Kingdom of Heaven

Theatrical cut: 3/5 The movie chugs along pleasantly throughout its running time, but is nothing earth-shattering. So Alexander remains the best historical picture of recent months, although Kingdom is certainly worth seeing on the big screen. Director’s cut: 5/5 Historically more accurate (but not completely), more ambitious in terms of message and the characters suddenly have absolutely convincing motivation. It is almost incredible that by adding just that one storyline involving Sibylla’s son fundamentally changes the motivation, actions and overall impression given by all of the main protagonists and therefore of the entire movie. And, rather paradoxically, despite its considerably longer running time, it becomes far more hard-hitting than the theatrical cut, so much so that it is the best historical epic of the past few decades. (08/05/2005)

In the cinema version, the editor's hand was all too evident, Balian's rise up the ladder of social prestige is too hasty. As if the change from an insignificant blacksmith's nobody to a man who becomes the king's favourite, and to whom all Jerusalem bows down in the end and listens to his word in its moments of need, could be so simple. Unfortunately, the almost one hour longer director's cut that I just got my hands on didn't do much to improve my impression in this regard. Even so, the added scenes make the film feel more whole and much more emotional, especially with the added storyline of the illness and death of Sibylla's son and heir to the throne, which is quite crucial to the development of the plot. Also very nice is the added scene with the burning bush, full of symbolism of the nature of warfare in the Middle East. But there are also some scenes that don’t make much sense for the development of the plot. Bottom line: Scott's magnum opus isn't a riveting film, but it is insightful and thoughtful, with an ambition to make a point, and that's appreciated. And the final peace deal between Balian and Saladin, Christian and Muslim, must be a literal caress for every peacenik on this earth :o) (15/12/2006)

A disappointment that I want to forget very quickly. I was expecting quite a lot, but all I got was a dusty, tired story with a model instead of an actor in the lead role that put me vehemently to sleep from the middle. I could have managed an hour and a half, but 144 minutes of political and moral talk and a final spectacular battle for 130 million, I could only barely stand that. I was even sorry for the other brilliant actors who wasted their times here. (10/08/2022)

Ridley goes on a crusade without fear, but he came late. At a time when the end of heroic epics was being openly discussed, he embarked on a path destined for failure. A politically directed and brilliantly crafted path, but unfortunately, very risky. His direction, the stunning camera work, and, last but not least, Gregson-Williams' chilling music take your breath away. And when the sword is bravely lifted by the deeply underestimated Orlando, I can only nod approvingly and follow him to Jerusalem. (17/02/2006)

Led by Ridley Scott, the producers should have been filled with dread, because Kingdom of Heaven is only slightly more attractive to mainstream viewers than the commercial flop Alexander. The plot itself is driven more by the supporting characters than by the lead, who comes into play only at the end. And those supporting characters are developed well enough to elevate the film above the mere reconstruction of historical events. That reconstruction itself is full of interesting dialogue ideas, but they lack a deeper context that would enable them to work with the imagery, which is beautiful in and of itself – the images have atmosphere and poetics in every single location and comprise one of the things that make the film a class better than Alexander. That can also be said of the surprising political correctness and the sentimental (i.e. comprehensible for a mass audience) anti-war message. I’m giving Kingdom of Heaven four stars also for Harry Gregson-Williams’s soundtrack, the nicely handled final battle on the ramparts and Sibylla’s eyes. Is there a guy in the whole world who could resist her? (26/04/2005)