The Sheik (1921) :
Brief Review -
A Romace in the Arabian Knight style with Valentino and Ayres's Sex Appeal. The Sheik isn't justifying to be called a classic romance or something like that but yes it has few things that can be enjoyed. It is known for giving a major push to stardom of Rudolph Valentino and emerging his image of one of the most attractive male sex symbol during 20s and deserving so, but i wonder how people overlooked Agnes Ayres in this film. I mean what Marilyn Monroe did in 50s, this girl did in 20s only and believe me she is better than Marilyn in every frame. Anyways, let's come to the film review. So, The Sheik is a simple romance set in Arab deserts which provides a little bit of nostalgia of The Arabian Knights. Otherwise, it isn't anything extraordinary. A charming Arabian sheik becomes infatuated with an adventurous, modern-thinking Englishwoman and abducts her to his home in the Saharan desert. Reluctant at first, the woman starts loving him later. In the entire narrative of 86 minutes the iconic Romance isn't seen anywhere rather i would say it wasn't even attempted. It stays simple, grounding, plain yet effective. Valentino as The Shiek is attractive and Ayres as Lady Diana looks gorgeous. Both of them put a lovely chemistry out there which has a decent tones. Like some critics said this is pretty down-toned film for the amusing genre but there's something about the story that you just can't hate. The Sheik has a splendid production design according to locations and basements of the traditional Arab culture. The clothing, sand storm, harem, the wheel, bride selection all these small small things have been nicely put by the makers. George Melford doesn't try to be intricate, his storytelling is simple and that's why it is audience friendly. Audience in early 20s wanted simplicity and that's exactly what The Sheik provided them hence it became a Box office hit. Overall, good but nothing great.
RATING - 6/10*
By - #samthebestest
A Romace in the Arabian Knight style with Valentino and Ayres's Sex Appeal. The Sheik isn't justifying to be called a classic romance or something like that but yes it has few things that can be enjoyed. It is known for giving a major push to stardom of Rudolph Valentino and emerging his image of one of the most attractive male sex symbol during 20s and deserving so, but i wonder how people overlooked Agnes Ayres in this film. I mean what Marilyn Monroe did in 50s, this girl did in 20s only and believe me she is better than Marilyn in every frame. Anyways, let's come to the film review. So, The Sheik is a simple romance set in Arab deserts which provides a little bit of nostalgia of The Arabian Knights. Otherwise, it isn't anything extraordinary. A charming Arabian sheik becomes infatuated with an adventurous, modern-thinking Englishwoman and abducts her to his home in the Saharan desert. Reluctant at first, the woman starts loving him later. In the entire narrative of 86 minutes the iconic Romance isn't seen anywhere rather i would say it wasn't even attempted. It stays simple, grounding, plain yet effective. Valentino as The Shiek is attractive and Ayres as Lady Diana looks gorgeous. Both of them put a lovely chemistry out there which has a decent tones. Like some critics said this is pretty down-toned film for the amusing genre but there's something about the story that you just can't hate. The Sheik has a splendid production design according to locations and basements of the traditional Arab culture. The clothing, sand storm, harem, the wheel, bride selection all these small small things have been nicely put by the makers. George Melford doesn't try to be intricate, his storytelling is simple and that's why it is audience friendly. Audience in early 20s wanted simplicity and that's exactly what The Sheik provided them hence it became a Box office hit. Overall, good but nothing great.
RATING - 6/10*
By - #samthebestest