Kingdom of Heaven

Kingdom of Heaven is tonight's feature. It was directed by Ridley Scott (of Gladiator fame). The movie starred Orlando Bloom, Jeremy Irons, Liam Neeson, and Edward Norton namely.

It is a historic action movie (obviously with artistic license woven into the script) centered around one of the holy wars between Christians and Muslims that was fought in and around Jerusalem. Balien de Ibelin's (Orlando Bloom) wife commits suicide. The priest who presides at her funeral desecrates her body because she is going to hell because she committed suicide. Balien finds out and kills the priest in revenge. As a result of killing the priest the church sends troops to bring him to justice. In the midst of all this Balien's father Godfrey de Ibelin (Liam Neeson) shows up and invites Balien to join him in the holy war. Balien accepts and starts his journey to Jerusalem. His father dies in route and Balien inherits his father's land and title. Due to his new title and some amazing acts of courage on the battlefield during his journey to the holy land he catches the King's (Edward Norton) attention. He stands out as noble amongst the hatred and corruption. The King commands him to serve the crown and the idea of Christianity. With the help of Tiberias (the second in command in Jerusalem behind the King) he picks up the cause in order to try and absolve himself from the murder he committed against the priest. Of course the other nobles who have been there longer have a problem with his chosen favor over them in the eyes of the King. The King dies before Balien's position is solidified and the other nobles vote to go to war over the King's dying wishes. The campaign can't be successful but the nobles fool themselves into believing their faith will overcome the odds. Balien is opposed to the foolish campaign but goes because of the oath he took. He is the only one who really leads his troops to victory. The campaign is still a monumental failure and the remnants of the army are forced back to the fortifications at Jerusalem. Upon the impending doom posed by the Muslims who lay siege to Jerusalem all the other nobles and religious leaders abandon the fight and flee. Balien has to take over the army and defend Jerusalem. He does so in such a successful and courageous manner that he wins favorable surrender terms from the Muslims.

Obviously the idea of Christianity vs. Islam is explored in the movie. There is also much discussion on loyalty, honor, integrity, etc.

I recommend this movie as an interesting entreaty on the history and motifs behind the holy wars. It is also a pretty good drama along the way. Plenty of action and battles. Also the trebuchets are cool. The only warning I would give you is that the movie is about 3 hours long. So, if you don't have the stamina to watch a 3 hour movie, wait until you do. The movie is great but you won't enjoy it if you watch the movie in two sessions or if you lose interest half way through because you didn't understand the length of the movie.

Other information:
Ridley Scott is currently filming his take on Robin Hood. The movie stars Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchett.
Liam Neeson's newest movie is being released in October. It is called After Life.