Remember “Gladiator”? One of the finest and greatest modern epics… The sweeping scale of the movie, the intricate and inexplicable political undercurrents and a phenomenal character study of the picture intrigued millions across the world. Now when the director of that motion picture decides to direct another movie (modern epic), the expectations only skyrocket.
Ridley Scott, the director of Gladiator, and also the master of modern epics in the current cinematic world, brings to screen a motion picture event that deals with the Crusades for the city of Jerusalem.
This movie becomes easily becomes one of the most keenly anticipated movie of the year because of the following points:Ridley Scott being the director Modern epic from the master storyteller. Ridley Scott’s unparalleled visual sense
Historical theme with strong contemporary reference. So let’s discuss if this movie meets the sky-high expectations or not?
Since, every piece of art has subjectivity and may give rise to differing opinions; I will just present here my analysis of the movie.
Starting at the screenplay level, this movie has a well structured screenplay that flows seamlessly and also manages to capture the character graph of all the characters involved in the film with utmost ease. Thanks to William Monahan (The Departed) the political complexity has been brought on to the screen with dexterity. The reference to the current affairs and international issue of rivalry and unrest in Israel and Palestine has been constructed beautifully. Characters have justifications to their actions and that’s what makes them and their behavior so compelling.
Lens work is outstandingly brilliant. I have already discussed at the beginning of the review that the visual sense of Ridley Scott is unparalleled. Kingdom of Heaven is yet another testimony to that. The sweeping shots of Morocco and the restless energy during the crusade shots are awe-inspiring. Also the use of digital intermediate is phenomenal.
Performances, so essential to a movie of this genre, are once again top-notch in this movie. Liam Neeson leads the pack and everyone else delivers a great performance. But it is the performances of Edward Norton (King Baldwin) and Ghassan Massoud (Saladin) that stir you. Orlando Bloom delivers, but someone else could have been a better bet for this movie.
Soundtrack is exceptional again and that is something you expect from Ridley Scott’s movies.
Enjoy yet another classic modern epic from the master of epics – Ridley Scott.