Review of Kingdom of Heaven (2005) by Bryanbezter — 28 Apr 2020

Great things about the movie:

1. The battle scenes are amazing.

2. Great casting and performances by Orlando Bloom as Balian of Ibelin, Eva Green as Sibylla, Jeremy Irons as Tiberias, Brendan Gleeson as Raynald of Châtillon, Marton Csokas as Guy de Lusignan, Edward Norton as King Baldwin IV of Jerusalem, Liam Neeson as Godfrey, and Ghassan Massoud as Saladin.

3. The storytelling is well done.

4. The production design, properties, and costumes are perfect.

5. The visual effects and music are well done.

6. Great lessons: integrity and peace.

7. Great historical depiction with fictionalized aspects.

Debatable hole:

Balian luckily survived the attack by soldiers sent by bishop (during his training with Godfrey), on the ship after a storm, the outnumbered defense at Kerak, and at the gate when defending Jerusalem.

Messages of the movie:

1. Many people fight, do violence and even kill for the sake of religion, when they actually fight for for land, wealth, fame, or personal benefits/satisfaction. Many people are misguided, misinformed, manipulated, clueless, provoked, or emotionally affected, that they cannot think rationally nor have heart to do what is right and good for everyone. Every decision proves one's integrity, no matter the situation.

2. There is peace for everyone who wants to realize it, even for people with different background, religion, race, or culture.

3. It is human's life that matters the most and how we live or do with our life determines our worth, not birth, wealth or throne.