I saw this (on VHS, the first movie I've watched on VHS in years) for the first time in this century and think it is an example of a how a movie can be great but not exactly good. Sure, it awed me and I was always aware of what I was seeing, this massive production done in a trouble nation on the brink of a war that would challenge its existence, but as with when I saw it in the '90s....I can't say I always enjoyed myself too much. It is deservedly seen as one of the greatest films of all time, and I respect that, but in a way that reminds me of how Crime and Punishment is one of the greatest books of all time, yet it's not that fun to read.
I watched it last year through a friend (we exchanged 4 movie neither of us watched). I enjoyed the film. Not the most deep of plots however it is a true grand movie in its cinematography, battles and visuals.
Also the footage was reused in my favorite Ralph Bakshi films. XD
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DHL1XE4XgAAeM28.jpg:large)