Director:
Ridley Scott

Cast:
Orlando Bloom
Jeremy Irons
Eva Green
Liam Neeson

Official URL:

http://www.kingdomeofheavenmovie.com

Country: USA
Rating: R
Studio Name: Twentieth Century Fox
Running Time: 2 hr 20 mins
Release Date: May 6, 2005

Critics's Rating:
(3 Reels out of 4) 

May 6, 2005

By Veronica Mixon

Director Ridley Scott started the trend in historical epics that we’re currently experiencing on the big screen with his Oscar winning film, Gladiator. This glorious film was well acted and visually exciting with loads of action. A friend of mine commented that in the present troubled times that we live in, exploring the past through film was an excellent form of escape. But, of course, a talented filmmaker like Ridley Scott (Blade Runner) refuses to make things simple. His current epic, Kingdom of Heaven has incredible breathtaking battles with a cast of thousands as well as an intriguing look at the economic and political climate of the Crusades. And, considering the current climate, Scott bravely explores a part of the world that is still in conflict.

Fresh from his triumph in The Lord of the Ring trilogy and Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, Orlando Bloom stars as a common French blacksmith, Balian whose nobleman father (Liam Neeson) entices his son to Jerusalem to seek his fortune. It’s one hundred years after the Crusades and a shaky truce exists between the Christian forces lead by the leprous King Baldwin IV (played by an unrecognizable Edward Norton) and the Muslim Prince Saladin (played by Syrian actor Ghassad Massoud). The king’s brother-in-law and heir apparent, Guy of Lusignan (Marton Csokas) is itching for war but the King sees young Balian as the cure to the present situation. If Balian will marry his sister, Sibylla (Eva Green), with whom he’s already having a passionate affair and condone the murder of her husband, the King will make Balian his heir. But, the recently widowed Balian refuses and seals everyone’s fate. War certainly will come.

Obviously, Scott presents Bloom as a troubled but honest hero who is neither greedy for power or riches. Anyone one of his co-stars like Neeson (Kinsey) or Jeremy Irons can carry a film like Kingdom of Heaven but Bloom isn’t quite there yet. The young actor, who played the feckless Paris in last year’s Troy epic opposite Brad Pitt and Eric Bana, may better suited as a heartthrob rather than a heroic leading man. Though he’s handsome and sexy – he’s not Russell Crowe! But, then he doesn't have to be because Bloom has his own unique following among female fans of all ages. He's probably have to earn the respect of many male fans though but of course, the women who buy movie tickets and DVDs won't give a hoot what men think. This is Bloom's second film with Scott (he was one of the many young soldiers in Black Hawk Down) and despite his gentle presence, his acting continues to improve. He is the only actor of his generation who has appeared in a slew of stirring historical and fantasy films. Can you imagine him in a romantic comedy? Personally, I can't wait!

Nevertheless, Kingdom of Heaven is still an interesting film. Scott doesn’t demonize the Muslims but explores their culture, traditions and politics. Of course, this makes the Christians look like blood-thirsty animals, instead. The ancient era of Jerusalem was dazzling with its mix of races, beautiful costumes and setting. The amazing battle scenes with men and horses is spectacular. And, you must give Ridley Scott a positive nod for making the audience think about the Crusades and walk away with a unique perspective on the Middle East in general.

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