"KINGDOM OF HEAVEN is an epic adventure about a common man who finds himself thrust into a decades long war. A stranger in a strange land, he serves a doomed king, falls in love with an exotic and forbidden queen, and rises to knighthood. Ultimately he must protect the people of Jerusalem from overwhelming forces while striving to keep a fragile peace." ........................(Producer's Synopsis)

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BEFORE I BEGIN:

I'm not going to discuss the costumes or the script - I don't actually notice what people are wearing, or think of the dialogue as a "script" most of the time, as it is too real to me -- I look at people's eyes and faces and reactions -- I don't even notice special effects that much - unless they are so wooden EVEN I notice.... I noticed the blood gushing and splurting effects (but then, they were face, neck and chin), and remembered that long after the film had finished.... and shuddered... BUT, I wanted to HEAR the dialogue again - which means I felt it was realistic and/or MEANINGFUL - if it was "invented" by the screenwriter - he did a good job.

My reactions were coloured by what it made me want to do rather than what it made me feel; perhaps it is not a good film for me to review, but I wanted to share the combination/mixed reactions of my HORROR at the BLOOD and the stirrings of CONSCIENCE and THRILL of the QUEST FULFILLED. I didn't know what to expect, but, had I known what I know now, before I went, I would have said that I enjoyed it more than I expected to.

Do I recommend this? Yes, but with reservations - having had to cover my eyes several times when blood was explicitly spurting and gushing from neck and chin gashes during the hand-to-hand conflicts. I was quite disturbed by the violence in the film and the bloodiness - I have personally not watched a film before that disturbed me so much.

I think what made the violence more disturbing than that in THE PASSION and TROY was how much it was "in your face" in this film; and possibly the fact that some of the combatants were "christians" killing "christians" with what seemed to be little provocation. I wondered that it was not designated "18" here in the UK despite its lack of foul language, sex and nudity. The UK classification is "15" in the 145 minute "cut" version which is being shown in the cinema. The DVD "director's cut" (285 minutes) is said to include a lot of deleted scenes. I wonder what those who said it was LONG will make of the DVD version (an extra TWO HOURS!). I expect that the abruptness mentioned in some reviews may be due to there being no easy way to remove certain "provocative" scenes without disturbing the flow.

There were so many quotes I wanted to remember - I have listed a few below under the heading "Memorable Moments of Wisdom" - it was a very thought provoking film - partly because of what it said, partly because of what it didn't say - and because it made you think about our OWN source of Conscience, our OWN ability to discern God's Will, and even the ultimate question as to how Christians can affirm their beliefs while charitably engaging people of other religions.

Because I would have wanted to read it before I went, I have included a summary of historical background (from a christian's point of view), and have indicated which of the characters actually existed in my CAST LIST. I found this information essential in understanding some of the nuances of the film; initially I placed this before the actual review, but due to some comments I have moved this into an APPENDIX at the end.

I have also included at the end some comments made by Inamul Haq, an adjunct professor of Islam in Illinois, in conversation with a christian friend, the day after they watched the film together.

I felt that he expressed better than I could, what the Muslim reaction to this film would be.

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AND NOW - THE 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 to seek his illegitimate son, beg his forgiveness, and bring him back to the Holy Land to support the leprous King Baldwin IV in his endeavour to keep the more fanatic elements of the crusaders from their murder of Muslim civilians.

The film begins by telling us that the Christians have held Jerusalem for nearly a hundred years, it is 1184, Europe is "in a state of repression and poverty" and that a knight is seeking his son.

His son is Balian (Orlando Bloom), a village blacksmith in France, whose wife committed suicide after the death of their only child. We see her body being desecrated below a white cross on the wayside as the knight's retinue approaches the village. The local priest removes the golden crucifix from her neck and orders her head cut off before she is allowed to be placed in the ground. The priest then goes back to the village to discover what the crusaders want.

Godfrey of Ibelin (Liam Neeson) begs his son for forgiveness, explaining that he loved Balian's mother, and invites him back to Jerusalem to crusade with him, and help protect Jerusalem and the peace they have found. The grieving Balian refuses, but his father says if he changes his mind to follow.

The priest (Michael Sheen) foolishly taunts the blacksmith at his forge, telling him that God had abandoned him, and his wife is dancing headless in hell; he ought to go on the crusade if only to atone for her sin in killing herself. Seeing his wife's crucifix at his neck, Balian takes a hot nearly forged dagger or sword and stabs the priest in frenzy, snatching the cross from him and as the priest falls back on the forge a fire is started. Balian remembers his father's words, and shocked by his own action, flees after his father, hoping to find redemption for his wife's (and now his) sins through the defence of the Cross.

The first bloody battle commences when the local militia come after Balian to take him back for punishment. I couldn't follow who was killing whom (partly because of covering my eyes), but after the militia go, Godfrey has a crude "operation" to remove a broken arrow from his chest/stomach. He makes it to the seaport of Messina, where he introduces Balian to the Hospitaller (David Thewlis), publicly acknowledges him as his heir, makes him swear the Knight's oath, and then dies.

Balian goes ahead of the Hospitaller on a ship across the Mediterranean - only to end up shipwrecked on a sand dune covered coast - with only a horse as a fellow survivor.

Ownership of the horse being disputed by an Arab who claims Balian is a liar to say the horse "came from the sea" another hand to hand conflict ends with Balian sparing the Arab's Saracen servant Nasir (Alexander Siddig) who has done him no wrong. Nasir returns the favour by leading him to Jerusalem, where he catches the eye of the King's sister Sybella (Eva Green) who is married to Guy de Lusignan (Marton Csokas) one of the cruelest of crusaders.

The young blacksmith turned knight naively and idealistically seeks to improve the life of both christians and muslims on his estate, while being available to assist the King if required. He sees the importance of water for life and survival - this seemingly insignificant piece of history's importance is clarified shortly before the siege of Jerusalem.

.... The film spans just over three years, from 1184 to the siege of Jerusalem in 1187.

You'll need to watch the film to see how all this works out.

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THE CAST:
(In the order I remember noticing them in the film - * indicates historical person)

Orlando Bloom - Balian of Ibelin * (aka "Defender of Jerusalem")
Liam Neeson - Godfrey of Ibelin
David Thewlis - Hospitaller Knight
Marton Csokas - Guy de Lusignan *
Alexander Siddig - Nasir (Saracen)
Jeremy Irons - Tiberius (Knight), Marshal of Jerusalem
Edward Norton - King Baldwin IV * (the leper king)
Brendan Gleeson - Reynald de Chatillon *
Eva Green - Sibylla *, wife to Guy de Lusignan; sister to the King
Ghassan Massoud - Salah-ad-Din * (aka Saladin) Saracen leader

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THE LEAD CHARACTER

Having been most unimpressed with Orlando Bloom's "Paris" in TROY, I was pleasantly surprised by his understated performance in this almost-epic. I thought he did very well, and his eyes are very expressive. His quietness emphasised his search for redemption and bewilderment with the changes of his state. Balian knew that making the oath of a knight had fundamentally changed him somehow - and as he struggles with his conscience to fulfil his vow, despite losing his faith, he becomes a "reluctant hero" in the seige.

Orlando Bloom discussed his interpretation of his role in a press interview (quoted in "Kingdom Come" by Peter T Chattaway - http://www.christianitytoday.com/movies which I read earlier this week). He says two of the key themes of the film are
…the need to accept personal responsibility for one's own soul, and
…the virtue of doing what is right, no matter what the cost;
…at one point, his character refuses to be complicit in the murder of a fanatical knight even though he knows it might buy peace for a time.

"I actually read this script when I was on the plane coming back from shooting TROY, and I had no intention of doing another, like, sword-epic style movie," he says. "But I read this script and I thought, 'Wow, this is a great opportunity for me to do something the polar opposite to the cowardly younger brother that Paris was.'[in Troy]" … he agrees with the films message that making someone a knight can, in and of itself, make someone a better fighter… Bloom says, "I think people can do remarkable things when responsibility is placed on them, and when they have faith and belief that they can do it, and somebody else has faith or belief in them. And I think that is how you see Balian defending so courageously the walls of Jerusalem at that point."

I believe that the 27-year old Bloom did well in this film, and was well supported by the veterans performing with him. Least believable was Eva Green as the King's sister Sibylla; her seduction of Balian merely serving the purpose of explaining the spiritual and moral dilemma with which he is later confronted.

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REACTIONS:

WHY DID WE CHOSE THIS FILM?

It was Nigel's birthday on 10th June, so we decided to watch a film to celebrate. I have always been fascinated with history - reading a lot of history-based novels ("Ivanhoe" by Sir Walter Scott, "The Black Rose" by Thomas Bertram Costain, "The Jester" by James Patterson and many others not connected to the cursades) - Nigel teaches a "Church History" module in our church's "Training Year" program (finishing with Constantine) and has studied the Reformation (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. You would miss a lot of the grandeur on a small screen or portable DVD player, so it is best seen at the cinema if you can.

You, too will admire John Matthieson's brilliant photography - both with long shots and close to hand. Janty Yates must have been particularly busy organising and designing all the costumes. Rather than rely on CGI effects, over 15,000 costumes, including chainmail, were painstakingly produced with great attention to detail.

I liked the switch from slow-motion to fast action and then back again in the battle scenes, as it helped to emphasise the overwhelming odds the Christian Kingdom of Jerusalem fought against. The Siege of Jerusalem was an outstanding spectacle, and the least bloody of the battles depicted.

Yet, I wouldn't want to WATCH (much of it) again, due to the bloodiness of the hand-to-hand conflicts...

... ... if I could just LISTEN to the dialogue and entire "soundtrack" (for the dialogue rather than the music) again ... I would…

... and just a peek, now and then ...

CONCEPTUALLY:

It was disappointing to see a glorification of "godless righteousness" over faith, and a lack of true piety in the Christians portrayed. We see Muslims praying, but no corresponding scenes of Christian worship. I read that scenes of Muslims destroying Christian churches were deleted out of courtesy to a Muslim objector (I was unable to ascertain if these scenes were re-included in the 285 minute "directors' cut"). But the film's message of learning tolerance falls short, to me, of the true "Kingdom of Heaven." So many of the aims of the Kingdom of Jerusalem were based in the teachings of Jesus, who said that His Kingdom was not of this world.

Following on from this I wish to include A CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE (from the apostle Paul) from ROMANS 14:17-19 (taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible © 1999,2000,2001,2002 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by Permission)

"For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Whoever serves the Messiah in this way is acceptable to God and approved by men.
So then, we must pursue what promotes peace and what builds up one another."

Surely, THIS would be the Kingdom of Heaven...

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MEMORABLE MOMENTS OF WISDOM

THESE MARKED THE FILM'S SIGNIFICANCE FOR ME
(note that these are not taken in order)

FIRST………The Knights' oath - "Be brave and upright that God may love thee; speak the truth always, even if it leads to your death; safeguard the helpless and do no wrong. That is your oath."
Marked with a slap, so that the person pledging the oath will not forget, this is what first Balian (Orlando Bloom) pledges when his father Godfrey (Liam Neeson) knights him before his death.
Balian repeats it again, with all the men on their knees, when he makes all the men of Jerusalem Knights in preparation for the defence of Jerusalem, slapping the face of the slave nearest to him who is pledging.
[NOTE: The look of awe on the faces of all the newly-made knights is a picture in itself!]

SECOND………The Hospitaller's (David Thewlis) statement to Balian: "Holiness is in right action… what God desires is here" (touches Balian's head and then chest) "and here" - thus comforting him somewhat.

THIRD………The Syrian servant, Nasir (Alexander Siddig), whose life Balian spares after fighting and killing his master, says, "Your enemies will know of your deeds before you meet them" - this is quoted back to Balian when his own life is spared during a fight with Salah-ad-Din's forces (at Chatillon?)

FOURTH………Balian (watching the hanging of Templar Knights who were guilty of unprovoked attacks on Muslims - thus threatening the truce, shortly after his arrival in Jerusalem): "They are dying for doing what the pope would tell them to do."
Hospitaller, "Yes, but not Christ, I think."

FIFTH………Balian: The king commands the body and mind - but a man must command his soul.

SIXTH………Balian: Jerusalem is not the bricks and walls - but the people.

SEVENTH………Princess Sibylla (Eva Green): "their prophet says 'submit,' Jesus says 'decide.'"

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DETAILS:
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Kindom

Pictures of Kingdom Of Heaven (DVD)

Edward Norton as King Baldwin IV - notice silver mask

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of Heaven, 2005
20th Century Fox
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Director/Producer: Sir Ridley Scott (Gladiator, Alien, Blade Runner, Black Hawk Down)
Writer: William Monahan
Executive Producers: Branko Lustig, Lisa Ellzey, Terry Needham
Photography: John Mathieson, B.S.C.
Production Designer: Arthur Max
Film Editor: Dody Dorn, A.C.E.
Costumes: Janty Yates
Music: Harry Gregson-Williams
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Length: 2hrs 25min

Rating:
....USA - "R" (under 17 requires guardian);
.....UK - "15"

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The photographs are free wallpapers available from the official movie site, or extracted from reviews - all © 20th Century Fox.

Thank you for reading - comments appreciated.

© jesi 2005 …………………… - ♥ - jes ≈≈≈≈{; -)-{{::::: |||||<

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APPENDIX - HISTORICAL / GEOGRAPHICAL BACKGROUND

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HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

The Muslim dominance of Jerusalem began in 638, with the capture of the Holy City by Caliph Omar, but Christian Pilgrims were allowed access to their holy sites in the city and throughout the Holy Land for the next 400+ years. During that time, the warriors of Islam fought against the Christians and conquered Palestine, Syria and Egypt (once the most heavily Christian areas in the world); followed by Christian North Africa and Spain, expanding their domains so that even France and Germany were under threat, and Asia Minor (modern Turkey) was conquered by the Seljuk Turks.

These took control of Jerusalem in 1070, and no longer were pilgrims welcomed to their holy sites. A contemporary writer speaks of unspeakable things being done to Christian pilgrims and those whose lands were conquered.

The first Crusade, with the blessing of the Pope, was thus mounted in 1095 against Muslim occupation of Jerusalem. Despite being a decentralised campaign, with peasant and noblemen all united in a common aim to reclaim their places of pilgrimage [hoping, by so doing, to receive forgiveness and purification for their sins] they were successful in 1099, and the Christian Kingdom of Jerusalem was established. The first elected king, Godfrey of Bouillon (in Belgium) sold his lands and castle to pay for his part in this crusade - thus, crusading was not without personal cost for those who often lost all, including their lives, in their attempt to serve God.

Unfortunately, the Crusaders slaughtered all the city's Muslim inhabitants, of all ages, including women and children. The second Crusade, to reclaim more of the conquered lands, attracted many more religious fanatics (as the "blessing" given in the film to the crusaders awaiting sea transport echoes: "to kill an infidel is not murder. It is the path to heaven") as well as those who truly wished to find redemption through reclaiming the Holy Sepulchre and releasing Byzantine Christians held captive. These fanatics brought disrepute on the name of Christ.

The central goal was NOT a forced conversion of the Muslim world. The Crusader task was to defeat and defend against them, as the enemies of Christ and His Church. Muslims living in Crusader-won territories were allowed to retain their property, livelihood, and their religion. In the Christian Kingdom of Jerusalem, Muslim inhabitants outnumbered Catholics (and, as in the film, Godfrey of Ibelin tells Balian, it was meant to be "a better world than has ever been seen... a kingdom of conscience, peace instead of war, love instead of hate.").

Pope Innocent III later wrote to the Templar Knights: "You carry out in deeds the words of the Gospel, 'Greater love than this hath no man, that he lay down his life for his friends'" Thus the crusades were seen as an act of mercy by those involved. How they were seen by others, is and was, open to interpretation.

Saladin (arabic: Salah-ad-Din) unified the Saracen tribes and sought to reclaim the disputed lands. He showed little mercy, but when Balian of Ibelin held his forces at bay, he conceded a promise of mercy in exchange for the surrender of the city.

The Crusades continued well into the 15th century, with one of the most bitter pills for the Muslim world to accept being when they lost control of Spain in 1492.

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A GEOGRAPHICAL NOTE - HOW THEY GOT THERE

Journey to Jerusalem

- by land: Paris to Jerusalem - more than 2,100 miles, at a rate of perhaps 12-15 miles per day for most pilgrims (walking).

[A "Reconciliation Walk" from Cologne, Germany, retracing the steps of eleventh-century Crusaders 2,000 miles across Europe, through the Balkans and Turkey, then south to Jerusalem began in April 2005. Expected to last three years, it seeks to build bridges of understanding and to reverse a legacy of animosity between Muslim, Christian and Jew alike. (Source: Christianity Today, online article entitled "Crusades: Christians Apologize for Ancient Wrongs)]

- by sea: Genoa to Antioch - approximately 1,450 nautical miles - despite storms, much faster than overland - in 1248, an immense fleet led by Louis IX sailed from France to Cyprus in about three weeks

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FOR FURTHER THOUGHT

Steven Gertz recounts (in "Whose Side Is God On?" posted 10 May 2005 in Christianity Today Magazine) a conversation with his Muslim friend, Inamul Haq (adjunct professor of Islam at Benedictine University in Lisle, Illinois) after they watched the film together.

"Haq, as some of his friends call him, was ready to talk. 'You know,' he started off, 'every movie has an element of drama in it, and maybe some exaggerations. It has to, in order to attract people. But this is the first movie I've seen where Muslims are NOT depicted as evil terrorists, traitors, or womanizers. The movie really shows both noble and ignoble men, particularly on the side of the crusaders. I can imagine most Muslims will be happy with the film.... I think this movie will force people to see that what they thought was an act of religious faith on their part was not really religious at all.'"

In the ensuing discussion, Haq also postulated that thoughtful Muslims would wonder if they were behaving as the crusaders did back then. He finishes by saying, "You know, the Crusades are still remembered well by Muslims. Christians have forgotten them, because Christianity has gone through a lot of transformation since then. But in the minds of many Muslims, the modern West is the heir to Christendom. The West's motives may have changed - they've become more secularized - but for Muslims, it's still the same old war."

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I checked the DFG ratings (Decent Film Guide Ratings) for this film on 16th June online. Overall, it is rated as "C" - neither recommended nor discouraged; For Artistic and Entertainment value it is rated 2 ½ stars out of 4; For Moral and Spiritual Value it is rated from +.5/ -1, with much of it being "Basically harmless" but some content "Problematic" (such as the adulterous encounter and religious complications); they class the content suitability for Appropriate Audience as A* - Adults, but with reservations. I'd never checked the DFG ratings before - and it was basically my own reaction to the film which made me look.

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