May 23, 2005 02:28 AM
2013 Views
(Updated Mar 03, 2006 12:57 PM)
I went to watch the movie a couple of weeks ago with a friend. The story starts off with a young blacksmith (Orlando Bloom) discovering himself to be the son of a knight and owner of all his property in the Holy Land. After a personal tragedy, he sets off to meet his father and start a new life full of hope and is soon thrust into a position of great responsibility.
First of all, I loved the set design and the whole authentic feel that the movie gives you. Jerusalem and the few parts of the Middle East that are portrayed in this film are really portrayed well. Also, the costume design is great- dare I say it, even worthy of an oscar? This movie was made for the big screen and the riot of colours everywhere is amazing.
Ridley Scott has yet again come up with a film with vivid characterisation. He doesn't fail to show the viewer the different types of knights that existed in those times. Orlando Bloom as the simple knight, Jeremy Irons as a knight willing to make compromises, Edward Norton as the weak but fair king trying to hold it all together, others in the roles of bloodthirsty knights, the list goes on.... The characters are'nt all complete caricatures or cardboard cut-outs.
One of the best aspects of the movie for me was the fact that muslims in the far east aren't stereotyped in this film as they normally are in Hollywood movies these days. When you think about all the movies in the last decade that involved muslim terrorists hell bent on bowing up stuff, you kind of start to fear that the same is going to happen in this film- but it doesn't, and you tend to respect Ridley Scott for his intelligent portrayal of muslims in this film.
The movie has a lot of scene stealers. Loved the part where they send assassins to kill off Orlando Bloom ('Balian' in the movie) as he sits by an oasis; and as the unlikely hero who came to Jerusalem to seek redemption and be a good knight stands up and sizes them up he screams out-''Is this why you came to Jerusalem ?''
I also loved the part towards the end where Balian is negotiating the surrender of Jerusalem. After completing the deal, Saladdin begins to walk away and Balian shouts out ''What's Jerusalem worth to you ?''. At this, Saladdin turns round to face Balian and says ''Nothing !'' and then turns round and begins to walk away again. Then after a couple of seconds he turns around to face Balian again and this time he puts his hands to his chest and says in a voice that sounds both triumphant and with great feeling ''Everything !''.
Just a couple of scenes to whet your appetite if you hav'nt seen the movie yet.
Needless to say, I also loved the story and the mature and not over-the-top performances by the actors.
Great work Mr. Scott.
