Kingdom of Heaven

Ridley Scott's Kingdom of Heaven, the director's cut anyways, is the director's return once again to attempting to re-create the epics of old, something he did not achieve in his Christopher Columbus biopic, but did so with Gladiator. In many ways Kingdom of Heaven is more ambitious than that film though they are certainly both technical marvels. Kingdom perhaps is even more so in that department even. The story though is where the real ambition is in attempting to create a real complexity within the world of crusades. Although there are battles to be sure, the film pays careful mind to create a sense of the various political figures within the realm, and grants perspectives in to not only both sides of the conflict but also the various figures therein. The supporting character and rich, and make up the world well, creating this fuller tapestry, which is also aided by the strong performances behind the characters...for the most part. Now one element though that cannot be salvaged within any cut of the film is in the central figure Balian who is there to give us insight into the journey of a crusader. This is sadly lost through Orlando Bloom's lead performance. Bloom honestly is better here than many of his performances, however the role requires more than just a serviceable leading turn. Balian should drive the film far more than he does because he is made so emotionally flat by Bloom. The idea of the original fuel for the man, his wife's suicide, the murder of his half-brother, the attempt to find his estranged father, the chance for redemption all seem somewhat indifferent elements within Bloom's work, yet could have been captivating in a more capable actor's hand. There is not emotional thrust within his performance, despite Balian having that potential as written, leaving a key factor missing from the film through our hero's journey. The film's other elements though are thankfully strong enough to make up for that lacking element. It does prevent the film from becoming a masterpiece though it remains a considerable achievement.
4.5/5