Kingdom of Heaven: The Movie
The crusades were always a dark part of church history, but I couldn't resist a Ridley Scott-directed movie after watching Gladiator.Alas, Orlando Bloom is no Russell Crowe, and no, I wasn't as entertained.
Nevertheless, the movie still had its quotable quote -
"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..."
But the plot is razor-thin, and lacks the intrigue and passion of Gladiator... remember this scene where Russell Crowe speaks to the Emperor in the Colosseum?
"My name is Maximus Decimus Meridius, Commander of the Armies of the North, General of the Felix Legions, loyal servant to the true emperor, Marcus Aurelius. Father to a murdered son, husband to a murdered wife. And I will have my vengeance, in this life or the next."
It's ok if you head into the cinema not expecting another epic of Gladiator-esque proportions - the film still has chaotic and bloody battle scenes that will thrill action-movie buffs, and a bit of history that will educate (though I'm not sure how much is actually fact).
But don't expect to be swept off your feet - this is one movie that wouldn't make you stay for the closing credits...
posted by Al @ 12:18 am
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