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Kingdom of Heaven is centred on real historical events, places and people and as such should try to uphold the responsibility of portraying actual events. Balian of Ibelin played by Orlando Bloom was the hero of the doomed defence of Jerusalem in 1187, then controlled by the Christian ... Read review
It's hard to believe Ridley Scott's handsome epic won't become the cinematic touchstone of ... more
the Crusades for years to come.Kingdom of Heavenis greater than the sum of its parts, delivering a vital, mostly engrossing tale following Balian (Orlando Bloom)...
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From Ridley Scott, the director of Gladiator and master of the modern epic, comes this ... more
spectacular saga of courage, passion and adventure. Amidst the pageantry and intrigue of medieval Jerusalem, Orlando Bloom plays Balian, a young blacksmith who, havi...
It's hard to believe Ridley Scott's handsome epic won't become the cinematic touchstone of ... more
the Crusades for years to come.Kingdom of Heavenis greater than the sum of its parts, delivering a vital, mostly engrossing tale following Balian (Orlando Bloom)...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
From Ridley Scott, the director of Gladiator and master of the modern epic, comes this ... more
sweeping saga of courage, passion and adventure. Amidst the pageantry and intrigue of medieval Jerusalem, Orlando Bloom plays Balian, a young blacksmith who, having ...
Original One Sheet; Rolled Poster; Poster Condition: New; Size: 27 x 40 inches approx. All ... more
our items are despatched from the United Kingdom. Starring - Martin Hancock, Michael Sheen, Nathalie Cox, Eriq Ebouaney, Jouko Ahola, Manufacturer: MoviePostersDirect
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Original One Sheet; Rolled Poster; Poster Condition: New; Size: 27 x 40 inches approx. All ... more
our items are despatched from the United Kingdom. Starring - Martin Hancock, Michael Sheen, Nathalie Cox, Eriq Ebouaney, Jouko Ahola, Manufacturer: MoviePostersDirect
Postage & Packaging:free Super Saver Delivery Availability:Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Production Year: 2003 - Action/Adventure - Director: John Singleton - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over, 12 years and over - Starring:Paul Walker, Eva Mendes, Tyrese Gibson, Cole Hauser, Ludacris, James Remar, Devon Aoki
Production Year: 1964 - Action/Adventure - Director: Cyril Endfield - Original Language: English - Classification: Parental Guidance - Starring:Stanley Baker, Jack Hawkins, Ulla Jacobsson, James Booth, Michael Caine, Nigel Green
Production Year: 2002 - Action/Adventure - Director: Vincenzo Natali - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring:Lucy Liu, David Hewlett, Anne Marie Scheffler, Joseph Scoren, Matthew Sharp, Jeremy Northam
"If this is the kingdom of heaven, let God do with it as he wishes" so spoke Balian of Ibelin during his defence of the city of Jerusalem, unfortunately it is Ridley Scott and not god who calls the shots here. Ridley Scott does have an impressive back catalogue under his belt, Blade Runner remains high on my list of favourites but with Black Hawk Down, Thelma and Louise, Alien and the obvious point of reference Gladiator all on his C.V. ... ...
Kingdom of Heaven is centred on real historical events, places and people and as such should try to uphold the responsibility of portraying actual events. Balian of Ibelin played by Orlando Bloom was the hero of the doomed defence of Jerusalem in 1187, then controlled by the Christian knights, as the truce with Saladin collapsed beginning a series of events that ultimately lead to the third crusade and the name that most people have ... more
"If this is the kingdom of heaven, let God do with it as he wishes" so spoke Balian of Ibelin during his defence of the city of Jerusalem, unfortunately it is Ridley Scott and not god who calls the shots here. Ridley Scott does have an impressive back catalogue under his belt, Blade Runner remains high on my list of favourites but with Black Hawk Down, Thelma and Louise, Alien and the obvious point of reference Gladiator all on his C.V. you know that we are dealing with one of the greats here.
Kingdom of Heaven is centred on real historical events, places and people and as such should try to uphold the responsibility of portraying actual events. Balian of Ibelin played by Orlando Bloom was the hero of the doomed defence of Jerusalem in 1187, then controlled by the Christian knights, as the truce with Saladin collapsed beginning a series of events that ultimately lead to the third crusade and the name that most people have heard of Richard the Lionheart. But whereas the real Balian was a knight of some standing, Scott's character is a run away blacksmith who rises through the ranks in unrealistic socially flexible world. Once in the exotic lands of Outremer he joins in the war to recover the holy land and we are treated to over two hours of action and beautiful backdrops, a rich visual tapestry of eastern promise and contrasting stark desert landscapes. But for those expecting a re-set Gladiator you may be in for a shock. Although like his roman epic the film looks historically accurate, the whole ideology and mindset of the film fails to deliver.
Part of the problem is the casting of Orlando Bloom as the main character. Whereas Russell Crowe was believable as the rough, testosterone driven general turned gladiator, Bloom comes across as a clichéd Lancelot with his model agency good looks and saintly ways. The main problem, however, is the script, despite a lot of talk about God and religion there is no real attempt to recreate am authentic medieval worldview. The characters deliver lines that may seem worthy and spiritually progressive from a twenty first century point of view but really show a lack of understanding of the period. The focal point of the film seems to be an interest in the psychology of chivalry rather than the historical portrayal of knighthood. The characters also seem to be very thin in their portrayal; one-dimensional cardboard cut outs plying a trade of clichés.
The main political battle of the film is between the various factions in the Christian camp, between a pack of far right bigots and a gang of multiculturalists who seem to be more present day than twelfth century. Particularly disappointing was the portrayal of the order of Knights Templars as a pack of rent a thugs, a common depiction these days, when in reality they were deeply devotional and more understanding of their enemies than anyone of the time.
If you can put history aside, unfortunately I can't, you will find a good movie underneath, but it is a pity as with a bit more effort it could have delivered the whole package. There are some big names but none of them shine in any memorable way, though Edward Norton as the masked leper king is very good in the role with only his voice and eyes to work with, the real king Baldwin had however handed kingship to his healthy son many years before…oh there I go again. Liam Neeson and Jeremy Irons are more believable as knights but are in no way challenged or pushed by the task at hand. Ghassan Massoud as Saladin manages to find some mileage in his role and comes off as a world wise man, a realist and a man who was lived a life of war and devotion to his faith as well as something of a cynic. It would have been easy to portray him as a medieval messiah but thankfully we are spared that.
On a more positive note the creation of both medieval France where the story opens and the depiction of Jerusalem and the surrounding castles, towns and camps is a technical triumph and in some way these fine visual accomplishments balance out the films other failings. The film will probably divide the audience, those with an eye for history will find some of it off putting, those not bothered by the flawed historical depictions may love it, for me it's a case of style over content, an odd mixture of historical epic, Thomas Mallory and modern day political correctness.
Advantages: This is fictionalised history, set between the 2nd and 3rd Crusades - shortly before the time of King Richard the Lionhearted - Balian of Ibelin was historically "the defender of Jerusalem" Disadvantages: It was a harsh, superstitious time - the film highlights this through its bloodiness; although not "anti-God" the film is somewhat anti-religious. NOT FOR THE QUEASY - very gory!
...FILM - KINGDOM OF HEAVEN
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THE STORY BEGINS (AS I UNDERSTOOD IT)
Between the 2nd and 3rd Crusades, the Christian Kingdom of Jerusalem is at peace, while an uneasy truce exists between King Baldwin IV and Salah-ad-Din, following a victory by the young king many years before when he was only 16. One successful knight, (the fictitious) Godfrey of Ibelin, finding himself without an heir, decides ... ...(post-crusades).
Thus, we chose KINGDOM OF HEAVEN, as it was set between the second and third of the eight main "Crusades" to reclaim the holy land for pilgrims seeking to more fully appreciate their redemption through Christ, who lived, died and rose there.
We had mixed feelings when it was finished (explained above) due to the contrast between the content and the spectacle. VISUALLY:
This is a magnificent panoramic spectacle on a wide screen. ...
jesi 18.06.2005
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Kingdom Of Heaven (DVD)
Advantages: Good cinematography and set design Disadvantages: Orlando Bloom, One-dimensional characters, Frequently tedious
Kingdom of Heaven (2005) - FILM ONLY REVIEW
Certificate: 15 (UK), R (USA), 15A (Ireland)
Running time: 145 minutes (there is also a director's cut at 194 minutes)
Writer: William Monahan
Director: Ridley Scott
Main cast:
Balian - Orlando Bloom
Godfrey - Liam Neeson
Guy de Lusignan - Marton Csokas
Nasir - Alexander Siddig
Sibylla - Eva Green
Tiberias - Jeremy Irons
King Baldwin - Edward Norton
Saladin - Ghassan Massoud
"Kingdom of Heaven" ... ...this time is a Christian kingdom captured during the first Crusade and held/ occupied (depending on your perspective) by European soldiers seeking wealth and glory as much as for religious reasons. The kingdom is divided between Baldwin's party, led by Tiberius (Jeremy Irons), who have brokered an uneasy peace with Saracen leader Saladin (Ghassan Massoud); and the war mongering Knights Templar (who I'm sure you will remember from "The Da Vinci Code") ...
Collingwood21 04.12.2007
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Kingdom Of Heaven (DVD)
Advantages: Convincing performances, great battle scenes Disadvantages: A Bit Long
Kingdom of Heaven is the latest epic from Director Ridley Scott (Gladiator, Alien) and stars Orlando Bloom. There are also appearances from a number of established actors such as Liam Neeson and Jeremy Irons.
Kingdom of Heaven is based between the 2nd and 3rd Crusades, where Jerusalem is currently held by the Christians. There is currently a kind of peace (in that there is not an open war) in Jerusalem and Christians, Moslems and Jews all co-exist ... ...Richard (the Lionheart) set of on his Crusade.
THE STORY:
Set in 1186, the story centres around Balian (Bloom), a young French blacksmith mourning the recent death of his wife who committed suicide after their baby died. As a result of this the local priest cheerfully assures Balian that his wife will be at that very moment burning in hell as suicide is a sin!
At this point Baron Godfrey of Ibelin (Liam Neeson) turns up claiming to be Balian's ...
karenes 09.05.2005
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Kingdom Of Heaven (DVD)
Advantages: good action scenes Disadvantages: Poor storyline, poor acting by main character
...Gladiator, Black Hawk Down and Kingdom Of Heaven certainly follows these titles footsteps in the impressive battle scenes.
Actors Include: Orlando Bloom, Liam Neeson, Jeremy Irons, Eva Green and Brendan Gleeson amongst others.
Certificate 15
Film Time 138 minutes
The main vein of the storyline is a Hollywood approach to the pre-third crusade Jerusalem. The main character, Blacksmith Balian (Orlando Bloom) who has just lost his child and wife ... ...by his father, a real knight of the holy land the Baron of Ibelin who has returned to bring his son into the fold. Balian refuses, subsequently kills a really annoying priest and then trots after his father in a search for forgiveness in the holyland.
- Here we have the typical hollywoodisation of what could have been a really historically accurate film, while the film puts Balian as a blacksmith who rises through the ranks of society (a feat totally ...
JEStevens 22.05.2006 (23.05.2006)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Kingdom Of Heaven (DVD)
Advantages: Spectacular battle scenes in a vast setting. Disadvantages: Difficult to understand and historically inaccurate.
KINGDOM OF HEAVEN - DVD
Director: Ridley Scott
Starring: Orlando Bloom, Liam Neeson, Jeremy Irons, Eva Green
THE STORY
In the late 12th Century, Balian (Orlando Bloom), a young French blacksmith, is mourning the suicide of his wife who took her life after the death of their new born baby. As she has killed herself, the local priest orders the grave-diggers to cut off her head before interring her body. The priest steals the cheap silver crucifix ... ...Neeson), a Baron of the Kingdom of Jerusalem, finds the smithy. He tells Balian that he is his illegitimate son, and tries to persuade him to come to Jerusalem to inherit the baron's title and lands. Balian, shocked by his father's sudden appearance, declines the offer. Following his murder of the priest, Balian decides that true forgiveness for himself, and his wife, can only come direct from Christ in Jerusalem. He chases after the baron pursued ...
alfeebee 17.01.2007
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Kingdom Of Heaven (DVD)
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Advantages: Amazing HD quality and great movie Disadvantages: Needs a HD dvd player and HD TV to play this item best.
HD makes this movie come to life. Quite scarily too.
Hugh jackman plays the hunted murderer 'Van Helsing' in his search to find his calling. Helsing tavels the world hunting and capturing if posible dangerous beasts for preists of rome. This time he has to travel to transalvania and hunt count dracula (Richard Roxburgh). It seems he has a strange link to count dracula, and he searchs for the meaning of his life.
Also accomanied by Anna Valerious (Kate Beckinsale) who is trying to save her family from never been allowed into the kingdom of heaven she has to kill Dracula. So Helsing and Anna team up along with the key to life Frankastien to exterminate Dracula and his young.
The DVD of this film is great, but nothing compares to seeing it in HD. The picture is breathtaking and the sound is crisp. Like all HD DVDs this requires ...
Advantages: Lesely Ann Warren, Bryan Adams, interesting subject Disadvantages: Christopher Atkins, the horrible editing, plot holes
and Tewkesbury talk on an audio commentary revealing what happened because, like the story in the final cut of A NIGHT OF HEAVEN, we are disappointingly left with a lot of unanswered questions.
For those living in the UK that are seriously interested in checking out A NIGHT IN HEAVEN, I have some bad news: it is not available on Region 2 DVD or PAL video. So, you are left with catching it on TV, or trying to obtain a copy off of Ebay; though if you have a DVD player that can play Region 1 DVDs, then you could purchase it for only 5.61 GBP and the ASIN # is B0007WQH08. Thank you for reading this review, and I look forward to your comments, as always. Cheers for Now!!! Chris xxx
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QUOTES, TRIVIA AND CRITIC'S CORNER
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1 ...
It's the time of the Crusades. A blacksmith, Balian, discovers that his father is a knight, Godfrey Of Ibelin. Together they travel to Jerusalem, the Holy City where a Christian King maintains the fragile peace. When trouble flares between the conflicting religious groups Balian swears to protect the innocent and attempt to broker peace.
Release details
DVD Region
DVD
Studio(s)
20TH CENTURY FOX HOME ENTERTAINMENT; CINRAM LOGISTICS, 20TH CENTURY FOX HOME ENTERTAINMENT
Pilgrims Guide Commentary, Inside Look Tristan And Isolde
Aspect Ratio
16:9
Sound
Dolby Digital 5.1
Dubbing Sound
Dolby Digital 5.1 English
Professional reviews
Review
Visually stunning (Independent On Sunday, )
Make no mistake this is a genuine must see movie (News Of The World, )
Gritty, bloody and epic (Nuts, )
Spectacular (Q, )
Breathtaking (Sunday Times, )
DVD Description
Director Ridley Scott confronts hundreds of years of religious conflict in KINGDOM OF HEAVEN. An epic film set in Europe and the Middle East, the story follows one man's struggle to better himself and the world around him. Orlando Bloom stars as Balian, a French blacksmith who is mourning the deaths of his wife and baby when his estranged nobleman father (Liam Neeson) arrives and asks him to join the Crusades in Jerusalem. Mindful that conducting the Lord's work will help him atone for his sins, Balian agrees, and embarks on the perilous journey. Along the way, he reveals his gifts of inherent goodness and fair treatment of all human beings. Upon reaching Jerusalem, a city where his meagre beginnings no longer matter, Balian earns respect and fealty, while the evil Guy de Lusignan (Marton Csokas) looks down his aristocratic nose at the former labourer. As he did in GLADIATOR, Scott explores the theme of a man who chooses his fate, instead of accepting the fate given to him at birth. Balian comes to life in Jerusalem, protecting the weak and defenceless as his father told him he must, and catching the eye of the beautiful Princess Sibylla (Eva Green), unhappily married to de Lusignan. Scott paints a stirring portrait of the struggle over Jerusalem among Christians, Jews, and Muslims. In doing so, he also shows the passionate fight for religious freedom. KINGDOM OF HEAVEN ably handles these delicate issues, effectively treating characters from all factions as individuals and not as stereotypes. By placing a virtuous man at the centre of this conflict, Scott creates a powerful, universal story.
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