Release: 2005-05-03
Runtime: 2h 24m (144 minutes)
After his wife dies, a blacksmith named Balian is thrust into royalty, political intrigue and bloody holy wars during the Crusades.
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Genres: Adventure, Drama, Action, History, War
Cast: Eva Green, Liam Neeson, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, more
Eva Green
as Sibylla
Liam Neeson
as Godfrey de Ibelin
Nikolaj Coster-Waldau
as Village Sheriff
Michael Sheen
as Priest
Edward Norton
as King Baldwin
Orlando Bloom
as Balian de Ibelin
Jeremy Irons
as Tiberias
Brendan Gleeson
as Reynald de Chatillon
Iain Glen
as Richard Coeur de Lion
David Thewlis
as Hospitaler
Alexander Siddig
as Nasir
Ghassan Massoud
as Saladin
Ridley Scott
Director
Ridley Scott
Producer
Harry Gregson-Williams
Original Music Composer
Arthur Max
Production Design
Peter Burgis
Foley Artist
Paul Engelen
Makeup Designer
Debra Zane
Casting
John Mathieson
Director of Photography
Derek Casari
ADR Engineer
Simon Chase
Dialogue Editor
Neil Corbould
Special Effects Supervisor
Victoria Alonso
Visual Effects Producer
After his wife dies, a blacksmith named Balian is thrust into royalty, political intrigue and bloody holy wars during the Crusades.
Be without fear in the face of your enemies. Safeguard the helpless, and do no wrong
Kingdom of Heaven is a historical epic film released on 6 May 2005, directed and produced by Ridley Scott, with a screenplay by William Monahan. The film features an impressive cast, including Orlando Bloom, Eva Green, Jeremy Irons, David Thewlis, Brendan Gleeson, Marton Csokas, and Liam Neeson.
This film tells a dramatized story based on the events leading to the Third Crusade. The narrative primarily follows Balian of Ibelin, a blacksmith who becomes a knight and defends the Crusader Kingdom of Jerusalem from Sultan Saladin and his forces.
Filming locations included Ouarzazate in Morocco and various sites across Spain, such as Loarre Castle and Seville. The production received a budget of $130 million and grossed approximately $218 million worldwide.
The plot begins in medieval France, where Balian, grieving the loss of his wife, encounters a group of Crusaders led by his father, Godfrey. Balian initially refuses God's call to the Holy Land but later joins him after a violent confrontation with a corrupt priest. Upon reaching Jerusalem, Balian becomes embroiled in political and military conflicts, especially involving the ambitious Guy de Lusignan and the cunning Saladin.
After a series of battles, Balian finds himself defending the castle against Saladin's forces and ultimately must negotiate the surrender of Jerusalem, prioritizing the safety of its inhabitants. The film portrays themes of honor, faith, and the struggle for peace amidst chaos.
The cinematography by John Mathieson provides breathtaking visuals, showcasing the vast landscapes and intricate details of ancient Jerusalem. The music, composed by Harry Gregson-Williams, combines various influences, enhancing the film's epic feel.
Upon its release, Kingdom of Heaven received mixed reviews. Critics praised the visuals and performances, especially those of Edward Norton as the leper King Baldwin IV and Ghassan Massoud as Saladin. However, some felt that the storytelling lacked depth and clarity.
The film's theatrical version was criticized for its length and complexity, leading Scott to release a director's cut on 23 December 2005. This version, with added scenes and a deeper storyline, was met with much more favorable reviews, regarded by some as the definitive version of the film.
In summary, Kingdom of Heaven is a visually stunning film that explores significant historical themes while delivering a captivating narrative. Its combination of action, drama, and rich cinematography makes it a noteworthy entry in the genre of historical epics.
