Königreich der Himmel

Die Produzenten an der Spitze mit Ridley Scott sollten sich fürchten, weil Königreich der Himmel für einen Mainstream-Zuschauer nur ein bisschen attraktiver als das kommerzielle Fiasko Alexander ist. In der Handlung sind vor allem die Nebenfiguren entscheidend. Die Hauptfigur kommt erst am Ende zu Wort. Die Nebenfiguren sind aber nicht besonders durchgearbeitet. Es ist ihnen nicht gelungen, den Film vom Niveau einer geschichtlichen Rekonstruktion von historischen Ereignissen zu heben. Diese Rekonstruktion ist voll von interessanten Dialoggedanken, denen aber ein tieferer Kontrast zu dem Bild fehlt. Das ist an sich schön – in jeder Location haben die Bilder Stimmung und Poetik. Sie gehören zu den Dingen, die dazu beigetragen haben, dass Königreich der Himmel besser als Alexander ist. Das kann man auch über die überraschende politische Korrektheit und die sentimentale, sprich für einen Massenzuschauer verständliche Antikriegsbotschaft sagen. Vier Sterne gebe ich auch für den Soundtrack von Harry Gregson-Williams, für die solide Schlacht auf den Mauern im Finale und für Sybillas Augen. Gibt es auf der Welt einen Mann, der ihr widerstehen könnte? (26.04.2005)

In the cinema version, the editor's hand was all too evident, Balian's rise up the ladder of social prestige is too hasty. As if the change from an insignificant blacksmith's nobody to a man who becomes the king's favourite, and to whom all Jerusalem bows down in the end and listens to his word in its moments of need, could be so simple. Unfortunately, the almost one hour longer director's cut that I just got my hands on didn't do much to improve my impression in this regard. Even so, the added scenes make the film feel more whole and much more emotional, especially with the added storyline of the illness and death of Sibylla's son and heir to the throne, which is quite crucial to the development of the plot. Also very nice is the added scene with the burning bush, full of symbolism of the nature of warfare in the Middle East. But there are also some scenes that don’t make much sense for the development of the plot. Bottom line: Scott's magnum opus isn't a riveting film, but it is insightful and thoughtful, with an ambition to make a point, and that's appreciated. And the final peace deal between Balian and Saladin, Christian and Muslim, must be a literal caress for every peacenik on this earth :o) (15.12.2006)

Theatrical cut: 3/5 The movie chugs along pleasantly throughout its running time, but is nothing earth-shattering. So Alexander remains the best historical picture of recent months, although Kingdom is certainly worth seeing on the big screen. Director’s cut: 5/5 Historically more accurate (but not completely), more ambitious in terms of message and the characters suddenly have absolutely convincing motivation. It is almost incredible that by adding just that one storyline involving Sibylla’s son fundamentally changes the motivation, actions and overall impression given by all of the main protagonists and therefore of the entire movie. And, rather paradoxically, despite its considerably longer running time, it becomes far more hard-hitting than the theatrical cut, so much so that it is the best historical epic of the past few decades. (08.05.2005)

Ridley goes on a crusade without fear, but he came late. At a time when the end of heroic epics was being openly discussed, he embarked on a path destined for failure. A politically directed and brilliantly crafted path, but unfortunately, very risky. His direction, the stunning camera work, and, last but not least, Gregson-Williams' chilling music take your breath away. And when the sword is bravely lifted by the deeply underestimated Orlando, I can only nod approvingly and follow him to Jerusalem. (17.02.2006)

Another historical film that needs to be seen at least twice in order to understand the plot and expressive depth that it possesses (similar to Alexander). Not every viewer will be able to reconcile with the fact that Kingdom of Heaven is not a typical historical film with everything that comes with it, but that it expresses something more through historical events, battles, love, and characters, than just what happens on the screen. This is even more pronounced than in Alexander. Kingdom of Heaven is an ode to world peace and finding the meaning of life. It is narrated, acted, and directed in a captivating way (the director's cut). Ridley Scott grabbed the reins and made a smart film that not everyone will see through. (19.05.2005)

Der Directors Cut ist etwas Surreales! Ich hätte nie gedacht, dass Orlando Bloom mir eines Tages sympathisch sein könnte … Aber siehe da, mit seinem Balian ist es gelungen. Ein großes Lob an alle Macher des Films – vom Regisseur über den Komponisten der Musik bis hin zur Kulisse, den Kostümen und den Jungs, die sich am Set um Handtücher und kaltes Wasser bemühten. Das Königreich der Himmel IST auf dem gleichen Niveau wie Gladiator. Eigentlich nicht, es ist besser! Niemand dreht Historienfilme so wie Ridley Scott. Klasse, Klasse, Klasse. (14.01.2008)

A disappointment that I want to forget very quickly. I was expecting quite a lot, but all I got was a dusty, tired story with a model instead of an actor in the lead role that put me vehemently to sleep from the middle. I could have managed an hour and a half, but 144 minutes of political and moral talk and a final spectacular battle for 130 million, I could only barely stand that. I was even sorry for the other brilliant actors who wasted their times here. (10.08.2022)

When I saw the movie for the first time years ago, it definitely made a bigger impression on me than during this second screening. But I guess it's because Ridley simply won't be my favorite director. Or rather, I don't adore every one of his films. However, this is still an excellent example of how one conflict can be passed on through centuries to future generations. (25.02.2016)