Why ‘Kingdom of Heaven’ Deserves a Second Chance Despite Critics’ Backlash!

by

Quick Links

  • Orlando Bloom Disappoints, but All Is Well With the Director’s Cut

As a passionate movie enthusiast, I’d say I was captivated by a grandiose and moving historical tale that unfolded amidst the Crusades, starring none other than Liam Neeson in “Kingdom of Heaven”. Although some critics panned it as shallow and dull, fans like myself found it to be quite the opposite. It’s not every day you see such a significant divide between critic and audience opinions, but this movie by Ridley Scott (known for masterpieces like “American Gangster” and the iconic “Alien”) certainly stands out in that regard. Granted, Scott has had his fair share of misses with films like “Exodus: Gods and Kings”, but when it comes to “Kingdom of Heaven”, I firmly believe that the critics got it wrong this time around.

In the context of the Third Crusade for the Kingdom of Jerusalem, the movie Kingdom of Heaven features Orlando Bloom portraying a young blacksmith who finds himself unexpectedly drafted into a struggle for control over the Holy Land. Following the demise of his spouse, Balian decides to reconnect with his distant father (Neeson) and embark on a voyage back to Jerusalem. However, when an ambitious knight aspires to ignite conflict and seize the city for himself, Balian steps up to protect the weakened king, the people, and the tranquility of Jerusalem in his stead.

​​​

Critics Trashed ‘Kingdom of Heaven’ as a Soulless Disaster

The response to the movie “Kingdom of Heaven” was generally unfavorable, with a low rating of 39% on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics found the film lacking in substance and unengaging, despite its visually stunning scenes and well-choreographed action sequences. They argued that the film failed to delve deeply into the religious and political motivations behind the conflict, instead presenting a shallow and watered-down version of history. Some even went so far as to call it dull and void of meaning. While Ridley Scott was praised for his choice of an intriguing historical period, his decision to sanitize the film to appeal to audiences is said to have weakened the story’s impact. Mike McGranaghan of Aisle Seat stated that the movie’s soul had been entirely removed from it.

Although the movie “Kingdom of Heaven” is based on the Crusades, it tells a fictional story about a young man who discovers his courage in an unexpected battle. While some viewers have criticized the lack of emotional depth, they might be expecting too much given the film’s departure from historical facts. Instead of focusing on accuracy, “Kingdom of Heaven” is a gripping and brutal drama that offers a captivating yet cruel portrayal of one of humanity’s longest wars as seen through the eyes of an unknowing soldier. Perhaps the main issue lies in the lead character not being compelling enough compared to the broader backdrop of war.

Orlando Bloom Disappoints, but All Is Well With the Director’s Cut

Critics found Orlando Bloom’s portrayal in the main role unsatisfying, especially considering the intense action and impressive performances by Liam Neeson, Edward Norton, and Eva Green. Bloom was criticized for lacking charm and emotional depth needed to carry the film as its lead. David Ansen from Newsweek commented that Bloom drained the movie of energy instead of energizing it. It’s difficult to dispute this assessment.

Despite Liam Bloom’s somewhat lackluster portrayal of Balian, audiences still found the movie to be engaging overall. Many viewers felt that Bloom was less than impressive, but they appreciated the strong performances from his costars and the thrilling battle scenes. Notably, Edward Norton’s compassionate depiction of the ailing yet powerful King Baldwin was widely praised. Furthermore, Liam Neeson’s brief appearance as Baron Godfrey was particularly moving for many viewers.

As a movie connoisseur, I must say that the simple tale of a man yearning for honor and redemption amidst a conflict over Jerusalem struck a chord with many viewers. The movie has garnered an impressive 72% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, largely due to the acclaim for the Director’s Cut, which is widely considered superior to the original theater release. Some spectators even suggest bypassing the theatrical version altogether. In general consensus, the director’s cut is hailed as gripping, a masterwork, and one of Scott’s finest films. With an additional 45 minutes of footage, viewers found that the director’s cut provided poignant character growth, resolved significant plot inconsistencies, and maintained a captivating pace that immerses audiences in history. Despite the film exceeding three hours in length, there seems to be unanimous agreement among all that it is worth every minute of your time.

Despite the negative reviews for Kingdom of Heaven, it seems the public had a different opinion. The theatrical release of this film was packed with action and visual spectacle, but some felt it lacked emotional depth. Spectacles can indeed be enjoyable, yet they might not resonate as deeply as desired due to a somewhat uninspiring protagonist who gets lost amidst the sword fights. If you’re looking for a more comprehensive viewing experience of Ridley Scott’s epic, I recommend checking out his director’s cut. Kingdom of Heaven can be rented on Apple TV, while the director’s cut is available on Google Play.

Read More

2025-02-23 20:01