Title: Kingdom of Heaven
Rating: R
Rating Content: Violence, Sexuality, Language, Intense Battle Sequences
Bill's Popcorn Rating: ****/5
Studio: Fox
Director: Ridley Scott

Actors: Liam Neeson, Orlando Bloom
Running Time: 144m
Release Date: May 6, 2005
Plot: A young man finds himself chasing his father's legacy into the crusades durring the dark ages of europe. When young mister Balian leaves for Jerusalem, he hasn't a clue about what the future holds for him. His destiny leads him to the defense of Jerusalem as the last remaining Knight to remain to defend the city. A powerful testimony to the power of determination and Honor.

Bill's Review: This is a good look at a small piece of the Crusades, 200 years of European history where kings and paupers marched on the holy lands to secure Jerusalem. Balain is a young man fleeing his past to chase his father's destiny in the lands of the middle east durring the holy crusades as a measure of pennance for his sins. His search leads him to Knighthood, and finally to the hopeless defense of a city doomed to fall. I liked it as it focused on the key virtues of knighthood, honor, integrity, and defense of the weak and needy. The battle sequences are massive, and graphic, but not gratuitous, and the scenery is spectacular. The violence and language make it one to consider leaving the kids at scouts a couple extra hours, so plan on an evenig free to watch, besides, it might bore them before it gets to the good parts. Also the battles might scare the tykes, so keep that in mind. Older kids should be able to handle it just fine, and it might make a good introduction to the history of Jerusalem, the crusades, English history and the role of knights in mideval times. I thouroughly enjoyed this one and recomend it for anyone who can stand a bit of blood and battles.