Kingdom of Heaven (2005)

DVD CASE/SIDE

MPPA Certifcate Number: 41537

Length of film:  144 Minutes (Director’s Cut: 194 Minutes)

Rated: R

Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama

Director: Ridley Scott

Starring: Orlando Bloom, Eva Green, Liam Neeson, Jeremy Irons, Edward Norton, Brenden Gleeson, David Thewlis, Marton Csokas

IMDB Rank: 7.2/10

Part 1 Time:  74 Minutes (Director’s Cut: 101 Minutes)

Part 2 Time:  70 Minutes (Director’s Cut: 93 Minutes)

Where does the first part end? King Baldwin IV (Edward Norton) successfully negotiates a Muslim retreat and swears the punish Raynald of Châtillon (Brendan Gleeson) for his crimes. Guy (Marton Csokas) notices Sibylla (Eva Green) and Balian (Orlando Bloom) looking at one another and assumes there might be a more intimate relationship between the two.

Final line of dialogue on the first part: Tiberias (Jeremy Irons) speaks with Balian. “I need you in Jerusalem.” Tiberias then rides off on horse.

First line of dialogue on the second part: At Saladin’s encampment, “Salaam alaikum” Mullah (Khaled Nabawy) greats then questions Saladin (Ghassan Massoud) on why they have stopped their advance on Jerusalem.

How jarring is it when the first part ends? Minimal, there has been a suspension of hostilities between the Christians and Muslims. King Baldwin IV (who suffers from leprosy) is very weak from his involvement and may not live much longer. How will King Baldwin IV’s death effect future relations between the Christian and Muslim armies?

Which part is better? It is recommended to watch the Director’s Cut version of the film as more detail and information is given to help with the context of the film. In part one, the viewers are introduced to the prominent figures and political tensions leading up to the Siege of Jerusalem (1187). Part two focuses primarily on the Siege itself and Balian’s commanding leadership. As a result, part two is given the edge.

Academy Awards: None