Currently Watching: Movie (The Kingdom of Heaven)

The Kingdom of Heaven

Synopsis

The Kingdom of Heaven is a movie directed by Ridley Scott centered around Balian of Ibelin in the Holy Land during the late 12th century. It is a long epic tale of a young man suffering from a tragic past becoming a true knight who doesn’t stray from his honor and vows. He goes from being a blacksmith in France to a knight and lord in the Holy Land. He faces countless obstacles and temptations to his honor, but he upholds them to the end. There are two versions, the theatrical, and the director’s version. It is vital you watch the DIRECTOR’S VERSION. The theatrical cuts out an important plot point that changes the tone of the film.

Highlights

This movie is extremely well written. Ridley Scott creates fantastic historical films. Gladiator anyone? Kingdom of Heaven weaves a story worth telling, coupling it with fantastic acting, magnificent sets and props, majestic music, and even-keeled philosophy. Muslims aren’t scapegoated as the bad guys in the film. It is in fact Christian, even Templar, Knights, who are normally seen as good guys, who commit various misdeeds. Ridley Scott points out the realistic application and contradictions in religion in real life. Hence a lot of good quotes about religion are sprinkled throughout the film. My favorite quote is,

“Hospitaller: I put no stock in religion. By the word religion I have seen the lunacy of fanatics of every denomination be called the will of God. Holiness is in right action and courage on behalf of those who cannot defend themselves, and goodness. What God desires is here [points to head] and here [points to heart] and what you decide to do every day, you will be a good man - or not.”

My other favorite quote comes from King Baldwin IV in the film saying,

“Remember that howsoever you are played or by whom, your soul is in your keeping alone, even though those who presume to play you be kings or men of power. When you stand before God, you cannot say, ‘But I was told by others to do thus,’ or that virtue was not convenient at the time. This will not suffice. Remember that.”

You can’t forget the action. The action is realistic and gritty, but not to the point of pointless gore. The siege battle near the end of the film was fantastic. It truly seemed to capture how siege battles were conducted and the human cost in doing so. You felt that could happen back then, not like some battles like the Siege of Helm's Deep in the Lord of the Rings, and I’m not talking about the fact you have Uruk-Hai and elves at that battle (movie version). I’m talking about how Aragorn and company could easily slaughter through hordes of enemies.

Wrap-up

I highly recommend you watch Kingdom of Heaven, but be prepared, you will need 3 hours to do so. The theatrical version is not worth seeing, SO DON’T WIMP OUT on the director’s edition because it’s long. It is well worth it. If you are a fan of Ridley Scott, historical films, or philosophy and real talk about religion, then I suggest you go and watch this movie ASAP.

“Be without fear in the face of your enemies. 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.”