It's political correctness gone mad (Kingdom of Heaven (DVD))

Member Name: steerpyke

Product:	Kingdom of Heaven (DVD)
Date:	24/04/06 (129 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: a colourful and visually effective film

Disadvantages: tries to paint the medieval world with modern values.

"If this is the kingdom of heaven, let God do with it as he wishes" so spoke Balian of Ibelin during his defence of the city of Jerusalem, unfortunately it is Ridley Scott and not god who calls the shots here. Ridley Scott does have an impressive back catalogue under his belt, Blade Runner remains high on my list of favourites but with Black Hawk Down, Thelma and Louise, Alien and the obvious point of reference Gladiator all on his C.V. you know that we are dealing with one of the greats here.

Kingdom of Heaven is centred on real historical events, places and people and as such should try to uphold the responsibility of portraying actual events. Balian of Ibelin played by Orlando Bloom was the hero of the doomed defence of Jerusalem in 1187, then controlled by the Christian knights, as the truce with Saladin collapsed beginning a series of events that ultimately lead to the third crusade and the name that most people have heard of Richard the Lionheart. But whereas the real Balian was a knight of some standing, Scott's character is a run away blacksmith who rises through the ranks in unrealistic socially flexible world. Once in the exotic lands of Outremer he joins in the war to recover the holy land and we are treated to over two hours of action and beautiful backdrops, a rich visual tapestry of eastern promise and contrasting stark desert landscapes. But for those expecting a re-set Gladiator you may be in for a shock. Although like his roman epic the film looks historically accurate, the whole ideology and mindset of the film fails to deliver.

Part of the problem is the casting of Orlando Bloom as the main character. Whereas Russell Crowe was believable as the rough, testosterone driven general turned gladiator, Bloom comes across as a clichéd Lancelot with his model agency good looks and saintly ways. The main problem, however, is the script, despite a lot of talk about God and religion there is no real attempt to recreate am authentic medieval worldview. The characters deliver lines that may seem worthy and spiritually progressive from a twenty first century point of view but really show a lack of understanding of the period. The focal point of the film seems to be an interest in the psychology of chivalry rather than the historical portrayal of knighthood. The characters also seem to be very thin in their portrayal; one-dimensional cardboard cut outs plying a trade of clichés.

The main political battle of the film is between the various factions in the Christian camp, between a pack of far right bigots and a gang of multiculturalists who seem to be more present day than twelfth century. Particularly disappointing was the portrayal of the order of Knights Templars as a pack of rent a thugs, a common depiction these days, when in reality they were deeply devotional and more understanding of their enemies than anyone of the time.

If you can put history aside, unfortunately I can't, you will find a good movie underneath, but it is a pity as with a bit more effort it could have delivered the whole package. There are some big names but none of them shine in any memorable way, though Edward Norton as the masked leper king is very good in the role with only his voice and eyes to work with, the real king Baldwin had however handed kingship to his healthy son many years before…oh there I go again. Liam Neeson and Jeremy Irons are more believable as knights but are in no way challenged or pushed by the task at hand. Ghassan Massoud as Saladin manages to find some mileage in his role and comes off as a world wise man, a realist and a man who was lived a life of war and devotion to his faith as well as something of a cynic. It would have been easy to portray him as a medieval messiah but thankfully we are spared that.

On a more positive note the creation of both medieval France where the story opens and the depiction of Jerusalem and the surrounding castles, towns and camps is a technical triumph and in some way these fine visual accomplishments balance out the films other failings. The film will probably divide the audience, those with an eye for history will find some of it off putting, those not bothered by the flawed historical depictions may love it, for me it's a case of style over content, an odd mixture of historical epic, Thomas Mallory and modern day political correctness.

Summary: rent, watch, enjoy, forget.