{ Kingdom of Heaven. }

[delga]

Objectively I know that I enjoy a certain kind of film more than I enjoy others. I know that certain tropes push my involvement with a narrative. That is why I can say that whilst I enjoyed The Last Legion, it is by no means a good film.

Surprisingly, Kingdom of Heaven is an excellent film. The pacing, the story, the cinematography - all of it is exemplary. If Gladiator was a Hollywood sucess, Kingdom of Heaven is its 'indie' equivalent (which makes sense, being that both films were made by Ridley Scott). Orlando Bloom, in whom I had so little faith, carried the story through and through. I would go as far as saying that whilst Gladiator probably had a higher entertainment quota, Kingdom of Heaven is by far the superior film (which is saying something as Gladiator really does set the bar in this genre). I went in expecting a King Arthur type of farce and was rewarded by something much subtler, much more engaging and intriguing. It lacks humour, necessarily so, but it doesn't lack appeal, unlike Alexander (which was also a farce).

It is a quiet film, with a serious tone, and a ringing silence to everything that happens. There are big names, too: David Thewlis, Liam Neeson and Jeremy Irons all star, as does Eva Green in her only big role prior to Casino Royale. The high quality of the film has shocked me significantly. I definitely recommend it.

Comments

[trascendenza]

I love KOH! Orlando really, really surprised me in his role. And Alexander Siddig, oh, I just adored him even with his brief appearances.

[delgaserasca.livejournal.com]

Siddig was magnificent, as was whoever it was that was playing Sal'adin (Saladin?) I really, really enjoyed the film. The marketing campaign on it was bullshit, though, because it's quite misleading.