Kingdom of Heaven (2005)

Gladiator director Ridley Scott once again finds inspiration in the past with this exciting mix of action, adventure and history lesson. Orlando Bloom stars as 12th-century French blacksmith Balian, who loses his family and is invited to the Holy Land by the Crusader father (Liam Neeson) previously unknown to him. The uneasy peace in Jerusalem between the Christians, under King Baldwin IV (Edward Norton), and the neighbouring Muslim forces of Saladin (a wonderful Ghassan Massoud) is threatened by fanatics, prompting Balian to defend the city against overwhelming odds. A story about western forces in the Middle East has obvious contemporary resonance, but Scott steps skilfully through the minefield, stressing the desirability of co-existence and tolerance and the dangers of fundamentalism. Bloom is rather unconvincing as a leader of men, but the siege is breathtaking, the characters colourful, and there's even some intelligent dialogue.

This film, although the acting is excellent, pushes the politically correct narrative of nasty bloodthirsty Christian armies persecuting peace loving innocent moslems during the crusades. It does nothing to address the fact that the crusades were a response to moslem aggression, warmongering and expansion. A shame, and tells us something about the makers of the film, and should surely make us suspicious of the, and their motives. Are they just ignorant? Or do they have another motive in pushing this narrative? David Thewlis is excellent as expected, as is Neeson and bloom, but their going along tosh makes us mere mortals wonder just how out of touch with reality they are. I suggest another film, around the same subject at the same time and in the same place, but from a different perspective. It won't happen, and you know it won't, because nobody has the balls to tell the truth and make it.

For two weeks now I've been completely obsessed by this movie. I'm not even a fan of these epic, historical titles, but just as Gladiator, this movie is anything but.Sure, it could be easily mistaken for one as it offers stunning visuals, historical facts and names, but straying from real events wasn't just in the way to make movie great - its more about facing the mistakes and learning a lesson.While it could be seen as anti-Christian and in some ways even pro-Islamic, that cant be further from the truth - for most part, Crusades were a farce, only few of them were there for a right reasons after all, and this movie points that clearly. Yes, it does portrait Great Saladin as this calm and tolerant leader, but it features some lot less too, and we see that he promised to conquer Jerusalem again, he even receives a threats to do so or else..So don't be confused - its one thing to criticize Crusades and other entire Christianity, which in no case is happening here.What else this movie offers? This incredible dreamscape of Kingdom of Heaven, a place to find yourself, your believes, your destiny! It showcases all these great mysteries of life and ideas of solving problems. From romance to courage, from honor to principles, it just works in deep, deep layers and it works days later after you watched movie.Soundtrack is just as brilliant, and listening to it afterwards just making you to go back to the movie.Casting wise, there's no mistake here, and Liam Neeson, Edvard Norton and Eva Green are on spot here. Heck, I even found respect for Bloom - hes doing just fine and one cant deny hes handsome and attractive.This is experience that you either will understand or you wont, its as simple as that. It works great as movie, but for me it goes a lot further than that - into this great possibility for eventual happier ending for Kingdom of Heaven. Its all about it - a place for everyone who are willing to accept everything and free will to decide it.

Kingdom of Heaven is not a movie I would normally consider when picking a movie to watch, however, my friend saw it and decided to watch it so I joined him. I am so glad that I did. The scenic shots were amazing and the battle scenes were breathtaking. The story line was enjoyable however I feel that it got very convoluted and extremely difficult to follow about half way in. For example You have no idea what condition causes the king of Israels problems until you are almost done watching the movie. Nothing was added to the film by keeping that from the audience except that it leaves the audience in confusion for many parts of the movie. The plot was a little too complicated. Maybe it was just me but I feel like the movie jumped around in terms of focus way to often and with too much intensity. Besides those points the film was enjoyable. As an audience member you really begin to take the side of the protagonist even when you sometimes feel like you do not need to. I understand that a point like that is something almost every movie contains but it felt especially compelling here. All in all I did enjoy the film even with its one significant downfall.