10 Movies Like By Light of Desert Night

Description: An epic historical drama that immerses viewers in the vast, unforgiving desert, focusing on a transformative journey and the clash of cultures. The film's breathtaking cinematography and exploration of identity resonate deeply with desert-themed stories.

Fact: The movie was filmed in Jordan, Morocco, and Spain, with many scenes shot in the actual locations where T.E. Lawrence's exploits took place. It is renowned for its groundbreaking use of 70mm film to capture the desert's grandeur.

Description: A historical drama set in the lush but treacherous jungles of South America, exploring themes of faith, sacrifice, and cultural clash. The film's breathtaking scenery and moral dilemmas echo the grandeur and introspection of desert-set stories.

Fact: The movie was filmed in Colombia, Brazil, and Argentina, with the stunning Iguazu Falls serving as a key location. It won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival and was praised for its powerful score by Ennio Morricone.

Description: A historical epic that explores themes of isolation and transformation within the confines of a vast, opulent palace, mirroring the way desert narratives often focus on personal journeys in expansive, isolating settings.

Fact: The first Western film granted permission to shoot in the Forbidden City. It won nine Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, and was noted for its meticulous attention to historical detail.

Description: A haunting tale of a couple's journey into the Sahara, delving into themes of existential crisis and the isolating power of the desert. The film's meditative pace and stark visuals echo the introspective nature of desert narratives.

Fact: Based on Paul Bowles' novel, the film features the author himself in a cameo role as the narrator. The production faced extreme conditions while filming in the Sahara, adding authenticity to the story's atmosphere.

Description: A historical drama set in the wilderness of 17th-century Canada, focusing on the clash of cultures and the harsh beauty of untamed landscapes. The film's themes of isolation and spiritual journey align with the introspective nature of desert narratives.

Fact: The movie was shot in Quebec, with the rugged natural settings playing a central role in the story. It is based on Brian Moore's novel, which was inspired by the Jesuit missions in North America.

Description: A sweeping romantic drama set against the backdrop of a vast desert landscape, exploring themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. The film's visual grandeur and emotional depth mirror the atmospheric storytelling of desert-set narratives.

Fact: The film won nine Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. It was shot in Tunisia and Italy, with the desert scenes capturing the same stark beauty found in other films set in similar environments.

Description: A gripping drama set in the vast, politically charged landscapes of Africa, blending personal tragedy with sweeping visuals. The film's exploration of isolation and moral dilemmas resonates with the themes often found in desert narratives.

Fact: The movie was filmed in Kenya and Germany, with the African landscapes providing a stark contrast to the story's emotional intensity. It is based on John le Carré's novel, which was inspired by real-life pharmaceutical controversies.

Description: A story of personal redemption and love set against the backdrop of a remote, harsh environment, much like the transformative power of desert landscapes in other films. The film's emotional depth and scenic beauty align with the introspective nature of desert tales.

Fact: The film was shot on location in China, with the lush but isolating landscapes playing a key role in the story. It is based on W. Somerset Maugham's novel of the same name, which was inspired by the author's travels.

Description: A coming-of-age story set in the vast, unforgiving deserts of the Middle East, focusing on survival and personal growth. The film's minimalist storytelling and stunning visuals capture the essence of desert life and its challenges.

Fact: The movie was filmed in Jordan's Wadi Rum, a location famously used in 'Lawrence of Arabia.' It was Jordan's first submission for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film and won the BAFTA for Best Film Not in the English Language.

Description: A visually stunning film that contrasts the serenity of rural landscapes with the turmoil of war, much like the juxtaposition of beauty and hardship in desert settings. Its themes of solitude and moral conviction align with the introspective tone of desert stories.

Fact: The film was shot in the Austrian Alps, with the natural lighting and expansive landscapes playing a central role in its visual storytelling. It was inspired by the real-life story of Franz Jägerstätter, a conscientious objector during World War II.