May 21, 2005 03:41 AM
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(Updated May 21, 2005 03:42 AM)
More than 100 years before Saladin went to the Holy Land, the Turks had taken most of Asia Minor. Saladin was very kind to the Jewish people but hated the Christians
One day a monk by the name of Peter Bartholomew sat musing, in his cave. He was thinking about the Holy Land being controlled by the Turks. He went to Pope Urban 11 to send armies from all the Catholic nations to go to rid the Holy Land of these Barbarians. The first Crusade began in 1095 A.D. and there were six others.
The Kingdom Of Heaven take place after the second Crusade and just as the third was beginning.
The Cast
Orlando Bloom plays Balian
Michael Shee plays a Priest
Nathalie Cox plays Balian's Wife
Liam Neeson plays Godfrey
Marton Csokas plays Guy de Lusignan
Alexander Siddig plays Nasir
Eva Green plays Sibylla
Brendan Gleeson plays Reynald
Nasser Memarzia plays a Muslim Grandee
Jeremy Irons plays Tiberias
Jon Finch plays Jerusalem
Edward Norton plays King Baldwin
Iain Glen plays Richard Coeur de Lion
Ulrich Thomsen plays Templar Master
Ghassan Massoud plays Saladin
Giannina Facio plays Saladin's Sister
Plus a cast of over 1500's minor players.
My Review
During the Dark Ages Balian, (who was a blacksmith), had lost his family and then his faith. The Crusades was the last thing he was thinking about.
A Knight, Godfrey of Ibelin, on his way to fight, stops in France to see his godson, Balian. He shows him what it means to be a Knight and take him with him.
They travel through Europe and the Middle East until they reach Jerusalem. Balian falls in love with this city. Since there has been a peace treaty signed between the great Muslim Leader. Saladin and the Christian King Baldwin IV, he can see how beautiful the city is. Sadly this truce doesn't last long.
King Balwin and his handful of followers vision of peace is the Kingdom of Heaven. They decide to make heaven on earth.
The battles begin again and for you have not seen this film, I'll end my plot here.
What I Thought
I thought the cinematography was great especially during when they we in Jerusalem and during the war scenes.
The set designer made me feel like I was in Jerusalem. The script writer did a nice job, although they some times were not accurate. I guess the changes of historical facts made a more exciting film.
The dialogue was hard to follow yet the stars preformed quite well because the dance coach to taught them how to fight was brilliant.
The music was worth sitting through the movie.
Did you know that the word crusade was used for christian killing non-Christians in Europe?
The Soundtrack
La Roi Renaud de Guerre, Vide Cor Meum, The Crow Desends, Sing With Joy, City Of Angles, Saz va avaz Nahoft, Jesu Meine Freude, Family Feud, Chansonetta Farai Vencut, Light Of My Life and Valhalla.
Other Information
Directed by Ridley Scott.
Written by William Monahan.
Released in 2005 by Twenty Century Fox.
Viewing time: About 1 hour and 50 minutes
Rated R.
My Conclusion
I'm very tired of watching boring movies about ancient battles. The only thing they remind us of is that all wars are fought because of religious differences, and we all knew that before.
I'm sure this movie will be out on video soon and I recommend you wait until then to see it.
The 3 star rating is to let you decided what you want to do. I'm sorry I didn't find any kingdom of heaven in this movie.
Thanks for reading my review.
©LL2005
