BE WITHOUT FEAR IN THE FACE OF YOUR ENEMIES. SAFEGUARD THE HELPLESS, AND DO NO WRONG.
In 1184, French blacksmith Balian (Orlando Bloom) joins a knight (Liam Neeson), who turns out to be his father, on a journey to Jerusalem where he hopes to find salvation. This is Ridley Scott taking the safe road, turning out a film that shares many similarities with Gladiator (2000). It is a story with fact-based ingredients and Scott makes the point that there are no wicked religions, only wicked men. This well-meaning attitude becomes somewhat of a problem during the climactic battle of Jerusalem and one’s commitment to the story wanes, but it is a handsome production, with a good performance by Edward Norton.
2005-U.S-Britain-Spain-Germany. 145 min. Color. Widescreen. Produced and directed by Ridley Scott. Screenplay: William Monahan. Cinematography: John Mathieson. Music: Harry Gregson-Williams. Cast: Orlando Bloom (Balian), Liam Neeson (Godfrey), Eva Green (Sibylla), Jeremy Irons, David Thewlis, Brendan Gleeson… Edward Norton, Michael Sheen.
