I stepped out of the fully-packed cinema last night feeling satisfied and relieved that "Kingdom of Heaven", Ridley Scott's latest work, is nothing like most other movies made by Hollywood with Middle-Eastern characters. It was a fantastic movie, with elaborate costumes, breath-taking cinematography, realistic battle scenes and a true (or at least, as close as can be) depiction of what transpired during the Crusades.
I suppose Sir Ridley Scott who was knighted in Dec 2002 live by the very same oath his character Balian (played by the very un-macho Orlando Bloom) took when he was knighted.
Be without fear in the face of your enemies. Speak the truth, always, even if it leads to your death. Safeguard the helpless and do no wrong. That is your oath......
I especially like Scott's portrayal of Saladin (Salah Ad-din Yusuf Ibn Ayyub), a great Muslim warrior and King of Egypt at that time. His benevolence and integrity is succintly portrayed by Ghassan Massoud, himself a great Syrian actor/director. Scott even slot in the part where Saladin apparently offered his physicians to Kind Baldwin IV to cure his leprosy, when in fact the offer was made by Saladin to Richard Lionheart in the next Crusade war. And Saladin's offer of ice to Guy de Lusignian was actually another bit of history when Saladin gave snow from the mountains to Richard the Lionheart to "cool his blood". Such extensive research and the courage to not hide away from showcasing the honor of a Muslim historical figure in such trying times of post 9/11 tragedy, must surely be creditied, if not rewarded. Saladin is indeed a great warrior and leader, who closely abided by the teachings of Islam and did exactly as what our prophet Nabi Muhammad (P.B.U.H)did upon re-entering the holy city of Makkah. To read more on Saladin GO HERE
Some reviews of the movie mentioned of a weak script, languid acting and unwise casting of main roles but to me, it was great movie all the same. If nothing else, it is a spearhead to more unbiased portrayals of Muslim characters, fictional or otherwise. And an awareness to history and hopefully, greater understanding and respect between the religions. And also, perhaps, finally, (although quite improbable as the fued has been going on for a millenium now) a true Kingdom of Heaven.
So whether you are an Orlando Bloom fan, (oops no brickbats 4 calling him unmacho pls!) liked previous works by Ridley Scott and want to see his work again, or just the type who must see every new movie in town, or perhaps one who has decided not to go because you dun like epics and failed History in school, or you happen to think you dun like movies with violence and war, I suggest you go see it anyway. If not at the theaters, then a bootleg copy perhaps but DO watch it. I promise you will leave enlightened and fully satisfied.
NB: Ridley Scott stretched history a bit to create dramatization and to create a human element. The Balian in the movie is a heavily fictionalised one although an actual Balian of Ibelin existed and was a major figure in the Crusades. To find out what exactly happened to the actual Balian of Ibelin during the Crusades, CLICK HERE Anyone interested to find out more about the Crusades, Email me and I'll point you to the relevant resources.
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