- Film Review
- Reviewed By Brian Pendreigh
-
4 out of 5
Gladiator director Ridley Scott once again finds inspiration in the past with this exciting mix of action, adventure and history lesson. Orlando Bloom stars as 12th-century French blacksmith Balian, who loses his family and is invited to the Holy Land by the Crusader father (Liam Neeson) previously unknown to him. The uneasy peace in Jerusalem between the Christians, under King Baldwin IV (Edward Norton), and the neighbouring Muslim forces of Saladin (a wonderful Ghassan Massoud) is threatened by fanatics, prompting Balian to defend the city against overwhelming odds. A story about western forces in the Middle East has obvious contemporary resonance, but Scott steps skilfully through the minefield, stressing the desirability of co-existence and tolerance and the dangers of fundamentalism. Bloom is rather unconvincing as a leader of men, but the siege is breathtaking, the characters colourful, and there's even some intelligent dialogue.
Plot Summary
Epic historical drama starring Orlando Bloom and Eva Green. Near the turn of the 12th century, dignified French noble Godfrey of Ibelin travels to the Holy Land accompanied by his illegitimate blacksmith son Balian. Balian later inherits his father's title and supports Jerusalem's kindly king, but he discovers that the city's fragile peace and atmosphere of religious tolerance are threatened by wayward, unprincipled Templar knights.
Cast and crew
Cast
- Balian
- Orlando Bloom
- Princess Sibylla
- Eva Green
- Tiberias
- Jeremy Irons
- Hospitaler
- David Thewlis
- Reynald of Chatillon
- Brendan Gleeson
- Guy de Lusignan
- Marton Csokas
- Godfrey of Ibelin
- Liam Neeson
- Saladin
- Ghassan Massoud
- King Baldwin
- Edward Norton
- Nasir
- Alexander Siddig
- Priest
- Michael Sheen
- English Sergeant
- Kevin McKidd
- Patriarch of Jerusalem
- Jon Finch
- Richard Coeur de Lion
- Iain Glen
- Gravedigger
- Martin Hancock
- Squire
- Philip Glenister
- Templar Master
- Ulrich Thomsen
Crew
- Director
- Ridley Scott
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