Kingdom of Heaven (Director's Cut) [Blu-ray]
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Exceptional Movie
  • nice one
  • Pristine
  • Theatrical edits happen all the time...
  • Perfect HD Transfer!
 Kingdom of Heaven (Director's Cut) [Blu-ray]
Starring: Orlando Bloom , and Liam Neeson
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: Blu-ray

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ASIN: B000ICLRIE
Release Date: 2006-11-14

Amazon.com

It's hard to believe Ridley Scott's handsome epic won't become the cinematic touchstone of the Crusades for years to come. Kingdom of Heaven is greater than the sum of its parts, delivering a vital, mostly engrossing tale following Balian (Orlando Bloom), a lonely French blacksmith who discovers he's a noble heir and takes his father's (Liam Neeson) place in the center of the universe circa 1184: Jerusalem. Here, grand battles and backdoor politics are key as Scott and first-time screenwriter William Monahan fashion an excellent storyline to tackle the centuries-long conflict. Two forward-thinking kings, Baldwin (Edward Norton in an uncredited yet substantial role) and Saladin (Ghassan Massoud), hold an uneasy truce between Christians (who hold the city) and Muslims while factions champ at the bit for blood. There are good and evildoers on both sides, with the Knights Templar taking the brunt of the blame; Balian plans to find his soul while protecting Baldwin and the people. The look of the film, as nearly everything is from Scott, is impressive: his CGI-infused battle scenes rival the LOTR series and, with cinematographer John Mathieson, create postcard beauty with snowy French forests and the vast desert (filmed in Morocco and Spain). An excellent supporting cast, including Jeremy Irons, Brendan Gleeson, and David Thewlis, also help make the head and heart of the film work. Many critics pointed out that Bloom doesn't have the gravitas of Russell Crowe in the lead (then again, who does?), but it's the underdeveloped character and not the actor that hurts the film and impacts its power. Balian isn't given much more to do than be sullen and give an occasional big speech, alongside his perplexing abilities for warfare tactics and his wandering moral compass (whose sole purpose seems to be to put a love scene in the movie). Note: all the major characters except Neeson's are based on fact, but many are heavily fictionalized. --Doug Thomas

On the DVD
The Kingdom of Heaven Director's Cut is truly a DVD set of biblical proportions. If you are familiar with Ridley Scott's excellent, albeit massive, extended DVD sets for Gladiator and Black Hawk Down, you have a pretty good idea of what you are in for with this set. The biggest difference--unlike the Gladiator Director's Cut, which had some nice new scenes that really didn't add much to the film--is that this cut of Kingdom of Heaven is a drastic improvement over the theatrical release. This extensive 194-minute version brings the film back to Scott's original vision, maintaining an impressive balance of history, plot, and believable period reenactments and battle scenes. The best way to describe the improvements on the extended version is the film is now able to breathe a bit more, it's less choppy, and it has stronger character development. In addition to the extended scenes (which now span two discs in a clunky Road Show presentation), there is an exhaustive three-hour, six-part documentary detailing every aspect of filmmaking from the development of the "idea" through post-production and release. Also included are three feature-length commentary tracks, the best being the first with Ridley Scott, writer William Monahan, and actor Orlando Bloom. Included on the original release but missing from this set are the A&E/History Channel documentaries, the theatrical cut of the film, and "The Pilgrim's Guide," the fantastic text commentary which pointed out the historical anecdotes as the film played. Fans of the film and completists will probably want to hold onto both versions. However, those picking up Kingdom of Heaven for the first time need only to look to this definitive version. --Rob Bracco

Description

Among the best directors of our time, Ridley Scott (Gladiator), contributes generously to this extraordinary Collector's Edition of Kingdom of Heaven. Featuring his Director's Cut of the film and hours of fascinating extras ? including a six-part tour from conception to completion of filmmaking ? this definitive set makes what Variety called a "genuinely spectacular" film even more so!

An epic marvel that's as beautifully acted as it is visually awesome, Kingdom of Heaven stars Orlando Bloom as Balian, a Jerusalem blacksmith who has lost his family ? and his faith. But when his father (Liam Neeson) shows him his destiny, Balian vows to defend his country, and in the process, falls in love, becomes a formidable leader, and steps forever into history

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Exceptional Movie.......2007-09-01

The extended DVD set is definitely more than worth the price. The acting, sets, and action are exceptional. Its a pity that the studio decided to shorten this movie for the cinematic release. But this extended version does justice to Sir Ridley Scott's brilliant creation. We have enjoyed this version immensely and we cannot say enough good things about it.
Leonor Muller & Jose Muniz.

4 out of 5 stars nice one.......2007-08-10

the BD version had a very nice and clear HD vision, it's really good about the physical side, but I am not quite like the story. it's just like other history movies.

4 out of 5 stars Pristine.......2007-08-06

The blu ray version of this film is pristine! This is the director's cut version and well worth the price! This feature explains the story and background much better than the theatrical version. Plus you get the best possible sound there is. All in all this movie entertains and is historically accurate! Very nice eye candy!!!

5 out of 5 stars Theatrical edits happen all the time..........2007-08-02

Theatrical edits happen all the time, the result often being that we feel a little lost. The story might make an abrupt jump from scene A to scene D, skipping B and C because those scenes just didn't make it into the time budget.

In most cases, I wait to buy the extended version or Director's Cut for that very reason. In this case, though, I'm glad I bought both. Together, they let me see what I believe is the most masterful theatrical edit ever done.

When you watch the Director's Cut, you'll discover a story arc completely left out in the theatrical release. It's not a trivial, throwaway story, either. It's absolutely critical to understanding the context and motivation for Guy de Lusignan's machinations and his obsession with marrying Sibylla.

That the story fell out in the edits does not surprise me. I am awed, though, by how surgically Scott handled things without leaving a glaring hole in the film. He stitched together dialogue, scenes, and transitions seamlessly, removing a line's original meaning while twisting it in the edit, bridging a gap so solidly that you don't notice its absence.

Even -after- watching the Director's Cut, I go back to the theatrical release and see it as its own movie, not just an incomplete, botched studio edit.

If you are only willing to buy one copy of this movie, buy the Director's Cut, by all means. It is worth every dime, and then some. If you're a student of film (amateur or professional, either one,) then I -urge- you to buy both and study them as an exemplar of the "graceful degradation" concept applied to cinema.

5 out of 5 stars Perfect HD Transfer!.......2007-07-29

Although this Blu-Ray edition does not have the supplements as the normal DVD version, it is still worth the buy. If you are just getting into the Blu-Ray family, this movie will make you proud. Not only is the picture & sound quality amazing but the movie itself is great. I have notice not all Blu-Ray movie tranfers are amazing due to which studio is doing the transfers. So far in my experience, 20 Century Fox Blu-Ray movies look the best hands down! And this movie is by that studio. So do not be shy, get out there Blu-Ray family and purchase this film, well worth the Buck!
Kingdom of Heaven - The Director's Cut (Four-Disc Special Edition)
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Exceptional Movie
  • nice one
  • Pristine
  • Theatrical edits happen all the time...
  • Perfect HD Transfer!
 Kingdom of Heaven - The Director's Cut (Four-Disc Special Edition)
Starring: Martin Hancock , Michael Sheen , Nathalie Cox , Eriq Ebouaney , and Jouko Ahola
Director: Ridley Scott
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000EHSVQ4
Release Date: 2006-05-23

Amazon.com

It's hard to believe Ridley Scott's handsome epic won't become the cinematic touchstone of the Crusades for years to come. Kingdom of Heaven is greater than the sum of its parts, delivering a vital, mostly engrossing tale following Balian (Orlando Bloom), a lonely French blacksmith who discovers he's a noble heir and takes his father's (Liam Neeson) place in the center of the universe circa 1184: Jerusalem. Here, grand battles and backdoor politics are key as Scott and first-time screenwriter William Monahan fashion an excellent storyline to tackle the centuries-long conflict. Two forward-thinking kings, Baldwin (Edward Norton in an uncredited yet substantial role) and Saladin (Ghassan Massoud), hold an uneasy truce between Christians (who hold the city) and Muslims while factions champ at the bit for blood. There are good and evildoers on both sides, with the Knights Templar taking the brunt of the blame; Balian plans to find his soul while protecting Baldwin and the people. The look of the film, as nearly everything is from Scott, is impressive: his CGI-infused battle scenes rival the LOTR series and, with cinematographer John Mathieson, create postcard beauty with snowy French forests and the vast desert (filmed in Morocco and Spain). An excellent supporting cast, including Jeremy Irons, Brendan Gleeson, and David Thewlis, also help make the head and heart of the film work. Many critics pointed out that Bloom doesn't have the gravitas of Russell Crowe in the lead (then again, who does?), but it's the underdeveloped character and not the actor that hurts the film and impacts its power. Balian isn't given much more to do than be sullen and give an occasional big speech, alongside his perplexing abilities for warfare tactics and his wandering moral compass (whose sole purpose seems to be to put a love scene in the movie). Note: all the major characters except Neeson's are based on fact, but many are heavily fictionalized. --Doug Thomas

On the DVD
The Kingdom of Heaven Director's Cut is truly a DVD set of biblical proportions. If you are familiar with Ridley Scott's excellent, albeit massive, extended DVD sets for Gladiator and Black Hawk Down, you have a pretty good idea of what you are in for with this set. The biggest difference--unlike the Gladiator Director's Cut, which had some nice new scenes that really didn't add much to the film--is that this cut of Kingdom of Heaven is a drastic improvement over the theatrical release. This extensive 194-minute version brings the film back to Scott's original vision, maintaining an impressive balance of history, plot, and believable period reenactments and battle scenes. The best way to describe the improvements on the extended version is the film is now able to breathe a bit more, it's less choppy, and it has stronger character development. In addition to the extended scenes (which now span two discs in a clunky Road Show presentation), there is an exhaustive three-hour, six-part documentary detailing every aspect of filmmaking from the development of the "idea" through post-production and release. Also included are three feature-length commentary tracks, the best being the first with Ridley Scott, writer William Monahan, and actor Orlando Bloom. Included on the original release but missing from this set are the A&E/History Channel documentaries, the theatrical cut of the film, and "The Pilgrim's Guide," the fantastic text commentary which pointed out the historical anecdotes as the film played. Fans of the film and completists will probably want to hold onto both versions. However, those picking up Kingdom of Heaven for the first time need only to look to this definitive version. --Rob Bracco

Description

Among the best directors of our time, Ridley Scott (Gladiator), contributes generously to this extraordinary Collector?s Edition of Kingdom of Heaven. Featuring his Director?s Cut of the film and hours of fascinating extras including a six-part tour from conception to completion of filmmaking this definitive set makes what Variety called a "genuinely spectacular" film even more so!

An epic marvel that's as beautifully acted as it is visually awesome, Kingdom of Heaven stars Orlando Bloom as Balian, a Jerusalem blacksmith who has lost his family and his faith. But when his father (Liam Neeson) shows him his destiny, Balian vows to defend his country, and in the process, falls in love, becomes a formidable leader, and steps forever into history

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Exceptional Movie.......2007-09-01

The extended DVD set is definitely more than worth the price. The acting, sets, and action are exceptional. Its a pity that the studio decided to shorten this movie for the cinematic release. But this extended version does justice to Sir Ridley Scott's brilliant creation. We have enjoyed this version immensely and we cannot say enough good things about it.
Leonor Muller & Jose Muniz.

4 out of 5 stars nice one.......2007-08-10

the BD version had a very nice and clear HD vision, it's really good about the physical side, but I am not quite like the story. it's just like other history movies.

4 out of 5 stars Pristine.......2007-08-06

The blu ray version of this film is pristine! This is the director's cut version and well worth the price! This feature explains the story and background much better than the theatrical version. Plus you get the best possible sound there is. All in all this movie entertains and is historically accurate! Very nice eye candy!!!

5 out of 5 stars Theatrical edits happen all the time..........2007-08-02

Theatrical edits happen all the time, the result often being that we feel a little lost. The story might make an abrupt jump from scene A to scene D, skipping B and C because those scenes just didn't make it into the time budget.

In most cases, I wait to buy the extended version or Director's Cut for that very reason. In this case, though, I'm glad I bought both. Together, they let me see what I believe is the most masterful theatrical edit ever done.

When you watch the Director's Cut, you'll discover a story arc completely left out in the theatrical release. It's not a trivial, throwaway story, either. It's absolutely critical to understanding the context and motivation for Guy de Lusignan's machinations and his obsession with marrying Sibylla.

That the story fell out in the edits does not surprise me. I am awed, though, by how surgically Scott handled things without leaving a glaring hole in the film. He stitched together dialogue, scenes, and transitions seamlessly, removing a line's original meaning while twisting it in the edit, bridging a gap so solidly that you don't notice its absence.

Even -after- watching the Director's Cut, I go back to the theatrical release and see it as its own movie, not just an incomplete, botched studio edit.

If you are only willing to buy one copy of this movie, buy the Director's Cut, by all means. It is worth every dime, and then some. If you're a student of film (amateur or professional, either one,) then I -urge- you to buy both and study them as an exemplar of the "graceful degradation" concept applied to cinema.

5 out of 5 stars Perfect HD Transfer!.......2007-07-29

Although this Blu-Ray edition does not have the supplements as the normal DVD version, it is still worth the buy. If you are just getting into the Blu-Ray family, this movie will make you proud. Not only is the picture & sound quality amazing but the movie itself is great. I have notice not all Blu-Ray movie tranfers are amazing due to which studio is doing the transfers. So far in my experience, 20 Century Fox Blu-Ray movies look the best hands down! And this movie is by that studio. So do not be shy, get out there Blu-Ray family and purchase this film, well worth the Buck!
Kingdom of Heaven (2-Disc Widescreen Edition)
Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  • Entertaining piece of fiction...but where's the prequel?
  • Kingdom of Heaven
  • Add to your collection
  • Good movie, despite the agenda
  • A Summer Action Flick With A Brain
 Kingdom of Heaven (2-Disc Widescreen Edition)
Starring: Orlando Bloom , Michael Sheen , Nathalie Cox , Eriq Ebouaney , and Jouko Ahola
Director: Ridley Scott
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

GeneralGeneral | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video
Ridley ScottRidley Scott | Action Directors | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video
GeneralGeneral | British Cinema | By Country | Art House & International | Genres | DVD | Video
Csokas, MartonCsokas, Marton | ( C ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Gleeson, BrendanGleeson, Brendan | ( G ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
McKidd, KevinMcKidd, Kevin | ( M ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Neeson, LiamNeeson, Liam | ( N ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Thewlis, DavidThewlis, David | ( T ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Topic, VeliborTopic, Velibor | ( T ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Scott, RidleyScott, Ridley | ( S ) | Directors | Stores | DVD | Video
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ASIN: B000AARKOO
Release Date: 2005-10-11

Amazon.com

It's hard to believe Ridley Scott's handsome epic won't become the cinematic touchstone of the Crusades for years to come. Kingdom of Heaven is greater than the sum of its parts, delivering a vital, mostly engrossing tale following Balian (Orlando Bloom), a lonely French blacksmith who discovers he's a noble heir and takes his father's (Liam Neeson) place in the center of the universe circa 1184: Jerusalem. Here, grand battles and backdoor politics are key as Scott and first-time screenwriter William Monahan fashion an excellent storyline to tackle the centuries-long conflict. Two forward-thinking kings, Baldwin (Edward Norton in an uncredited yet substantial role) and Saladin (Ghassan Massoud), hold an uneasy truce between Christians (who hold the city) and Muslims while factions champ at the bit for blood. There are good and evildoers on both sides, with the Knights Templar taking the brunt of the blame; Balian plans to find his soul while protecting Baldwin and the people. The look of the film, as nearly everything is from Scott, is impressive: his CGI-infused battle scenes rival the LOTR series and, with cinematographer John Mathieson, create postcard beauty with snowy French forests and the vast desert (filmed in Morocco and Spain). An excellent supporting cast, including Jeremy Irons, Brendan Gleeson, and David Thewlis, also help make the head and heart of the film work. Many critics pointed out that Bloom doesn't have the gravitas of Russell Crowe in the lead (then again, who does?), but it's the underdeveloped character and not the actor that hurts the film and impacts its power. Balian isn't given much more to do than be sullen and give an occasional big speech, alongside his perplexing abilities for warfare tactics and his wandering moral compass (whose sole purpose seems to be to put a love scene in the movie). Note: all the major characters except Neeson's are based on fact, but many are heavily fictionalized. --Doug Thomas

Description

From Ridley Scott, the visionary director of Black Hawk Down and Gladiator, comes this spectacular epic of courage, honor and adventure. Orlando Bloom stars as Balian, a young Frenchman in Medieval Jerusalem during the Crusades, who, having lost everything, finds redemption in a heroic fight against overwhelming forces to save his people and fulfill his destiny as a knight.

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars Entertaining piece of fiction...but where's the prequel?.......2007-09-14

Ridley Scott is a talented filmmaker but, as any historian knows, this movie is a work of fiction based very loosely on some historical events.

And when's the prequel coming out?? When will Mr. Scott favor us with a rousing rendition of the real first "crusade" when invading Muslims conquered Jerusalem from the Byzantines in 638AD under Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattâb? Jerusalem fell only after Umar had taken Mesopotamia and parts of Persia from the Sassanids and taken Egypt, Palestine, Syria, North Africa and Armenia from the Byzantines.

Surely Mr. Scott knows, as does any high-schooler who can read history, that the Christian "crusades" were in response to growing mistreatment of Christians in Jerusalem and pilgrims on the road to Jerusalem, perceived or real.

So, Mr. Scott: please favor us with your enormous talents in making the prequel!

5 out of 5 stars Kingdom of Heaven.......2007-09-05

It is not often that I do come across a movie that deals with my favorite point in history (the Dark Ages to the Middle Ages). I have thoroughly enjoyed watching this movie. The actors were absolutely wonderful. The dramatization of the history, and the characters was absolutely superb.

4 out of 5 stars Add to your collection.......2007-08-26

Great movie about the fall of Jerusalem and the end of the first Crusade.


Corey Cotta, Author of All of Yesterdays Tomorrows.

4 out of 5 stars Good movie, despite the agenda.......2007-08-05

This is the second time I watch this movie (original theatrical release), and I enjoyed it more than the first time.

The director makes a real effort to be faithful to the historical and cultural settings. Unfortunately, every now and then his own modern concerns creep in as distracting, distorting, and ultimately useless anachronisms.

For example, the director goes out of his way to convey his own negative views of the hierarchy of the Christian Church (and/or of religious authority): The character of the bishop of Jerusalen (strangely dressed in white) is useless (or wasted) due to yet another Hollywood movie that chooses to portray bishops as self-serving hypocrites (yawn!).

His portrayal of religious "fanaticism" (a modern concept) is unbalanced and unnuanced (both within the Christian camp, and in comparison to the Muslim side). Fortunately, Scott does include the character of the soldier-priest who mentors Bloom's character, and gives him sound and wise spiritual advice. Unfortunately, the warrior-priest character appears only 3 or 4 times.

There are also some implausible situations (like when the Christian defendors of Jerusalem celebrate their surrendering the city).

I do think that Orlando Bloom was not the best choice for this role. I do like the guy, but here he lacks the gravitas that the role demanded. Even his walking looked excessively "teeny", youthful, like the walk of some surfer boy trying to get the chicks to look at him. The leather trousers didn't help either.

I'm exaggerating, of course. But the point is that Orlando Bloom doesn't have (yet) the dramatic skill and presence that this type of movie demands (this movie is no "Pirates of the Caribbean", you know).

Overall, there's plenty to savor in this movie. If we put our imagination to work, we can move past the anachronisms and out-of-place criticisms the director forces on us, and enjoy the movie as if we were right there, defending the city. I'm looking forward to watching the director's cut.

5 out of 5 stars A Summer Action Flick With A Brain.......2007-06-19

The action never stops and it's just tons of fun. The special effects are insane. It's a summer action flick with a brain.
Kingdom of Heaven (2-Disc Full-Screen Edition)
Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  • Entertaining piece of fiction...but where's the prequel?
  • Kingdom of Heaven
  • Add to your collection
  • Good movie, despite the agenda
  • A Summer Action Flick With A Brain
 Kingdom of Heaven (2-Disc Full-Screen Edition)
Starring: Martin Hancock , Michael Sheen , Nathalie Cox , Eriq Ebouaney , and Jouko Ahola
Director: Ridley Scott
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

GeneralGeneral | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video
Ridley ScottRidley Scott | Action Directors | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video
GeneralGeneral | British Cinema | By Country | Art House & International | Genres | DVD | Video
Csokas, MartonCsokas, Marton | ( C ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Gleeson, BrendanGleeson, Brendan | ( G ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
McKidd, KevinMcKidd, Kevin | ( M ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Neeson, LiamNeeson, Liam | ( N ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Thewlis, DavidThewlis, David | ( T ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Topic, VeliborTopic, Velibor | ( T ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Scott, RidleyScott, Ridley | ( S ) | Directors | Stores | DVD | Video
All Fox TitlesAll Fox Titles | 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment | Studio Specials | Stores | DVD | Video
GeneralGeneral | Action | 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment | Studio Specials | Stores | DVD | Video
DVDs Under $20DVDs Under $20 | Fox DVD Budget Store | 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment | Studio Specials | Stores | DVD | Video
GeneralGeneral | British Cinema | Foreign & International | Stores | DVD | Video
HistoryHistory | By Theme | Foreign & International | Stores | DVD | Video
( K )( K ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
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  1. Batman Begins [HD DVD] Batman Begins [HD DVD]
  2. Star Wars - Episode III, Revenge of the Sith (Widescreen Edition) Star Wars - Episode III, Revenge of the Sith (Widescreen Edition)
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  4. Mr. & Mrs. Smith (Widescreen Edition) Mr. & Mrs. Smith (Widescreen Edition)
  5. King Kong (Widescreen Edition) King Kong (Widescreen Edition)

ASIN: B000AARKO4
Release Date: 2005-10-11

Amazon.com

It's hard to believe Ridley Scott's handsome epic won't become the cinematic touchstone of the Crusades for years to come. Kingdom of Heaven is greater than the sum of its parts, delivering a vital, mostly engrossing tale following Balian (Orlando Bloom), a lonely French blacksmith who discovers he's a noble heir and takes his father's (Liam Neeson) place in the center of the universe circa 1184: Jerusalem. Here, grand battles and backdoor politics are key as Scott and first-time screenwriter William Monahan fashion an excellent storyline to tackle the centuries-long conflict. Two forward-thinking kings, Baldwin (Edward Norton in an uncredited yet substantial role) and Saladin (Ghassan Massoud), hold an uneasy truce between Christians (who hold the city) and Muslims while factions champ at the bit for blood. There are good and evildoers on both sides, with the Knights Templar taking the brunt of the blame; Balian plans to find his soul while protecting Baldwin and the people. The look of the film, as nearly everything is from Scott, is impressive: his CGI-infused battle scenes rival the LOTR series and, with cinematographer John Mathieson, create postcard beauty with snowy French forests and the vast desert (filmed in Morocco and Spain). An excellent supporting cast, including Jeremy Irons, Brendan Gleeson, and David Thewlis, also help make the head and heart of the film work. Many critics pointed out that Bloom doesn't have the gravitas of Russell Crowe in the lead (then again, who does?), but it's the underdeveloped character and not the actor that hurts the film and impacts its power. Balian isn't given much more to do than be sullen and give an occasional big speech, alongside his perplexing abilities for warfare tactics and his wandering moral compass (whose sole purpose seems to be to put a love scene in the movie). Note: all the major characters except Neeson's are based on fact, but many are heavily fictionalized. --Doug Thomas

Description

From Ridley Scott, the visionary director of Black Hawk Down and Gladiator, comes this spectacular epic of courage, honor and adventure. Orlando Bloom stars as Balian, a young Frenchman in Medieval Jerusalem during the Crusades, who, having lost everything, finds redemption in a heroic fight against overwhelming forces to save his people and fulfill his destiny as a knight.

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars Entertaining piece of fiction...but where's the prequel?.......2007-09-14

Ridley Scott is a talented filmmaker but, as any historian knows, this movie is a work of fiction based very loosely on some historical events.

And when's the prequel coming out?? When will Mr. Scott favor us with a rousing rendition of the real first "crusade" when invading Muslims conquered Jerusalem from the Byzantines in 638AD under Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattâb? Jerusalem fell only after Umar had taken Mesopotamia and parts of Persia from the Sassanids and taken Egypt, Palestine, Syria, North Africa and Armenia from the Byzantines.

Surely Mr. Scott knows, as does any high-schooler who can read history, that the Christian "crusades" were in response to growing mistreatment of Christians in Jerusalem and pilgrims on the road to Jerusalem, perceived or real.

So, Mr. Scott: please favor us with your enormous talents in making the prequel!

5 out of 5 stars Kingdom of Heaven.......2007-09-05

It is not often that I do come across a movie that deals with my favorite point in history (the Dark Ages to the Middle Ages). I have thoroughly enjoyed watching this movie. The actors were absolutely wonderful. The dramatization of the history, and the characters was absolutely superb.

4 out of 5 stars Add to your collection.......2007-08-26

Great movie about the fall of Jerusalem and the end of the first Crusade.


Corey Cotta, Author of All of Yesterdays Tomorrows.

4 out of 5 stars Good movie, despite the agenda.......2007-08-05

This is the second time I watch this movie (original theatrical release), and I enjoyed it more than the first time.

The director makes a real effort to be faithful to the historical and cultural settings. Unfortunately, every now and then his own modern concerns creep in as distracting, distorting, and ultimately useless anachronisms.

For example, the director goes out of his way to convey his own negative views of the hierarchy of the Christian Church (and/or of religious authority): The character of the bishop of Jerusalen (strangely dressed in white) is useless (or wasted) due to yet another Hollywood movie that chooses to portray bishops as self-serving hypocrites (yawn!).

His portrayal of religious "fanaticism" (a modern concept) is unbalanced and unnuanced (both within the Christian camp, and in comparison to the Muslim side). Fortunately, Scott does include the character of the soldier-priest who mentors Bloom's character, and gives him sound and wise spiritual advice. Unfortunately, the warrior-priest character appears only 3 or 4 times.

There are also some implausible situations (like when the Christian defendors of Jerusalem celebrate their surrendering the city).

I do think that Orlando Bloom was not the best choice for this role. I do like the guy, but here he lacks the gravitas that the role demanded. Even his walking looked excessively "teeny", youthful, like the walk of some surfer boy trying to get the chicks to look at him. The leather trousers didn't help either.

I'm exaggerating, of course. But the point is that Orlando Bloom doesn't have (yet) the dramatic skill and presence that this type of movie demands (this movie is no "Pirates of the Caribbean", you know).

Overall, there's plenty to savor in this movie. If we put our imagination to work, we can move past the anachronisms and out-of-place criticisms the director forces on us, and enjoy the movie as if we were right there, defending the city. I'm looking forward to watching the director's cut.

5 out of 5 stars A Summer Action Flick With A Brain.......2007-06-19

The action never stops and it's just tons of fun. The special effects are insane. It's a summer action flick with a brain.
Empires - Holy Warriors: Richard the Lionheart & Saladin
Average customer rating: 3 out of 5 stars
  • Rather shallow
  • Empires - Holy Warriors: Richard the Lionheart & Saladin
  • Well crafted with small amounts of bias
  • i enjoyed this
  • An Engaging, Well-Done Account of the Shown-Down Between Saladin & Richard I
 Empires - Holy Warriors: Richard the Lionheart & Saladin
Starring: Holy Warriors
Manufacturer: PBS Paramount
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ASIN: B000ADWCX0
Release Date: 2005-10-11

Customer Reviews:

2 out of 5 stars Rather shallow.......2007-09-06

I've seen some superb productions in the Empires "series". Holy Warriors, however, is not one of them. To keep this short, I will just say that much of the film consists of slow-motion scenes of Richard, Saladin, or battles, while the voice over narrator gravely and dramatically intones his explanations of what we are seeing. Even the scholary comments by the academics don't seem to be able to contribute much to the story line. This documentary is a disappointing and rather superficial treatment of a great historical story.

3 out of 5 stars Empires - Holy Warriors: Richard the Lionheart & Saladin.......2007-05-13

A sobering documentary in light of the current state of world politics.

3 out of 5 stars Well crafted with small amounts of bias.......2006-11-04

I appreciated the style of the movie and thought it engaging, entertaining, and visually excellent. However, I disagree with the other reviewers that claim the movie is biased in favor of Richard the Lionheart. The cover of the dvd case states that Richard earned the name Lionheart "as much for his murderous brutality as for his chivalry." Saladin is contrasted from the outset for his "mercy towards the crusaders in contrast to the demonized caricature of popular modern-day Western myth." It seems that the intention of the DVD was to show Richard as more cruel than chivalrous and Saladin as more compassionate than cruel. The intent is therefore obvious and is carried throughout the movie that casts most blame for the crusades/bloodshed on westerners and the intolerance of Christianity. Richard, and westerners in general, compared far less favorably to the enlightened, more tolerant Muslims and Saladin. It was the Christian crusaders that intolerantly slaughtered the inhabitants of Jerusalem in the first crusade. It was Richard that slaughtered 6000 prisoners of war at Acre (as if over a delay in the negotiations for the true cross). Saladin is pictured as much more honourable and thoughtful. It was Saladin that showed the "moral superiority" of his religion by not slaughtering the inhabitants of Jerusalem. This was a not so veiled jab at the West's current political situation. It is quite possibe that Saladin only fairs less favorably to his own idealized reputation as a reluctant peaceful warrior. Both men sought power politically and both men coveted Jerusalem for religious and political reasons. It is quite obvious that the film did not set out to portray Richard as a brave chilvalrous man only wishing to please God. I think the DVD comes under fire more for its attempt at showing both men as political, religious products of their time than the men that we wish them to be--morally superior extentions of our own traditions.

5 out of 5 stars i enjoyed this.......2006-07-12

i really loved this documentary, i don't pretend to be a scholar in either islamic or christian propaganda, but just really enjoyed the theatrical presentation of two men that history has lumped together forever. i think a lot of the other "reviewers" missed the point. this isn't about the crusades or religion, its about two men tied together by history and popular myth, for good or bad Richard the lionheart and saladin are like cats and dogs, peanutbutter and jelly, and yes, pickles and motor oil!!! well, maybe not pickles and motor oil.

5 out of 5 stars An Engaging, Well-Done Account of the Shown-Down Between Saladin & Richard I.......2006-05-09

I found this documentary very compelling and well done. I particularly liked the actors who they cast in the roles of Saladin and Richard I (the Lionhearted). They looked perfect for their parts. The visuals were beautiful, there were some unnerving make-up (or dummy) special effects, and the narrator was easy to understand.

I disagree with those who thought that the documentary was biased in favor of Richard I. Most of the historical commentators in the documentary were Arabic and greatly favored Saladin's position, and even one of the English commentators said that Saladin was far more noble than Richard; that they came from "different worlds," that Islam is about tolerance, and that Christianity was very intolerant at that period in history, and that Saladin was too noble to comprehend Richard's brand of dirty fighting. They also glossed over the massacre of the survivors of the Battle of Hattin, but gave a fair amount of time to the massacre of the 3000 Muslims of Acre.

From what I have heard of Saladin and Richard, Saladin probably really was more humanistic than Richard, and the Crusades were not the highest point in Christian tolerance (not that it was the high point in Muslim tolerance either), and I think that this documentary makes it very clear which religious group attacked the other first, and who was nobler of the two great military leaders. Neither the Christians nor their leader look very good in this documentary.

In light of a certain amount of anti-Muslim sentiment in the West following 9/11 and the attacks in Europe, and the ensuing war, it is understandable that the makers of the documentary would look back on the Crusades and find fault in Western behavior. I just find it strange that so many commentators actually thought it biased in favor of Richard I.

The Crusades were a very morally troubling period for both sides to the conflict. There were noble leaders who arose in the midst of it, but no one national, ethnic, or religious group was free of blame for the bloody path that it took. This documentary, like many others produced by Westerners, turns the bulk of the criticism inwardly, and examines the role played by Europe in perpetuating the conflict.
The Holy Land Revealed
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Awesome DVD
  • Experience the Holy Land at your home !!!
  • Worthwhile effort.
 The Holy Land Revealed
Starring: Holy Land Revealed
Manufacturer: Delta
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00013WWPC
Release Date: 2004-01-12

Description

See where Jesus of Nazareth lived and preached a message that reached out across eternity, radiating from the Sea of Galilee and its fertile mountains to parched southern deserts, from the rolling hills of Samaria to the sacred slopes of Jerusalem. Experience the wonder of a visit to the sites that to this day bear witness to Jesus' life and work. Learn how the entire sweep of biblical history points to the future of this glorious land, from the days of the Patriarchs and Matriarchs to the reign of Israel's Kings, the era of Roman and Byzantine rule, the Crusader Kingdom and right up to modern times.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Awesome DVD.......2006-07-17

This is a great DVD which covers the entire Holy Land. I'm really happy that I purchased this DVD, It's simply the best.

5 out of 5 stars Experience the Holy Land at your home !!!.......2004-10-06

If you ever wanted to experience the Holy Land of Israel - the land of Jesus Christ and the prophets, sitting at your home, you couldn't have asked for a better DVD. I have seen many DVDs on the Holy Land, but this one really ranks as the best. Capturing the essence of the Holy Land, this spectacular DVD makes the sights and sounds of the Holy Land come alive. Exciting and informative, it carries you on a journey back in time and retraces from the beginning to Jesus and up until today, many of the important places and events in the Bible. There are locations of Old Testament like Beer Sheba, Hebron, Egypt, Jericho, Mt. Carmel, Jaffa, Ashkelon - to name a few. The tombs of Patriarchs and Matriarchs of Old Testament are also shown in the DVD. A major portion of the DVD has been devoted to the places of New Testament. The documentary exhibits many churches erected throughout the Holy Land marking special events described in the New Testament which attract millions of pilgrims all over the world. One can stand in faith to witness the star of Bethlehem (the traditional place where Jesus is said to have been born) in the holy cave beneath the Church of Nativity in Bethlehem. One can stand in awe and set his eyes on the streets of Via Dolorosa, the path Jesus followed carrying His cross and the Calvary where Jesus was crucified. One can stand up and praise the Lord while looking upon at the empty tomb of Jesus. There are many important places shown (like Lazarus's tomb, Garden of Gethsemane, Mount of Olives, the room of Lord Supper etc.) connected with the life of Jesus that I think every Christian must be a witness to. The documentary not only ends after Jesus but also goes further on to describe the important events happened in the history of Holy Land right up to the freedom of the state of Israel in 1948. At this time, I am reminded of the famous reply Philip gave to Nathanael in John 1:46 when the latter asked him whether any good thing could come out of Nazareth. Philip simply replied "Come and see". Well friends, this DVD is definitely worth seeing. Buy this title and share it with everybody. I certainly hope that this DVD will prove to be as much a blessing to you as it has been to me!!!

PS - To experience the Holy Land of Israel with all its majestic landscape in a hardcover, I strongly recommend the beautiful book "Images of the Holy Land" by the Israeli photographer Hanan Isachar (ISBN: 9652800856). Further, if you are genuinely interested to know about amazing discoveries on Noah's Ark, Real Mount Sinai, Red Sea Crossing Site, Sodom & Gomorrah and Ark of the Covenant, I strongly recommend that you go to the website of Wyatt Musuem which has all these discoveries covered on DVDs (just search it on any search engine like yahoo or google. Unable to mention it due to restrictions).

4 out of 5 stars Worthwhile effort........2004-05-21

I am happy with my purchase of this DVD. It tells the entire bible story, (from old testament, thru the time of Jesus, up to today), with moving picture depiction of the places biblical events occured and what is there now (many times a church). There were a couple things I thought werent perfect: at times the visual image was a bit digitally choppy and not fully clear; and, sometimes the narration was simply scriptural and I wasnt sure what we were seeing on the screen. But, overall, I believe it is an excellent effort, and a worthwhile purchase. After viewing it, I felt I had experienced a thorough tour of the Holy Land and it's history, with emphasis on Jesus.
Kingdom of Heaven (UMD Mini For PSP)
Average customer rating: 3 out of 5 stars
  • Disappointing! Not what I expected. Average.
 Kingdom of Heaven (UMD Mini For PSP)
Starring: Giannina Facio , Jon Finch , Brendan Gleeson , Iain Glen , and Philip Glenister
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: UMD for PSP

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ASIN: B000AARKOY
Release Date: 2005-10-11

Description

From Ridley Scott, the visionary director of Black Hawk Down and Gladiator, comes this spectacular epic of courage, honor and adventure. Orlando Bloom stars as Balian, a young Frenchman in Medieval Jerusalem during the Crusades, who, having lost everything, finds redemption in a heroic fight against overwhelming forces to save his people and fulfill his destiny as a knight.

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars Disappointing! Not what I expected. Average........2007-05-08

I guess I just expected too much before I watched this film. I am a student of medieval history, the crusades, and the Templars and I expected an intelligent film (which Ridley Scott usually produces). What I saw was an anti-war "epic" wanna-be.
The acting was OK. The battle scenes decent. The editing and camera work well done. The problem was the story. Historically, the film was surprisingly accurate, but the characters were not believable in this time period; specifically Orlando Bloom's character.
It was like a 20th (or now 21st) century man thrown in to a world of political, religious and social disorder. The time of the crusades was one of fanaticism based on beliefs that the only way to heaven was by being absolved of sin; the catholic church in their greed to rule the world, set out in a bloody conquest to destroy the Jews and Muslims in the Holy Land and the only way that they could get commoners to participate was to promise that heaven awaited them on the other side.
This was the dark ages (called that because it was before the age of enlightenment), a time when most people couldn't read, and even if they could, didn't have anything to read because everything was in latin, including the bible. People had to believe what the pope told them. If they didn't believe the pope, they had to do what their feudal lords told them to do (because the lords would have them arrested, killed, homeless, wifeless or childless if they didn't).
Essentially, this film tries to prove that men had free will in the dark/middle ages and history proves that this is not possible. Just as we cannot understand what it was like to live during the revolutionary war, the civil war, the hundred years war, or any other war from a previous time period, we cannot understand the massive, sweeping lack of power possessed by the individual during the time of the crusades. Only monarchs and clergy had power at this time and only they had the potential for understanding the political, religious climate of the day.
Even educated people of the time were stupid in the world of international relations because everything back then was based on personal greed, personal gain of the church and the monarchs.

Now, so far as those of you who claim that the movie is christian bashing, let me say this. DO SOME RESEARCH!!! The dark ages was a horrible time for the church, the catholic church especially. The church was controlled by evil men with agendas that did not include glorifying God. Heresy and Simony were rampant in and out of the church.

OK, so you don't care about the accuracy, and you just want a good action movie that takes place in the dark ages. Well then, this movie is for you.
It actually was a good movie with good acting and a good script. The problem that I have is that it just isn't believable with what I know about the time period. Had I not known about the time period, I probably would have rated the film higher.

So, in the end, what you have with this is a film that seems to be trying to make a point; that war is pointless. WELL, WE KNOW THAT. LOOK AT IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN.

What I don't understand is why this movie was made. It is entertaining, but at what cost. It does nothing to explain the period, the mistakes of the past. It is propaganda. I know, I expect too much. I will grant you that. Do what you will with this review, but I was let down by this movie. Too bad, really. It could have been a great movie.
Charlotte Church - In Jerusalem
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Almost Perfect
  • A wonderful but slightly imperfect Charlotte concert DVD
  • Not too remarkable lighting and fast chatter sink concert
  • Disgusting
  • Charlotte Chruch at her best!!!
 Charlotte Church - In Jerusalem
Starring: Charlotte Church , Marina Blumin , Uri Myles , and Julian Smith
Director: Kriss Russman
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00005AUGM
Release Date: 2001-04-03

Amazon.com

Continuing the pilgrimage she began in her 2000 Christmas video, Dream a Dream: Charlotte Church in the Holy Land, the Welsh singing sensation performs a live concert from the Tower of David in Jerusalem. While no longer a 12-year-old cherub, the teenage Church retains her youthful giddiness as she breathlessly introduces numerous songs from her recording career--Parry's "Jerusalem," Puccini's "O Mio Babbino Caro," Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Pie Jesu" (in a duet with Marina Blumen), and the appropriate closer, Stephen Adams's "The Holy City." Uri Miles ("the only Uillean piper in Israel") accompanies "Last Rose of Summer," and the Cantus Choir backs up "The Lord's Prayer" and "Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer." Conductor Julian Smith and the Ra'anana Symphonette Orchestra perform brief orchestral interludes from Carmen and Cavalleria Rusticana, during which Church is shown rehearsing and preparing for the concert (in fast motion), then visiting various parts of the city. In fine voice, Church is always respectful, even reverential of her surroundings, and the concert setting, with the stone walls lit against the night sky, is nothing less than stunning. --David Horiuchi

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Almost Perfect.......2006-01-27

Charlotte outdoes herself in this concert. Of course she had the help of a fabulous orchestra and conductor. I think that her voice was starting to mature around the time of this concert. She didn't always hit the notes right on (off by a mere half-note), but she always corrected herself. Despite all of that, every song was sung beautifully. Ave Maria is my favorite, with the breeze toying with her gorgeous hair as she sings her heart out.

There is no doubt that Charlotte has worked very hard on her breathing and vocal techniques, which are an improvement from Voice of an Angel. The only part I didn't like was the duet with the Marina girl. Marina had this terrible expression on her face, and sings equally bad and bland. Charlotte can't help but outshine Marina. I always skip this song. I also thought that the silent film playing during intercession could have been made into an extra feature for the DVD. There was one point where it looked like Charlotte was giving an interview; I would have loved to see that on the DVD.

I'm not making any excuses for Charlotte only being 15 during this recording. This is her best classical performance, and she knows exactly what she's doing. I give Char 5 stars for her performance, but the lack of features on the DVD and Marina person take it down to 4.

4 out of 5 stars A wonderful but slightly imperfect Charlotte concert DVD.......2004-12-24

Charlotte Church in Jerusalem is a wonderful concert performed in the shadows of the Tower of David in Jerusalem, and Charlotte is in fine voice throughout, but a couple of things make this my least favorite of Charlotte's concert DVDs. It's relatively short for one thing, clocking in at just 49 minutes - and that includes two orchestra intermissions. For another thing, the lighting is just horrible - maybe it looked great in person, but on video the stage is lit by some very harsh red and blue lights that oftentimes make Charlotte's tongue appear to be blue.

Despite its faults, though, this DVD does give us the always-impressive Charlotte Church singing a number of classical and religious songs, most of which can be found on her second, self-titled album. Singing in such a historically important setting, Charlotte performs with great reverence and grace. She is accompanied by the Ra'anana Symphonette Orchestra under the direction of Julian Smith, and the Chamber Cantus Choir joins her on two songs. There seemed to be a minor timing issue with the chorus on one song, but the orchestra is superb. Uri Miles, possibly Israel's only Uilleann Pipes player, lends an appropriately Irish sound to the song Last Rose of Summer, and Marina Blumen joins Charlotte to sing Pie Jesu. Blumen is greatly overshadowed by Charlotte, who had really settled in to her performance by that point. There are two intermissions, which seems rather strange given the short length of the DVD itself, but the orchestra fills the gaps wonderfully, especially with two selections from Bizet's Carmen.

My favorite songs are, not surprisingly, the ones sung in English. The Lord's Prayer is a beautiful song that Charlotte always sings with great feeling, and she quickly follows up with a powerful version of Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer. Ave Maria is another stand-out selection, followed closely by La Pastorella and Plaisir d'amour. Having begun the concert, appropriately enough, with the song Jerusalem, Charlotte concludes by singing The Holy City, which she soon reprises before calling it a night.

The DVD doesn't come with many bonus features. There is a discography of Charlotte CDs and videos, a set of pictures from Charlotte's time in Jerusalem (but the concert itself features a number of video shots of Charlotte touring the city), and - my favorite - a music video for Dream a Dream (featuring Billy Gilman). I absolutely love this particular song, so the inclusion of the video earns much appreciation from this Charlotte fan.

All in all, this is a wonderful DVD; I just wish it were longer and featured more flattering lighting. I would rank this last among Charlotte's DVDs, but that does not mean Charlotte Church in Jerusalem is not worth watching. Devoted fans like myself will definitely want to add this title to their collection.

4 out of 5 stars Not too remarkable lighting and fast chatter sink concert.......2003-12-26

Charlotte's first concert video had her playing at the Brixton Academy in the UK. That was fine, she was full of poise and confidence for a pre-teenager. In doing a concert in Jerusalem, she nearly retains the same poise. No, her vocalizations are perfect; it's inbetween songs that she talks at a clip, belying an apparent nervousness at playing at the Tower of David. After all, it's a very historic site, and maybe the awe that place inspires got to her. Fortunately for her, she doesn't sing as fast as she talks, otherwise this would be a short video, plus it might've been retitled The Chipmunk In Jerusalem. But it's okay--she turned to full form by the time the Enchantment concert in Cardiff was filmed.

Seriously though, all but four songs are taken from Charlotte's self-titled sophomore release. The first of the two is the song she leads off with, "Jerusalem," part of the epic written by poet William Blake, which begins, "And did these feet in ancient times, walk upon England's mountain green."

One of Charlotte's little speeches involves her favourite instrument, the Uillean pipes, which has a sound like a bagpipe except less shrill, and which has been used by Enya and the Corrs, to name at least two Celtic artists. Uri Miles was the only Uillean pipe player they could find in Jerusalem, and he plays on "The Last Rose Of Summer" after giving the crowd a brief demonstration. Hey, at least it floated Charlotte's boat.

There are two intermissions here. During the first, the orchestra playing selections from Georges Bizet's Carmen is intercut with silent footage of preparations for the concert, including soundmen, light people, choreographer, the orchestra, Charlotte of course, and Marina Blumen, who comes out briefly later. In the second, the orchestra plays the Intermezzo Cavalleria Rusticana, while footage of Charlotte walking the streets of the city, wearing a blue dress and purple headscarf, and ordinary citizens of Jerusalem are seen.

Her signature tune "Pie Jesu" is done with Marina Blumen, and here we see the use of second banana done to a tee. Charlotte's clearly the glamorous star, slender, pretty, wearing her sleeveless magenta dress, and having a superior singing voice while Marina, round-faced, taller, a pit on the portly side and wearing a black outfit, pales beside her, vocally as well. Paging Gwillem Evans... (the kid who duetted with her on the first concert video).

She ends her set appropriately enough with "The Holy City," which she reprises the last verse as an encore. She is clearly at her best and most radiant here.

The Ra'anana Symphonette Orchestra led by Julian Smith do a bang on job, as do the Cantus Choir when they back her up in "The Lord's Prayer" and "Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer," which is one of the better songs here.

However, the lighting isn't anything to shout home about, and she could've done a few more songs that used the choir more. One other oddity. Despite sporting nice long-sleeved pink dress on the video cover, she never wears it during the concert. Other than that, her voice is perfect, even if her rapid-fire talking gets a bit distracting.

1 out of 5 stars Disgusting.......2003-01-30

Ms. Church does not have a good voice at all....which I expected the opposite of according to all the rave reviews I've been hearing from the media.

5 out of 5 stars Charlotte Chruch at her best!!!.......2002-08-11

Charlotte Church spreads her wings... HIGH in the sky as he sings at the ever History place... in the Holy Land to film her wonderfully done live show. Not much to say on this but "Hey it's Charlotte Chruch and she is a great singer!
James' Journey to Jerusalem
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Cinematic Mastery is What It Is
  • Should have been better
  • Real Life in Israel
  • James is no frayer...
  • a funny poigant satiric slice of life film set in Israel
 James' Journey to Jerusalem
Starring: Gregory Tal , Salim Daw , Arie Elias , Hugh Masebenza , and Siyabonga Melongisi Shibe
Director: Ra'anan Alexandrowicz
Manufacturer: Zeitgeist Films
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0002RQ2VW
Release Date: 2004-09-28

Description

A cannily droll mix of social commentary and modern fairy tale, Israeli filmmaker Ra'anan Alexandrowicz's debut feature follows the adventures of James, a devout Christian making a pilgrimage from his African village to the Holy Land. He becomes part of the migrant labor workforce in Tel Aviv and pursues his religious quest—until he gets a little taste of fortune by turning the tables on his employers. With a moving and charismatic performance by South African actor Siyabonga Melongisi Shibe, JAMES' JOURNEY TO JERUSALEM is an astute exploration of the economic, moral and spiritual hypocrisies of Western society filtered through an evocative portrait of modern Israel's cultural and generational divisions.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Cinematic Mastery is What It Is.......2007-05-04

"James' Journey to Jerusalem" is a true classic. It is well written and equally well acted. What I appreciate most about this film is that it provides an honest look at what it means to be an outsider in a strange land. Nothing is sugar-coated, so the reality may sting a bit for some viewers. However, that's what contributes to its charm.

Bottom line-- You will laugh, and you will cry. You need this in your life.

3 out of 5 stars Should have been better.......2005-12-25

The Israelis portrayed in the film are all crass, greedy, selfish, dishonest, exploitative, overweight slobs. What could have been an honest critique of materialistic capitalism and contemporary Israel degenerates into an apology for the Intifada, tinged with the stench of the Protocols of the Elders of Zion. I guess the hate group that bankrolled this film got what they wanted.

4 out of 5 stars Real Life in Israel.......2005-09-29

I found this to be an excellent movie depicting how things really are for a section of the Israeli population. James's introduction to life in Israel was an eye-opener for him, but he prevailed and learned how to make the situation work to his advantage. He returned to his native land having learned many lessons. Though they were not the lessons he had been sent to learn, they were certainly ones worth learning, This film is an excellent example of the new genre of Israeli films that take a look at real life and does it at a fast clip instead of the long drawn out approach of the last decade's directors.

3 out of 5 stars James is no frayer..........2005-09-07

Good story of innocence, corruption, and capitalist economies. Satirical black comedy w/an unexpected frayer in the end.

5 out of 5 stars a funny poigant satiric slice of life film set in Israel.......2005-08-08

With a soundtrack featuring music by Ehud Banai, Gil Smetana, and Noam Halevi, Mr. Alexandrowicz, who is known for his documentary, THE INNER TOUR, has recruited Siyabonga Melongisi Shibe and Hugh Masebenza from South Africa, to tell a witty story of NOT BEING A FRIAR/FRYER in Israel; the worst of fates.

A generation ago, a film based on Ephraim Kishon's SALLAH character, told the story of a Mizrahi Jewish immigrant to Israel who took the worst jobs and poked fun at Israeli society and the JNF. It is now the turn of these guest workers to do the same thing. And in this story, Sallah is now an old, fully absorbed, retired man, who can now take advantage of the people on the lowest immigration rung.

In this story, JAMES arrives at Ben Gurion Airport in Israel.. He is making pilgrimage to the Holy Land for his fictional township, Entshongweniin, in Africa, where he will become a spiritual leader upon his return. They think of Israel as the biblical place. He is immediately arrested as a presumed illegal worker (Actually, when one of the actor sarrived from South Africa to perform in the film, he was arrested and held at the Ben Gurion airport, assumed to be not a tourist but an illegal worker. He had to be bailed out.)

In the film, he prays for deliverance and gets miraculously bailed out; and his adventures as a indebted segregated worker and cleaner begin. Will he ever make it to Jerusalem? Or will he stay on the coastal plain to make more $$? Will his pastor take advantage of him? Or will he take advantage of others? Will his dashiki win out over a nice polo shirt and khakis? Will Shimi's father, Sallah, sell out to real estate interests?
The Holy Land
Average customer rating: 3 out of 5 stars
  • Disappointing experience
  • bad on so many levels
  • A powerful, if uneven, treatment of soul-searching among two very different Israeli youth.
  • Pleasing
  • Interesting plot....upsetting, predictable ending....
 The Holy Land
Starring: Oren Rehany , Tchelet Semel , Saul Stein , Albert Iluz , and Aryeh Moskona
Director: Eitan Gorlin
Manufacturer: Arts Alliance Amer
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0001Z3U92
Release Date: 2004-09-07

Product Description

Set in Israel, The Holy Land grittily portrays Mendy (Oren Rehany), a young rabbinical student who ventures outside the safety of his regimented religious life to experience the secular world. Mendy falls in love with Sasha (Tchelet Semel), a nineteen-year-old Russian prostitute he meets in Tel Aviv, but his love turns obsessive.

As he pursues Sasha, Mendy is befriended by Mike (Saul Stein), a former American war photographer who owns "Mike's Place," a Jerusalem dive bar where Jews and Arabs drink side by side. There Mendy meets Razi (Robert Illooz), an Arab wheeler and dealer and the colorful "Exterminator" (Arie Moskuna), an M-16 wielding American-born hard-line Jewish settler.

As Mendy becomes more and more involved with them, he begins to question his future and faith. But when Mike and Razi involve Mendy and Sasha in a shady smuggling scheme it proves to be the ultimate turning point in all their lives.


System Requirements:
  • Running Time 101 Min

    Format: DVD MOVIE

    Customer Reviews:

    3 out of 5 stars Disappointing experience.......2007-08-19

    The premise of this film actually had some promise. It features a rather unconventional quasi-love story and has the great added bonus of taking the viewer to parts of Israel that the average tourist doesn't even know about, like the seedy nightclubs and strip joints, the section of the Muslim Quarter known for being a Hamas area, and the places where the smuggling is taking place. The story starts out interestingly enough, when 20 year old Mendy is advised in a roundabout by one of his yeshiva teachers to go to a place where no one knows him and visit a harlot to get it all out of his system, and then he'll once more be able to concentrate on holiness. Little does the teacher know that Mendy grows fond of the life he begins making for himself in the outside world, as he works at Mike's Place, a bar where people from all walks of life congregate, and falls in love (or at least lust) with Sasha, a beautiful young prostitute who was brought from Russia to Israel via the booming white slave trade. While working at Mike's Place he also comes to meet a number of other colorful characters, such as the Messianic settler dubbed The Exterminator and Razi, an Arab involved in smuggling.

    However, the film seemed to be really uneven and slow-paced in many sections, and with a paper-thin plot. I didn't really sense just what the actual plot was supposed to be. What was supposed to be the conflict or the resolution? Where was the narrative? It was like a lot happened but none of it really contributed much to an actual structured plot. None of the characters seemed particularly likeable or sympathetic either, making it harder to get fully drawn into the story and to deeply care about them. I also didn't get much of a sense of character growth or development apart from Sasha's; her character was undoubtably the one with the most depth and transcendence of a stereotype. It would have helped had Mendy been given a bit more of a backstory. When, for example, did he start drifting away from his Orthodox lifestyle? What made him lose his concentration on studying in the yeshiva? And just what part of the Orthodox world are he and his family supposed to be from? Are they ba'alei teshuvah, Hassidic, Hareidi, right-wing Orthodox, Mitnagdim, Litvaks, what? Identifying their exact religious background might have helped a bit in getting to understand more about where his character was coming from. The scenes depicting his home life also seemed a bit shallow and unbelievable, like the lack of emotional warmth and closeness that these families are known for, and the atrocious sheitl (wig) his mother had on. They didn't seem like one of the more extreme groups in the Hareidi/Hassidic world, so it would have made more sense had she been wearing the type of sheitl most women do today, the type that's indistinguishable from one's own hair. The audio commentary was somewhat informative, but didn't answer a lot of the questions I had after watching it. I wish some of the extras had been some of the Q&A sessions the director and cast had when they were touring the film, since from their descriptions, they sounded really interesting. The other extras are trailers, a brief interview with director Eitan Gorlin, the opening night party, and a photo album narrated by Mr. Gorlin.

    Overall, the movie has enough surface interest (primarily the beautiful shots of these little-seen places in Israel), but the intentions of the director, however noble, just seemed to fall flat. The narrative arc never really picks up, and there's no real resolution of any conflict, no sense of character growth. I agree that the drastic ending may have been put in there because there seemed like no other way to conclude this neverending story in search of itself. It's a shame, since this story really did start out with promise and potential.

    1 out of 5 stars bad on so many levels.......2006-07-07

    The acting is bad, the storyline even worse and worst of all it works with stereotypes and prejudices, like Arabs are suicide bombers even if they seem to be nice. I don't think you learn anything about Israel and its culture, except if you count a few shots of Jerusalem. The movie is the equivalent of a dime novel and plain bad with no redeeming qualities whatsoever.

    4 out of 5 stars A powerful, if uneven, treatment of soul-searching among two very different Israeli youth........2006-06-30

    Eitan Gorlin's semi-autobiographical work is worth seeing...if you don't mind some strong nudity. Techelet is mesmerizing, and Oren gives an appropriately spare performance.

    The film does show the director's own ambivalence of his leaving Orthodox Jewish life. I think Mendy's choices, especially at the end of the film, show that his heart is still torn, but ready to return.

    3 out of 5 stars Pleasing.......2004-11-18

    A little slow at some parts. HL is a charming movie on friendship, love and opposites. A really good Israeli movie.

    3 out of 5 stars Interesting plot....upsetting, predictable ending...........2004-10-29

    I enjoyed this little indie film. I thought it was well acted, and had an interesting plot. The first half of the movie is definitely better than the second half. The ending was predictable and disappointing. But overall, give this movie a try.

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