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Kingdom of Heaven is commendable for its pragmatic view of religion despite a scattered narrative, writes Ervell E. Menezes
That British director Ridley Scott has peaked after the multiple-Oscar winner Gladiator is apparent in his Kingdom of Heaven which sheds new light on the Christian-Muslim conflicts in Europe in the 12th century. Scott’s earlier classics include sci-fi wonder Blade Runner, and Black Rain. Noted for his picture-postcard visuals, he has enough scope to indulge in them as also the war scenes, where he picks up from where he left off in Gladiator. But where he is found wanting is in the narrative, the weak and wandering establishing shots and the rather disjointed storyline. Mired in controversy even before completion, Kingdom of Heaven has provoked the ire of both the pro and anti-Islamic and Christian groups. The role of the Crusades comes under fire and therefore some see the film as pro-Islamic but it is really anti-religious and strikes a blow for clear-thinking, discarding religious bigotry and what often passes for "the will of God." In the process, it promotes peace, rather than war, which is commendable in these troubled times where there is only one superpower. Centred on a simple blacksmith, Balian (Orlando Bloom), who soon discovers his links with nobility, and is forced to play an important role in these holy wars. Bitter over the death of his child and wife (who commits suicide), the young widower takes off with his until then Baron father, Godfrey of Ibelin (Liam Neeson), deeply committed to the King of Jerusalem to keep peace in the Holy Land between the second and third Crusades. Not surprisingly, his dad bestows him with knighthood and with a pledge to follow the truth even if he has to die for it. And when his dad dies it is left to Balian to pursue the cause. In the Holy Land, a tenuous peace prevails between the leprosy-afflicted Christian king (Edward Norton) and the forces of a Muslim commander named Saladin (Ghassan Massoud). It is the destiny of the blacksmith to become the defender of the city of Jerusalem but not before a string of events, which unduly prolong the story. The romantic dalliance between the hero and Princess Sibylla (Eva Green), the sister of the Christian King, is far too contrived. All this can be overlooked because the bottom line is a call for reasoning above religion. It is here that Rome and the Pope come under fire as they are seen as brokers of power. Orlando Bloom does well as
the rugged warrior-knight and Jeremy Irons underplays his role as
Tiberius, the King’s pragmatic aide. Syrian actor Ghassan Massoud is
seen only in the latter stages of the film and has some good lines but
Edward Norton is wasted behind his silver mask. Eva Green is at best
decorative. But Kingdom of Heaven is certainly not in the same
league as Gladiator. It is commendable for its pragmatic approach
to the ills of yesteryears that are as relevant today. But one must be
prepared to play the waiting game for the rather impressive climax. |
