Kingdom Of Heaven

The historical Crusades of the 12th Century are used as a backdrop for this epic war adventure. The Christians control Jerusalem and the Islamic world is trying to reclaim the city. While the Christian King endeavours to maintain an uneasy truce, others, under his command, would prefer to go to war with the Muslims.

Godfrey of Ibelin (Liam Neeson) returns to France, from the Holy Land, looking for his son, Balian (Orlando Bloom). Balian, the village blacksmith, has never seen his father before, but having no reason to stay in the village he joins his father to return to Jerusalem. He is made a knight and on his father's death he inherits his father's estate. As a knight he has vowed to protect the people, and with Muslims and Christians fighting over the Holy Land and the city of Jerusalem, Balian is drawn into the fighting...

With Ridley Scott, the director of Gladiator, at the helm, there are expectations for another epic with spectacular scenes and sets. In this regard Kingdom Of Heaven doesn't disappoint. There are some huge battle scenes that are very impressive, the climax being the attack and defence of the walled stronghold of Jerusalem. The scale of the scene is impressive and a real sense of the huge battle is achieved. With an eye for detail the costumes and sets look very realistic.

It's true that all this has been done before, most recently in movies like Alexander and Troy, but there is more to the movie than just battles and sword-fighting. Another element of the story is the way in which religion is used to justify wrongdoing and to generate hatred, but there is also the recognition of humanity. On both sides there is honesty and goodness. There are men who are prepared to work for peace and avoid unnecessary death. As a knight, Balian must do right and protect those who cannot protect themselves, and to always speak the truth even if it means his death.

The story of blacksmith turned knight adds a romantic adventure element to the movie. Balian, played by Orlando Bloom, is a peasant who finds that his fortunes change dramatically when he travels from France to the Holy Land. Orlando Bloom is good in the part but perhaps doesn't quite command the role. Maybe he's too good looking to play the part of tough sword-wielding knight.

Eva Green plays the part of Sibylla, the King's sister who is married to warmonger Guy DeLusignan (Marton Csokas). Balian who had already made an enemy of DeLusignan falls in love with Sibylla.

As well as the main characters already mentioned there are a lot of other interesting characters that add to the story. In support, Jeremy Irons, Brendan Gleeson, David Thewlis and Ghassan Massound are great. Any of them could have had a bigger part but that is always a problem with such a talented cast.

Lasting thoughts:

• Religion and "God's Will" are used as justification for wrongdoing but real humanity can also be found.

• "...it is my land, who would I be if I didn't try to make it better...".

• God will understand; if he doesn't, he isn't God, and if he isn't God it doesn't matter.

Bottom Line: Perhaps too many battle scenes for some, but the scenes and sets are impressive. There has been a few similar type movies recently so this might detract from the impact of this one. A story well told.

Reviewed by Niall Quinn, Premier Movie Reviews 2005.

RELATED MOVIE REVIEWS:  RIDLEY SCOTT: Black Hawk Down,  Hannibal,  Matchstick Men.  ORLANDO BLOOM: The Lord Of The Rings - The Fellowship Of The Ring,  Lord Of The Rings - The Two Towers,  The Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King,  Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl,  Troy.  JEREMY IRONS: The Time Machine.  BRENDAN GLEESON: Cold Mountain,  Dark Blue,  Troy,  The Village.  LIAM NEESON: Gangs Of New York,  Love Actually.  MARTON CSOKAS: xxx.  DAVID THEWLIS: Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban.

Genre: Historical War Epic

Director: Ridley Scott

Certificate: Kingdom Of Heaven was rated 15A by the Irish Film Censor's Office (www.ifco.ie) i.e. suitable for those of fifteen years of age and upwards. Under 15s must be accompanied by an adult.

The movie contains strong violence in battle and fighting scenes.

Official Movie Website:  Kingdom Of Heaven

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~ Main Cast ~

Orlando Bloom

Eva Green

Jeremy Irons

Brendan Gleeson

Liam Neeson

Marton Csokas

David Thewlis

Ghassan Massoud