From the first day that I heard about the concept for “Kingdom of Heaven” I was really concerned that it would be some sort of flashpoint for Arab world/Christian world tensions. Heck, just look at what Alexander did to gay/non-gay tensions.
However, I was was pleasantly surprised to see that critics in the Arab world are actually enjoying Kingdom of Heaven. I’m not pleased because they “get it”… I’m pleased that Scott was able to make a film based on really touchy material and yet not offend an entire people group. That’s always a good day.
The good folks over at Monsters and Critics give us this:
“The aim of the film is to heal wounds, not reopen them,” said Egyptian film critic Tarek al-Shenawy.Lebanese author Amin Maalouf said the movie opposes religious fanaticism.
“My impression is that the historical sequences were fairly accurate.The spirit of those times is there,” Maalouf said. Egyptian-American Deana Elimam said Hollywood usually portrays Arabs and Muslims as bloodthirsty savages, but they “come out much better” in “Kingdom of Heaven.”
Doug and I are going to see Kingdom of Heaven tonight just before we record the Audio Edition. I still don’t know that I’m “excited” to see it… but after reading this I’m at least intrigued.
Yeah, I’d say it whitewashes history for both sides. If anything, the portrayal of Salah al-Din was probably most accurate, as sources from both sides portray him as a chivalrous and honourable leader. Certainly a more accurate portrayal than that of Balian of Ibelin (never a blacksmith, never went near France, didn’t have an estranged father called Godfrey, and wasn’t actually an enemy of Guy de Lusignan) or King Baldwin (who was dead by the year the film is set in)…
(“Far from Heaven” was the headline of my review of the film, by the way – don’t know if that what you were talking about, Simone… To be fair, I seriously doubt I was the only person to think of the line :-)
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Of course they’re enjoying it. It’s whitewashing history in their favor.
Related story
Vic
It is, it is… *smiles* and btw, Neeson and Irons give powerful performances indeed.
The problem is Orlando (of course), the script, and the historic lack of accuracy, despite what Maalouf says.
All the reviews I have read so far is that the film disappoints. “Far from heaven” was what one review said. I will still want to see it because I like Neeson and Irons.
Hey Peter, this was the movie you saw where it rained afterwards was it? *winks*
Why this doesn´t come as a surprise to me? Besides that, take a look on Edward Norton´s performance. Both him and Bloom act behind a mask (LOL), but Norton delivers.