their interests and that they should join him in revolt. What he doesn't count on is the aggressive nature of "President Theodore Roosevelt" (Brian Keith). Now rather than reveal any more of this movie and risk spoiling it I will just say that, although it is historically flawed, it is still entertaining to a certain degree. Personally, I though Sean Connery performed in an exceptional manner as did Candice Bergen to a lesser extent. I also enjoyed the performance of Steve Kanaly who played the American Marine Corps officer named "Captain Jerome". On the minus side, while I thought Brian Keith did reasonably well, I would have preferred a more serious depiction of President Roosevelt over the one presented. In any case, even though Hollywood has grossly distorted the history of this particular event, the movie itself is certainly entertaining enough and all things considered I have rated it accordingly. Slightly above average.

Director John Milius' "The Wind and the Lion" qualifies as an excellent historical yarn about a true incident. Of course, certain liberties have been taken with the material, and Milius acknowledges the most important change. In real life, the person kidnapped was not a well-dressed woman, but a man. This gripping adventure wouldn't be half as much fun if a man were the hostage. Sean Connery proves that he was an actor when he took on this role because he looks nothing like James Bond. Brian Keith proved himself to be a formidable actor, too, in his portrayal of President Theodore Roosevelt. The action scenes are orchestrated with flair by Milius, and Candice Bergen and Sean Connery have charisma. If you are a Sean Connery fan, "The Wind and the Lion" show him in top form. John Huston steals every scene that he is in as Roosevelt's adviser John Hay. Since Milius wrote and directed this movie, you can be certain that the firearms are correct, too.

It's 1904 Tangiers, Morocco. The world powers are striving for influence in the country. Mulai Ahmed er Raisuli (Sean Connery) leads a Berber rebellion against the country's immature ruling sultan. He kidnaps Eden Pedecaris (Candice Bergen) and her children William and Jennifer to provoke an international incident and a civil war. President Theodore Roosevelt (Brian Keith) uses the incident as propaganda to win his first election as president over the objections of his Secretary of State John Hay (John Huston).Firstly, the music by Jerry Goldsmith is great and reminiscent of the Golden Age of Hollywood. There is no denying that this is one of the best musical score of that year. Sean Connery works well as an Arab. Candice Bergen is playing the throughly modern self-confident western woman. This movie is epic in scale but it's a little too comedic to be taken that seriously. The two tones sometimes struggle against each other. Also the flipping back and forth between the kidnapped and the American politics do muddy the flow of the story. While the politics and Brian Keith's performance are fascinating, it does serve to distract from the A-plot which is more of an old fashion high adventure. I almost wish this is split into two movies; one high adventure, and the other a bio of Teddy. The final battle is quite impressive but I don't buy that the Germans and American would start a fight so easily.

In my opinion, this is a subtle film that strongly gets the point across about the need for power, tempered by the need for its proper use and the difficulties of foreign relations.I think the film to be a meditation on teachings in the following passages in the Bible: '"... whoever has no sword is to sell his coat and buy one..." They said, "Lord, look, here are two swords." And He said to them, "It is enough."' (Jesus, see Luke 22:35-38)."... But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also... I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you...." (Jesus, Matthew 5:39, 44)."There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven... A time to kill and a time to heal... A time for war and a time for peace...." (from Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)."Do not move the ancient boundary which your fathers have set." (Proverbs 22:28).