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 around her neck, wearing it himself. Pushing his luck, the evil vicar taunts Balian, saying that his dead wife's soul will be cursed. The blacksmith is hammering a white hot sword at the time and he notices his wife's silver cross around the priest's neck. He stabs him with the sword and the priest ignites - as does the whole building. Just before the vile vicar gets his just deserts, Godfrey of Ibelin (Liam 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 by the local authorities and their small army.
So far so good… Explosive start! The film contains the type of exciting storyline that Hollywood turns out in style - But what follows is set in the Holy Land - and is historically documented. You can't just make it up! - or can you?
NOTES If you are a historian you will find many inaccuracies - and some laughable nonsense. If you enjoy medieval action you may find the story hard to follow. This is not helped by the long French names of the protagonists which I found hard to remember. If you like epics starring some of the best character actors in the World, I think you'll love it. Especially because Mr Scott has hired a cast of thousands instead of relying on computerised cartoon people (eg Lord of the Rings) If you like a good romance. Well, Orlando does have one with the Queen Of Jerusalem but it's not very torrid.
THE GOOD STUFF A classic epic. Mind blowing battle scenes which have been thoroughly researched to show the incredible machinery of war. The human story is well thought out and the dialogue is an improvement on most modern films.
BAD STUFF The complex situation in Jerusalem can be hard to follow. Orlando (who I think is an excellent actor when given the right role) doesn't have quite enough gravel in his vocal cords when screaming at his troops.
THE HISTORICAL STORY Muslims, Jews and Christians co-exist in The Kingdom of Heaven (Jerusalem and the surrounding area) ruled by King Baldwin (Edward Norton), the peace loving, Christian King of Jerusalem. The French King has declared a truce with the Muslims and the other Christian countries dare not go against the powerful French. The Muslims, recently united under Saladin, are suspiciously watchful but respect the truce… Of course, this peace cannot last for long as so many evil men want a war.
THE SET A replica or of 12th century Jerusalem has been built, with no expense spared. Glorious churches, temples, and palaces look absolutely real. Computer graphics finish the picture but it really is a nice change to have some magnificent sets built. Apparently, the bulk of the film was made in the same town where Blackhawk Down and Gladiator were filmed… It works! The Muslim catalysters bombarding Jerusalem at night are a memorable sight.
THE STARS Balian (Orlando Bloom) Competent acting but hard to credit as a blacksmith baron. He wears baggy clothing, helmets, and chain mail which pad him out. He handles the action scenes skilfully. Guy De Lusignan (Marton Csokas) Leader of The Templars (Christian Soldiers Of God). His baddie role is not built up enough. Sibylla (Eva Green) Guy's wife, sister of King Baldwin, and the romantic interest … A bit wooden and the eye shadow is overdone (joke). King Baldwin (Edward Norton)… Brilliant! He wears a silver mask as he is dying of leprosy but quietly steals every scene that he's in. Despite his fragility his whispered words have a magical power. Baron Godfrey of Ibelin (Liam Neeson) Always reliable but, if he's in at the start of a movie, you know he won't live for long. Jeremy Irons (Tiberius ?) Efficient in the role of a decent adviser. Saladin (Ghassan Massoud) A gem of a role which he makes the most of. Again, I would have liked to see more of him. Bernard of Somewhere (It's no good! I can't remember any more of the names!) You'll recognise many British character actors who are splendid, as always.
I believe that a great deal of this film might have been edited out. I haven't seen the director's cut but there seem to be large gaps in the plot - Surely Balian wasn't taught how to be a great knight by his father in a two minute sparring match in the woods?
There are the usual 'fillers' to bulk up the discs. How it was made, interview, commentaries etc. A documentary about the 'real life' crusades would have clarified things a bit.
WHAT THE CRITICS SAID… The film is a parallel of the invasion of Muslim lands by George W Bush. The Muslims are shown as glorious victors and the Christians as evil losers. The story is historically inaccurate. Orlando Bloom is feeble - yet again.
WHAT I SAY… Forget modern politics. People are people and always were. Setting a film in the period of The Crusades is difficult. Perhaps the TRUE story of Richard The Lionheart's efforts might have been easier to understand. The Muslims almost always won and were more chivalrous. And Orlando does a fine job in a difficult role.
FINALLY I've watched Kingdom Of Heaven twice and I enjoyed it more the second time. At a price of around a fiver it's pretty good value. If you're a Bloom fan - don't be put off by the critics.
I've Got An Idea… Lets all chip in a few quid and ask Ridley to make a small budget movie… Maybe a sci-fi adventure where the small crew of a space ship get eaten one by one by a ghastly alien. What do you think?
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
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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
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: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Advantages: Brilliantly shot with lavish sets and costumes and exciting action sequences Disadvantages: Feels a little disjointed, Orlando Bloom doesnt quite work as the lead
Burning_Darkness 12.06.2009 ·
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Kingdom Of Heaven (DVD)
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!
jesi 18.06.2005 (18.06.2005)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Kingdom Of Heaven (DVD)
![Kingdom of Heaven (2 Disc Special Edition) [DVD] [2005]](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/78516049.jpg "Kingdom of Heaven (2 Disc Special Edition) [DVD] [2005]")
![Kingdom of Heaven [DVD] [2005]](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/78505779.jpg "Kingdom of Heaven [DVD] [2005]")
![Kingdom Of Heaven (2 Disc Special Edition) [2005] [DVD]](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/78501343.jpg "Kingdom Of Heaven (2 Disc Special Edition) [2005] [DVD]")
Jan 17th, 2007
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![The Kingdom of Heaven [DVD] [2007]](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/88540117.jpg)
