English General Charles George Gordon is appointed military governor of Anglo-Egyptian Sudan by the Prime Minister. Ordered to evacuate Egyptians from the Sudan, Gordon stays on to protect the people of Khartoum, who are under threat of being conquered by a Muslim army.
In 1883, General Charles "Chinese" Gordon is sent to Khartoum, Sudan, to help quell a rebellion led by the Mahdi, a messianic Islamic leader. Gordon attempts to evacuate the city's Egyptian garrison and civilians, facing immense pressure from both the attacking Mahdist forces and the indecisive British government. The film chronicles Gordon's heroic, yet ultimately tragic, stand against overwhelming odds.
Khartoum was met with a generally positive reception from critics, who praised its epic scope, historical drama, and performances, particularly from Charlton Heston and Laurence Olivier. While some noted its length and pacing, it was largely seen as a well-crafted historical spectacle. Audiences also appreciated the grand scale and dramatic intensity of the film.
Google audience: Google users generally found the film to be a compelling historical drama with strong acting. Many appreciated the epic scale and the detailed portrayal of the siege of Khartoum, although some felt the pacing could be slow at times.
Nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. Also nominated for two Golden Globe Awards, including Best Motion Picture – Drama.
The film was shot in Panavision and filmed on location in Rome and Sudan, with extensive use of battle recreations.
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