Kingdom of Heaven (R)

Violent movie about the Crusades not for kids.

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Common Sense rates it
2
Seen the movie? Review it
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Movie details
  • Studio: Twentieth Century Fox, Twentieth Century Fox
  • Directed By: Ridley Scott
  • Cast: Jeremy Irons, Orlando Bloom, Ghassan Massoud
  • Running Time: 145 minutes
  • Release Date: 05/06/2005
  • Video/DVD Release Date: 10/11/2005
  • Genre: Drama
  • MPAA Rating: R
  • MPAA Explanation: strong violence and epic warfare

Parents need to know

Parents need to know that this movie has several one-on-one fight scenes, as well as extreme and explicit battle violence, including sword-fighting, head-chopping, limbs-lopping, impaling, fiery catapults firing, buildings and bodies burning, and blood spurting. The film includes a euphemistic reference to the fact that the hero's father raped his mother (he says, "I knew your mother. To be courteous, I should say it was against her objections"), and various references to the Crusades (battles fought, warriors lost), as a backdrop for the hero's noble cause (he wants to bring Muslims and Christians together, contrary to the desires of all devout folks on all sides). Characters drink wine in goblets. The film includes a romance between the hero and the good king's sultry sister, who is also married to the bad king (this relationship leads to a passionate kiss that fades out before explicit sex). The leprous good king wears a silver mask throughout the film; after his death, the mask is removed to reveal his diseased, caved-in face (an image that might alarm some younger viewers).

Families can talk about the film's representation of Muslims (those with speaking parts are virtuous, but those who serve as anonymous invaders of Jerusalem are shown to be barbarous and/or hacked up). Families might also talk about the ugly legacy of the Crusades, and their general whitewashing here. How does the movie show Balian's courage as an effort to protect a population, compared to the vainglorious ambitions of Guy and Reynald? How is Balian's friendship with Nasir a model for reaching across cultures to make peace?

Message

Social Behavior:

Villains start wars in search of "glory" and territory; the Crusades are the backdrop.

Consumerism:

Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco:

Violence

Battle scenes are graphic, hard-hitting, and energetically depicted.

Sex

One sexual tryst, artistically rendered.

Language

Some strong language.

Common Sense says

What's the story?

Reviewed by Cynthia Fuchs

Good-hearted, hardworking blacksmith Balian (Orlando Bloom) learns that his long-absent father is a Crusader, Baron Godfrey of Ibelin (Liam Neeson). Mourning the recent suicide of his wife, Balian kills a local priest who refers to her as a sinner. This puts Balian on the run. He seeks the aid of his father, who is en route to Jerusalem, where Balian plans to seek forgiveness for himself and his wife. Along the way, Godfrey trains Balian in sword-fighting and predicts he will be a warrior.

Is it any good?

2

As these characters represent various civilian or military factions and religious beliefs, KINGDOM OF HEAVEN also delivers an anachronous "message" with weight for America's current wars. That is, Balian makes speeches about everyone getting along and no one having a singular claim to Jerusalem, even as he vows to fight to protect the people who live there against the Muslims who mean to win it back (the previous battle is reported to have left thousands dead).

Still, the film must lead to the 1187 siege of Jerusalem (here brought on by Baldwin's death and Guy's ascendance to the throne; he immediately picks a fight with the Muslims), and Balian must appear to be valiant and morally sound. While the battle scenes are vast and the landscapes are breathtaking, the movie contorts history and political context to achieve these ends. Though the onetime blacksmith tells his own fighters that the history of the place is not their fault ("None of us took this city from the Muslims!"), he also leads the bloody fight to keep the Muslims out.

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Parents and kids say

All Reviews

There are 18 reviews.

4


Posted on 12/02/07 by Dman Kid contributor, age 13
5


Posted on 11/03/07 by trojan51 Adult contributor
5


Posted on 08/22/07 by horse_gerbil Kid contributor, age 13

Best Epic Ever.

I really liked Knigdom of Heaven. One thing that I noticed within the first hour was how, unlike most epics today, that there was not as much gore and sex and all that. I had seen Troy and 300 before and was kind of worried that KoH would be the same. I love the stories behind epic films, but I just DO NOT like the movies revolving around gore and sex. It's just not an epic.. But Kingdom of Heaven was brilliant. The only sex scene was 10 seconds long, and of course there was some blood involved, but it is the Crusades..You can't have it completely clean. lol And I really loved Orlando's acting. The reviews said he was horrible. I personally think it was one of his better movies. [even though they're all good. lol] I rated the social behaviour as good stuff, because it was hard to decide. I mean, yeah, they did log people's heads off and what-not, but it's easy to tell who's the good guy in the story. And before the battle at Kerak, Balian refuses to leave because he has to save the people. I think that Balian is a wonderful example of selflessnes, and bravery. Also compassion. The music, too is brilliant.
5


Posted on 05/29/07 by dark rose Kid contributor, age 15

luved it

sex: breif 2-second scene (man shown kissing woman) do not be mislead by the trailer. it shows stuff that's not in the movie violence- it's the crusades. duh it's going to have violence. not as brutal and gory as gladiator language: none. just wh*re and b*stard ( not really considered swearing b/c of the time period)
4


Posted on 05/18/07 by PollyRoger Adult contributor

Not quite Gladiator...

I watched this movie with my mother and 12-year-old sister, admittedly, mostly because I wanted to gawk at Orlando Bloom. But he surprised me. He's a better actor than he gets credit for. This is a good movie, but somehow, it's not quite Gladiator. Strong violence. One sex scene, although nothing explicit is shown. The scene is between the main character, and a married woman. It's implied that the main character's father may have raped the main character's mother. I don't really remember any cursing, except for a use of "b***ard", but it is used in the literal sense. Overall, good for adults who like war movies. I know my dad likes this one. But not for kids under 15.
2


Posted on 05/14/07 by patthetrick Kid contributor, age 14

this movie was good

the movie had a very good story, but it was a little long. the movie has graphic violence ,like heads being cut off, hot oil is poured on people, and men shot with arrows[blood is shone] there is a small sex scene, but not that bad. all togather a good movie i hope you can see it.
5


Posted on 04/08/07 by Neo Kid contributor, age 15

There should be more movies like this masterpiece

Let me make something clear before I begin, this movie is one of the most underated movies in filming history. I waited a year after it came out, and then finally bought it(at this time there were many negative reviews on this film). I must admit, the first time I viewed it, it was a bit rushed and fast paced. However, the great scenery, fight sequences, and acting(despite the negative reviews that stated Orlando as being no more that dead wood),soon made you forget about how fast-paced it was. And then it happened. Ridley Scott decided to put out a directors cut of the film. Now, the film was flawless(that is, to those that love epics). The film now had much more character development, and was not at all rushed. Now, at the end of the movie, you felt it was complete. Its extremely sad that many epics today are sold only for the sex, and gore that they contain(Alexander,Troy,300). This film had niether, and it was still very good. The lifesaver of the film however,was the music(composed by Harry Gregson-Williams). The music and the movie are virtually inseperatable. All in all, I wish there were more of these beautiful "clean" epics. It does contain some violence(especially in the extended cut,where blood is digitally added in where previously it wasnt. As well as some head loppings but nothing overly gory or gross). In the original, there is a brief kissing scene(extended by 8 seconds in the directors cut, which cotains another one that is isnt worth mentioning). If you plan on seeing this film(which I strongly advise you to do), watch the original first, and watch the directors cut. You'll laugh at how much you missed. Either way, its still good. Thank God for Ridley Scott
4


Posted on 01/08/07 by Johanjwalker Kid contributor, age 14

Common Sense Media has underated this! If you liked Gladiator, you'll like this!

Common Sense Media had underated this movie. Its actually a pretty good film. Black Hawk Down, Gladiator, and Alien are Ridley Scott's best movies, and I personally like him as a director. This latest movie is really good too. Very enjoyable. I liked it and I intend to buy it someday. However, this film, like just almost all of Ridley Scott's films is very violent, but for Ridley Scott's standards, this film isn't violent or gory at all compared to Black Hawk Down, where you see all sorts of gore. There is a tiny bit of strong language, and one sex scene which lasts about 15 seconds before fading away. It will go right over most kid's heads. But remember the violence. There is a lot of blood here. I, personally, have seen very many extremely violent movies and never have been bothered by violence or any kind or extreme gore, such as in Apocalypto. (I've seen that, yes, at 13. If you want proof, I'e written a review of it on its Common Sense Media page.) But Kingdom of Heaven is a good movie, no doubt. I liked it. It doesn't beat Saving Private Ryan or Gladiator or Black Hawk Down, but its still a must-see for Ridley Scott fans. This is good stuff. Just know your kid. Is he/she very sensitive to violence, blood and gore? However, if you've seen Gladiator or Black Hawk Down, then this is utterly G-rated.
5


Posted on 12/14/06 by elenmadil Kid contributor, age 14

Really grate movie. It shows how the world looked during the crusades. It shows the Muslims and the Christians and the Jews all living together, and having peacefull life. And it shows how much damage hatred twords another riligion can bring. The ending was a bit decepointing.
3


Posted on 10/02/06 by scary movie Kid contributor, age 10

See all 18 reviews >

Adult Reviews

There are 6 reviews.

5


Posted on 11/03/07 by trojan51 Adult contributor
4


Posted on 05/18/07 by PollyRoger Adult contributor

Not quite Gladiator...

I watched this movie with my mother and 12-year-old sister, admittedly, mostly because I wanted to gawk at Orlando Bloom. But he surprised me. He's a better actor than he gets credit for. This is a good movie, but somehow, it's not quite Gladiator. Strong violence. One sex scene, although nothing explicit is shown. The scene is between the main character, and a married woman. It's implied that the main character's father may have raped the main character's mother. I don't really remember any cursing, except for a use of "b***ard", but it is used in the literal sense. Overall, good for adults who like war movies. I know my dad likes this one. But not for kids under 15.
4

Posted on 03/18/06 by Anonymous Adult contributor

Much better than I suspected!

I think Orlando Bloom is very intelligent and it shows here. He doesn't use his "beauty" to sell the movie (although, I can't deny, he's gorgeous) there are parts of this movie in which he's hiddeous and he must use his acting and intelligence to portray a man with a beautiful passion for all people.
4


Posted on 01/31/06 by fritzsky Adult contributor

Very good movie

4


Posted on 11/07/05 by tommysportsgirl Adult contributor

Fantastic adventure!

In the spirit of "Gladiator" (though not quite as moving), "Kingdom of Heaven" does not fail to please history buffs or action fans.
4


Posted on 05/26/05 by ceana330003 Adult contributor

I was pleasantly surprised.

Orlando Bloom has fulfilled the acting promise he's displayed in his previous films. KOH as a film is a wonderful depiction of both sides of the Crusades. Each side has its fanatics, their "bad guys," their seasoned warriors, and deveoping heroes. This is a multi-layered story of honor, ruthlessness, and courage.

Kids Reviews

There are 12 reviews.

4


Posted on 12/02/07 by Dman Kid contributor, age 13
5


Posted on 08/22/07 by horse_gerbil Kid contributor, age 13

Best Epic Ever.

I really liked Knigdom of Heaven. One thing that I noticed within the first hour was how, unlike most epics today, that there was not as much gore and sex and all that. I had seen Troy and 300 before and was kind of worried that KoH would be the same. I love the stories behind epic films, but I just DO NOT like the movies revolving around gore and sex. It's just not an epic.. But Kingdom of Heaven was brilliant. The only sex scene was 10 seconds long, and of course there was some blood involved, but it is the Crusades..You can't have it completely clean. lol And I really loved Orlando's acting. The reviews said he was horrible. I personally think it was one of his better movies. [even though they're all good. lol] I rated the social behaviour as good stuff, because it was hard to decide. I mean, yeah, they did log people's heads off and what-not, but it's easy to tell who's the good guy in the story. And before the battle at Kerak, Balian refuses to leave because he has to save the people. I think that Balian is a wonderful example of selflessnes, and bravery. Also compassion. The music, too is brilliant.
5


Posted on 05/29/07 by dark rose Kid contributor, age 15

luved it

sex: breif 2-second scene (man shown kissing woman) do not be mislead by the trailer. it shows stuff that's not in the movie violence- it's the crusades. duh it's going to have violence. not as brutal and gory as gladiator language: none. just wh*re and b*stard ( not really considered swearing b/c of the time period)
2


Posted on 05/14/07 by patthetrick Kid contributor, age 14

this movie was good

the movie had a very good story, but it was a little long. the movie has graphic violence ,like heads being cut off, hot oil is poured on people, and men shot with arrows[blood is shone] there is a small sex scene, but not that bad. all togather a good movie i hope you can see it.
5


Posted on 04/08/07 by Neo Kid contributor, age 15

There should be more movies like this masterpiece

Let me make something clear before I begin, this movie is one of the most underated movies in filming history. I waited a year after it came out, and then finally bought it(at this time there were many negative reviews on this film). I must admit, the first time I viewed it, it was a bit rushed and fast paced. However, the great scenery, fight sequences, and acting(despite the negative reviews that stated Orlando as being no more that dead wood),soon made you forget about how fast-paced it was. And then it happened. Ridley Scott decided to put out a directors cut of the film. Now, the film was flawless(that is, to those that love epics). The film now had much more character development, and was not at all rushed. Now, at the end of the movie, you felt it was complete. Its extremely sad that many epics today are sold only for the sex, and gore that they contain(Alexander,Troy,300). This film had niether, and it was still very good. The lifesaver of the film however,was the music(composed by Harry Gregson-Williams). The music and the movie are virtually inseperatable. All in all, I wish there were more of these beautiful "clean" epics. It does contain some violence(especially in the extended cut,where blood is digitally added in where previously it wasnt. As well as some head loppings but nothing overly gory or gross). In the original, there is a brief kissing scene(extended by 8 seconds in the directors cut, which cotains another one that is isnt worth mentioning). If you plan on seeing this film(which I strongly advise you to do), watch the original first, and watch the directors cut. You'll laugh at how much you missed. Either way, its still good. Thank God for Ridley Scott
4


Posted on 01/08/07 by Johanjwalker Kid contributor, age 14

Common Sense Media has underated this! If you liked Gladiator, you'll like this!

Common Sense Media had underated this movie. Its actually a pretty good film. Black Hawk Down, Gladiator, and Alien are Ridley Scott's best movies, and I personally like him as a director. This latest movie is really good too. Very enjoyable. I liked it and I intend to buy it someday. However, this film, like just almost all of Ridley Scott's films is very violent, but for Ridley Scott's standards, this film isn't violent or gory at all compared to Black Hawk Down, where you see all sorts of gore. There is a tiny bit of strong language, and one sex scene which lasts about 15 seconds before fading away. It will go right over most kid's heads. But remember the violence. There is a lot of blood here. I, personally, have seen very many extremely violent movies and never have been bothered by violence or any kind or extreme gore, such as in Apocalypto. (I've seen that, yes, at 13. If you want proof, I'e written a review of it on its Common Sense Media page.) But Kingdom of Heaven is a good movie, no doubt. I liked it. It doesn't beat Saving Private Ryan or Gladiator or Black Hawk Down, but its still a must-see for Ridley Scott fans. This is good stuff. Just know your kid. Is he/she very sensitive to violence, blood and gore? However, if you've seen Gladiator or Black Hawk Down, then this is utterly G-rated.
5


Posted on 12/14/06 by elenmadil Kid contributor, age 14

Really grate movie. It shows how the world looked during the crusades. It shows the Muslims and the Christians and the Jews all living together, and having peacefull life. And it shows how much damage hatred twords another riligion can bring. The ending was a bit decepointing.
3


Posted on 10/02/06 by scary movie Kid contributor, age 10
5


Posted on 06/12/06 by CelticBoy Kid contributor, age 10
3


Posted on 04/15/06 by kliz104.1 Kid contributor, age 11
See all 12 kids reviews >
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