The theatrical version is OK. I might say a 6 or 7 rating.
The director's cut is one of those things after you watch it you question how people are actually getting paid to edit movies down. I get it. Not everyone is going to sit through 3 hours and 14 minutes and it is going to hurt the bottom line. The longer the less showings also, but when you tear a movie down and make it slightly above average when it was a masterpiece? You need to let it roll.
If you have watched the theatrical version and you liked it than you have to watch the director's cut. It's 45 minutes longer and it should be. You will not even consider watching the theatrical version ever again. I choose to act like it doesn't exist at all. If you haven't ever watched this movie WATCH THE DIRECTOR'S CUT!
What I'm trying to say is.... Y'all need to Watch Kingdom of Heaven Director's cut.
1,016 Reviews
Rare movie
mumair155828 June 2020
Historically accurate
primeval_angel19 June 2020
see the director's cut
anoooos12 June 2020
First Film
S_Ibrahim_K10 June 2020
There is not much sideless history movie in Hollywood. This is one of them.
Shyinx3 June 2020
Ridley Scott is a legendary director. It career starts with Alien and now he prepares for Gladiator 2, I see there is really good movies in his career.
Also in this movie there is really good VFX, SFX, Cinematography, Editing.
I'm a great fan of Lord Of The Rings but in this movie Orlando Bloom is a bit weak at acting I think.
Larger than Life
Dilnawaz_Jawa29 May 2020
Directors cut a must
phillawrence-3214226 May 2020
The extra hour of the directors cut provides so much more depth to the epic movie. so much more makes sense. The studio should be ashamed of themselves for such a butchering.
The battle scenes are a spectacle as are the images of old cities such as Jerusalem, it is like being transported back, in time which is exactly what you want for this kind of film. Whilst I think Orlando Bloom was miscast in this role. he does an OK job, but the rest of the cast are superb.
One slight nitpick would be that I think the director was a bit generous to some of the Muslims and Christians, in terms of honourable conduct and Jerusalem being a peaceful city being home to all faiths, but perhaps that is more accurate than I realise.
Nevertheless, a must watch for history fans.
The battle scenes are a spectacle as are the images of old cities such as Jerusalem, it is like being transported back, in time which is exactly what you want for this kind of film. Whilst I think Orlando Bloom was miscast in this role. he does an OK job, but the rest of the cast are superb.
One slight nitpick would be that I think the director was a bit generous to some of the Muslims and Christians, in terms of honourable conduct and Jerusalem being a peaceful city being home to all faiths, but perhaps that is more accurate than I realise.
Nevertheless, a must watch for history fans.
Great Cast Wasted On Badly Written Story
Freedom06028625 May 2020
This movie would have been better if it had simply followed actual history. Despite the wonderful cinematography and great cast, the poorly-written story made it difficult to watch by times.
The movie is very anti-Christian. The Templars are shown to be heartless killers. The priest in the first part is portrayed as evil, and the Patriarch Heraclius of Jerusalem is portrayed as a despicable coward (the historical record describes him as the very opposite, he was actually a very brave and honorable man). In contrast, the Muslims are all portrayed as decent, wise and honorable people.
Balian was nothing like the character in the movie. He wasn't a blacksmith, he was older, and he was at odds with Sibylla, not her lover. She actually loved her husband, Guy de Lusignan, who was not killed by Balian and wasn't the villian we see here, although he wasn't a wise military leader as we know from the Battle of Hattin. Guy was given lordship of Cyprus in 1192 by Richard the Lion-hearted. And finally, although Raynald was very aggressive, he wasn't an insane fool as shown in the movie.
Rather than using contrived dialogue and the same silly stereotypes we've seen in too many movies, it would have been better if they broke away from the political correctness and made the characters and events more realistic.
The movie is very anti-Christian. The Templars are shown to be heartless killers. The priest in the first part is portrayed as evil, and the Patriarch Heraclius of Jerusalem is portrayed as a despicable coward (the historical record describes him as the very opposite, he was actually a very brave and honorable man). In contrast, the Muslims are all portrayed as decent, wise and honorable people.
Balian was nothing like the character in the movie. He wasn't a blacksmith, he was older, and he was at odds with Sibylla, not her lover. She actually loved her husband, Guy de Lusignan, who was not killed by Balian and wasn't the villian we see here, although he wasn't a wise military leader as we know from the Battle of Hattin. Guy was given lordship of Cyprus in 1192 by Richard the Lion-hearted. And finally, although Raynald was very aggressive, he wasn't an insane fool as shown in the movie.
Rather than using contrived dialogue and the same silly stereotypes we've seen in too many movies, it would have been better if they broke away from the political correctness and made the characters and events more realistic.
Religion is evil.
Kdosda_Hegen24 May 2020
I haven't seen an epic this boring ever. At the runtime of 3h10minutes (the supossedly superior director's cut) it is quite a poor movie. The storyline is very basic it's about the Jarusale wars. The most useless war ever which the proves the religion is evil. Millions of people had died in the wars of religion which had proven nothing, they just fight for which religion is better instead of living in peace. Lots of innocent people were involved and even nowadays these wars of religions are still a thing... Anyway the only redeeming factor of this film is giant battle scene at the end, the action was great, it pulled many interesting tricks to make the war look truly epic. Other than the the boredom of a storyline is not worth watching.
Some stunning performances. About as accurate as you can expect for Hollywood
keithfmanaton23 May 2020
There's pros and con's to this film. But the pros far out weigh the cons. It's an unusual film for Hollywood as it cast Islam in a far better light than Christians. The supporting roles steal the show, and their are many of then. To the pint that the central cast, Bloom & Green become bit part players. Ed Norton's performance is phenomenal!
Try it.
Try it.
Saw the 3hr epic 'director's cut'. It's very good.
0w023 May 2020
If you liked Troy or Gladiator, then you'll probably like this movie as well. The movie is about half-and-half war and drama, which is a good balance... too much drama and the movie would just be boring... too much war and the movie's budget would be incredibly expensive plus the viewer would burn-out very quickly. It's a real good movie honestly.
Beautiful story about peace and tolerance
anders-n-aa-larsson14 May 2020
Some may think the blacksmith Balian (Orlando Bloom) is too much of a John Galt-like character, but the story where he not unlike the Rich man and Lazarus in the New Testament, show mercy towards and helps a fellow human being, not knowing he is a muslim Prince, and about the fatuousness with war and how it destroys freedom, have a great message in our time.
Masterclass
Tweetienator11 May 2020
Kingdom of Heaven is one of Ridley Scott's masterpieces - a fantastic production, a top acting cast, a great and epic story. There are only a few movies with that exceptional quality (regarding the genre of medieval historical drama): El Cid, The Lion in Winter, Becket, The Name of the Rose and a few others comes to mind. Classic.
The clash between the crescent and the cross
argimlumani11 May 2020
This is not historically accurate first off no film will ever be accurate to history unless you went back in time and filmed the fricking battles live as they were happening but the main purpose of any film is to entertain and I enjoyed this film the story was well told and the crusades are fascinating men who laid down their lives for their god died by the thousands for a cause they truly believed in the cast is all good Orlando bloom does a good job portraying a crusading knight and baldwin the 4th who I didn't know was played by Edward Norton brilliantly it's fascinating that a man such as baldwin existed and was king I think riddly scott did a great job directing this film just the scope of the massive armies and the battles were epic and I recommended that you watch the extended cut which is the version I saw
Powerful depiction of the historical event
bryanbezter29 April 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Great things about the movie:
1. The battle scenes are amazing.
2. Great casting and performances by Orlando Bloom as Balian of Ibelin, Eva Green as Sibylla, Jeremy Irons as Tiberias, Brendan Gleeson as Raynald of Châtillon, Marton Csokas as Guy de Lusignan, Edward Norton as King Baldwin IV of Jerusalem, Liam Neeson as Godfrey, and Ghassan Massoud as Saladin.
3. The storytelling is well done.
4. The production design, properties, and costumes are perfect.
5. The visual effects and music are well done.
6. Great lessons: integrity and peace.
7. Great historical depiction with fictionalized aspects.
Debatable hole: Balian luckily survived the attack by soldiers sent by bishop (during his training with Godfrey), on the ship after a storm, the outnumbered defense at Kerak, and at the gate when defending Jerusalem.
Messages of the movie: 1. Many people fight, do violence and even kill for the sake of religion, when they actually fight for for land, wealth, fame, or personal benefits/satisfaction. Many people are misguided, misinformed, manipulated, clueless, provoked, or emotionally affected, that they cannot think rationally nor have heart to do what is right and good for everyone. Every decision proves one's integrity, no matter the situation. 2. There is peace for everyone who wants to realize it, even for people with different background, religion, race, or culture. 3. It is human's life that matters the most and how we live or do with our life determines our worth, not birth, wealth or throne.
Debatable hole: Balian luckily survived the attack by soldiers sent by bishop (during his training with Godfrey), on the ship after a storm, the outnumbered defense at Kerak, and at the gate when defending Jerusalem.
Messages of the movie: 1. Many people fight, do violence and even kill for the sake of religion, when they actually fight for for land, wealth, fame, or personal benefits/satisfaction. Many people are misguided, misinformed, manipulated, clueless, provoked, or emotionally affected, that they cannot think rationally nor have heart to do what is right and good for everyone. Every decision proves one's integrity, no matter the situation. 2. There is peace for everyone who wants to realize it, even for people with different background, religion, race, or culture. 3. It is human's life that matters the most and how we live or do with our life determines our worth, not birth, wealth or throne.
...every thing
nemo_comingsoon23 April 2020
Epic and Accurate
ross-stewart2321 April 2020
As far as films are concerned this is a fairly accurate depiction of the events of the fall of the crusader states. More so, this is an amazing film and well worth the watch. The actors are perfectly cast, particularly Edward Norton's portrayal of King Baldwin IV was spectacular especially because we do not see his face. The director's cut is long but epic and reminiscent of the classic epic Hollywood films.
I love several smart lines
nikolaiv8517 April 2020
Warning: Spoilers
... and that is the most. Orlando Bloom is never my choice for actor in main role, because I never know does he trying to remember lines, or he think that some facial expressions must have that look. Main character is great choice,but his story is pure imagination. Balian was a twice older widower than Sybilla, and he was the youngest legitimate, from start, son, who had disputes with his older brothers. He had 4 children with Maria Komnin, queen consort. He didn't promote entire city , he promoted 60 men into knights. Adn he told Saladin that he will destroy entire city if he doesn't get passage for all people. And he never gave up his position. He is known as politic player of his time... I will never understand how Balian became common folks, even in this movie, when there are a lot of historic documents about him...
An Epic Historical FIlm
syedsafwaan28 March 2020
What an excellent film. A fascinating film from start to an end. This film depicts a good historical movie. an actor and director did a good job. Eva green was much beautiful in it. I highly recommend to watch director's cut version. In real Salah Uddin ayyubi was a smart, divine, noble and pious person and his tactics were more powerful than him. A great tribute to him through this movie.
it was a great movie.
rcmuzayedeankara20 March 2020
I watched it when I saw the name Orlando Bloom. But I was more impressed by King Baldwin and Selahaddin. Especially Edward norton played the role of king baldwin perfectly. What is interesting is that his face never appears. Thanks to him, I understood how important voice and body language were. Ridley Scott made a neutral film. He looked at historical events in a neutral way.
Director's Cut of Kingdom of Heaven is visually stunning and a superb film
Holt3448 February 2020
Kingdom of Heaven, Ridley Scott's epic historical film that many found bad with the theatrical cut myself have never seen it but I went straight to the Director's Cut which is the definitive version and I agree. The whole production is massive and impressive, cinematography and the direction of Ridley Scott makes every scene visually stunning, making every scene stand out with expensive and incredible sets. It didn't take long for me to get immersed into the 12th Century and Balian's adventure to Jerusalem as it felt that I was there with them. Now this movie isn't for anyone as it's over three hours long but I found it amazing from start to finish and my interest with that period of time, the medieval times helped a lot. For me it's a masterpiece in its genre, the Director's Cut that is.
The ensemble cast is massive and the cast who plays the respective characters all do an excellent job, bringing the characters to justice and their best to portray the real people behind the characters. What I loved is that every character isn't black and white, there's lots of grey characters that you can't really place in any category of evil or good. Orlando Bloom does a great job in leading the movie as we see it mostly from his eyes, the big names around him makes it the fantastic ensemble they are. The costume and prop department are one of the best things about the movie as without it, it wouldn't really feel immersive or realistic but what we got was a impressive amount of swords, flags, costumes and armor and when they wear the costumes and swords they become the characters.
The ensemble cast is massive and the cast who plays the respective characters all do an excellent job, bringing the characters to justice and their best to portray the real people behind the characters. What I loved is that every character isn't black and white, there's lots of grey characters that you can't really place in any category of evil or good. Orlando Bloom does a great job in leading the movie as we see it mostly from his eyes, the big names around him makes it the fantastic ensemble they are. The costume and prop department are one of the best things about the movie as without it, it wouldn't really feel immersive or realistic but what we got was a impressive amount of swords, flags, costumes and armor and when they wear the costumes and swords they become the characters.
Great
MR_Heraclius4 February 2020
A exceedingly good film, it was true, dramatic, and amazing. the cast was perfect in their roles, espically Edward Norton. This movie had an amazing plot, characters, and historical accuracy. On the bonus the action was awesome too, Kingdom of Heaven is a must see.
Literally Epic
djurivoje1 February 2020
Was 26 when the movie came out and it was just ok, easily to forget. Yesterday I tried once again, but this time the DC version and I was just amazed. Totally unexpected. One of the most epic movies ever made. Well done Ridley Scott
Don't listen to the historical perfectionists
vladhutanu-0321129 January 2020
First of all I just watched this film like 7-8 times.Just go for director's cut.
And now about people who rate this with one because they read some history from books: this is a film, is made to entertain it doesn't have to please your perfectionist thoughts.
Visuals are brilliant for the year, plenty of good actors, epic battles all in all a must see for everyone who likes adventure/war movies.
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