Directed by:
Ridley ScottScreenplay:
William MonahanCinematography:
John MathiesonComposer:
Harry Gregson-WilliamsCast:
Orlando Bloom, Eva Green, Liam Neeson, Jeremy Irons, Marton Csokas, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Jon Finch, Brendan Gleeson, Kevin McKidd, Edward Norton (more)VOD (4)
Plots(1)
Orlando Bloom as Balian, a blacksmith who has lost his family - and his faith. But when his father (Liam Neeson) shows him his destiny, Balian vows to defend his country, and in the process, falls in love, becomes a formidable leader, and steps forever into history. (20th Century Fox UK)
Videos (4)
Reviews (9)
In the cinema version, the editor's hand was all too evident, Balian's rise up the ladder of social prestige is too hasty. As if the change from an insignificant blacksmith's nobody to a man who becomes the king's favourite, and to whom all Jerusalem bows down in the end and listens to his word in its moments of need, could be so simple. Unfortunately, the almost one hour longer director's cut that I just got my hands on didn't do much to improve my impression in this regard. Even so, the added scenes make the film feel more whole and much more emotional, especially with the added storyline of the illness and death of Sibylla's son and heir to the throne, which is quite crucial to the development of the plot. Also very nice is the added scene with the burning bush, full of symbolism of the nature of warfare in the Middle East. But there are also some scenes that don’t make much sense for the development of the plot. Bottom line: Scott's magnum opus isn't a riveting film, but it is insightful and thoughtful, with an ambition to make a point, and that's appreciated. And the final peace deal between Balian and Saladin, Christian and Muslim, must be a literal caress for every peacenik on this earth :o)
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Another historical film that needs to be seen at least twice in order to understand the plot and expressive depth that it possesses (similar to Alexander). Not every viewer will be able to reconcile with the fact that Kingdom of Heaven is not a typical historical film with everything that comes with it, but that it expresses something more through historical events, battles, love, and characters, than just what happens on the screen. This is even more pronounced than in Alexander. Kingdom of Heaven is an ode to world peace and finding the meaning of life. It is narrated, acted, and directed in a captivating way (the director's cut). Ridley Scott grabbed the reins and made a smart film that not everyone will see through.
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When I saw the film for the first time years ago, it definitely made a bigger impression on me than during this second viewing. But I guess it's just because Ridley simply isn’t my favorite director. Or rather, I don't love every one of his films. Still, this is an excellent example of how one conflict can be passed on through the centuries to the next generation.
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A disappointment that I want to forget very quickly. I was expecting quite a lot, but all I got was a dusty, tired story with a model instead of an actor in the lead role that put me vehemently to sleep from the middle. I could have managed an hour and a half, but 144 minutes of political and moral talk and a final spectacular battle for 130 million, I could only barely stand that. I was even sorry for the other brilliant actors who wasted their times here.
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Ridley Scott goes on a crusade without fear, but he came late. At a time when the end of heroic epics was being openly discussed, he embarked on a path destined for failure. A politically directed and brilliantly crafted path, but unfortunately, a very risky one. His direction, the stunning camera work, and, last but not least, Harry Gregson-Williams' chilling music take your breath away. And when the sword is bravely lifted by the deeply underestimated Orlando Bloom, I can only nod approvingly and follow him to Jerusalem.
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