Kingdom of Heaven

2005

Director: Ridley Scott

Distributor: Fox Movies / Scott Free Productions

Key Elements: Lines – Message – Music

My Review:

Scott said in a press conference that his goal in making this movie was to show how meaningless and destructive religion can be – that all religion is essentially the same anyway.

I have to agree. Most religion amounts to men trying to appease/manipulate God – whatever they mean by the world. In this way, even the “Christian” Crusaders in this movie are more religious than Christian.

Christianity is not a religion. It is about loving God, not manipulating Him. We live well and make the world better out of love for Him and each other – not to attain some prize.

So if you want an illustration about the meaninglessness of religion and the importance of spiritual integrity, it’s here. There’s some great statements made about it.

But I also just love the image of a band of knights holding together in mutual respect and support. Timeless.

Trailer:



Quotes:

• ‘What man is a man who does not make the world better?’
• You are not what you were born, but what you have it in yourself to be.
• Be without fear in the face of your enemies. Be brave and upright that God may love thee. Speak the truth always, even if it leads to your death. Safeguard the helpless and do no wrong. That is your oath. [cuffs Balian with the back of his hand] And that's so you remember it. …Arise a knight.
• I shall confess to God when I see him.
• Your soul is in your keeping alone. When you stand before God you cannot say "but I was told by others to do thus" or that "virtue was not convenient at the time.” This will not suffice.
• We fight over an offence we did not give, against those who were not alive to be offended.
  We defend this city, not to protect these stones, but the people living within these walls.
  It is a kingdom of conscience, or nothing.
• I put no stock in religion. By the word religion I have seen the lunacy of fanatics of every denomination be called the will of god. I have seen too much religion in the eyes of too many murderers. Holiness is in right action, and courage on behalf of those who cannot defend themselves, and goodness. What god desires is here [points to head] and here [points to heart] and what you decide to do every day, you will be a good man - or not.
• …and if God does not love you, how could you have done the things you have done?
• You are not what you were born, but what you have it in yourself to be.

Stills: