Segredo do Sahara

When I was ten Years old this was the best series ever going on the Slovak (Czechoslovak ???) TV. Thanks god I found this series again (two DVDs althogether 360 minutes and 4 parts cca 2,50 Euros for both DVDsin Lacne knihy shop) I nearly began to cry. My god. I understand that the people from States or Australia will not like this kinda stuff, because this is no Hollywood at all (Thanks God Almighty). It is typical Italian romantic adventure series just as the tower of the firstborn but ten times better. Michael York was always one of my most favourite actors because he was not taking only Hollywood roles (he even played a role in one Slovak film !!!). Here we can even see Andie Mac Dowell and Ben Kingsley as well. Plenty of good actors. I really recommend this movie to the fans of the Mummy, so they can finally see what mystery, adventure and romantic means. I despise films without atmosphere and idea (rubbish like mummy and mummy returns). This is a must see for fans of films like Indiana Jones (Can' t wait to see the fourth instalment). Not so much adventure though, more mystery.

Enjoyable adventure in the Sahara's desert with a powerful international cast but the movie is very long and it is one of the disadvantages of the film, also, the star, Michael York ( "Austin Powers" ) doesn't convince in his role and this is strange because he is a good actor.

On the other hand, the special effects are very poor. All of this is supplied for a fabulous cast. Good performances of Soul, Bosé, McNamara and, of course, Ben Kingsley. Special mention for two women: Andie MacDowell, great as Anthea, a year before of "Green card", and the beautiful spanish actress, Ana Obregón ("Bolero", "La vida alegre", "La mirada del otro"... ), in a small role as Tamamet.

Finally, this is a good movie of adventures and original cast in a graceful place, the desert of Sahara.

I have seen the Secret of the Sahara a number of times since it's release, and I can't say that it's lost its attraction. If you enjoy the whimsy of a fairy tale, set in an extra-ordinary location such as the Sahara, good against evil, a little romance thrown in, a little jealousy, handsome leads, then the Secret of the Sahara is just the ticket!

Usually one can watch a mini-series once or maybe twice. I saw this one 8 times! It`s absolutely amazing, everyone can enjoy this film. I watched this mini series with my family, including my 70 year old grandma and 10 year old sister and everyone enjoyed. A must!

I have to say that this story has all the elements of a great fantasy/advernture story, the types that kids read and dream about.

A scientist in the desert looking for a long lost city and its people, trekking through the searing heat, the pesky soldiers interested in their own selfish schemes, and a surprise ending. Most elements (not all) are to the point and kept simple, not over-doing THOSE parts. It starts off seeming like an enjoyable family adventure/fantasy movie.

However, some things that were a bit overdone, and in my opinion were totally unnecessary, were the rape scenes and situations. This could have been an enjoyable family movie, but there are a few scenes that are disturbing and maybe for some traumatizing, that really don't have any place in a film like this.

A good movie (or mini-series) which could have been fun for the whole family, and especially good for helping kids' imagination soar, if it wasn't for those scenes.