As other review of this, I watched it as a kid and vaguely remember some scenes and music that made an impact. Time has not been kind to the memory. What impressed 35y ago can't stand on its own even if still good- music, cinematography and costumes, especially the visuals with no 1080p and up.
What is lost in watching with grownup eyes is awe of wonder and excitement in searching for answer to the main mystery of the show, the secret of the Sahara. Unavoidable consequence of grown-up cynicism, experience and cultural changes over time.
There is 20% of great show in this, but unfortunately the rest is extremely dated even for 1988 and in many places comically bad. There is a lot of overacting, bad acting, passe is dragging, plot and direction are disjointed, it's too long with 7 episodes and story going in circles, script has plot holes, stupid decisions, illogical things, no explanations for big chunks of the story, action scenes are amateurish, production is extremely bad for today standards...I could go on.
Those 20% of great things involve no exposition dumps even if it makes it more difficult to follow and understand character motivations, and subtilty that comes with it. There are also a surprisingly few moments of deeper philosophical introspection and grounding of characters in expression of their inner motivations. Central idea of belief and having a dream and following it, wanting to find a purpose. Bad guy dying monologue perfectly reflect this. And overall optimism and ideas of projecting morality even if it may seem silly in cynical realistic world of today.
But what stands the most as positive end note and has passed the test of time is Ennio Morricone wonderful music that will stand forever and never age.
What is lost in watching with grownup eyes is awe of wonder and excitement in searching for answer to the main mystery of the show, the secret of the Sahara. Unavoidable consequence of grown-up cynicism, experience and cultural changes over time.
There is 20% of great show in this, but unfortunately the rest is extremely dated even for 1988 and in many places comically bad. There is a lot of overacting, bad acting, passe is dragging, plot and direction are disjointed, it's too long with 7 episodes and story going in circles, script has plot holes, stupid decisions, illogical things, no explanations for big chunks of the story, action scenes are amateurish, production is extremely bad for today standards...I could go on.
Those 20% of great things involve no exposition dumps even if it makes it more difficult to follow and understand character motivations, and subtilty that comes with it. There are also a surprisingly few moments of deeper philosophical introspection and grounding of characters in expression of their inner motivations. Central idea of belief and having a dream and following it, wanting to find a purpose. Bad guy dying monologue perfectly reflect this. And overall optimism and ideas of projecting morality even if it may seem silly in cynical realistic world of today.
But what stands the most as positive end note and has passed the test of time is Ennio Morricone wonderful music that will stand forever and never age.
Tell Your Friends