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Search Results for: kingdom of heaven

Kingdom of Heaven starring Orlando Bloom and Eva Green

Posted on March 5, 2010 Written by ripitup

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Kingdom of Heaven- Orlando Bloom
Kingdom of Heaven- Orlando Bloom. Photo via lightscamerahistory.files.wordpress.com

1184. Blacksmith Balian (Orlando Bloom)  is not a happy man. He has recently lost his kid, and his wife has committed suicide, not being able to bear the death of their child. Moreover he has to listen to the town’s priest (Michael Sheen), who goes on and on about how his wife is in hell. But his life completely changes when he meets his father for the first time. The absent father is Lord of Ibelin (Liam Neeson), and he is there to take Balian with him. At first Balian is unwilling but circumstances force him to go. From then on, he learns a lot from his father. He will also need to prepare himself to take his father’s place. He now doesn’t even have the time to grieve- he has to be a knight, a worthy lord, deal with Prince Guy (Marton Csokas) who absolutely despises him, travel to Jerusalem…

Kingdom of Heaven
Kingdom of Heaven. As glorious as an epic should be. Written by William Monahan. Directed by Ridley Scott. Photo: images.allmoviephoto.com

Balian’s journey is exciting and never dull for a second. In Jerusalem, he easily makes friends with the Marshall Tiberias (Jeremy Irons) and earns the trust of King Baldwin (Edward Norton). He also intrigues and attracts, Sibylla  (Eva Green)-  The King’s sister- who also happens to be Guy’s wife. Not to mention, Guy is thirsty for blood and is dying to fight the Muslims- much against the will of the King.

Kingdom of Heaven- a battle scene
I love a good old battle scene. Well, what did you expect? My favorite movie ever is an epic war flick, Braveheart. Photo: film.com.tr

This movie is a really good example on how an epic should be. It has all the complications and the amazing battle scenes. It has the peace-loving villager-turned lord-who doesn’t let go of his virtues, even though it might cost him dearly. Orlando Bloom fits Balian perfectly and the rest of the cast is simply brilliant.

Fun Stuff:

Liam Neeson only appears in the first 25 minutes or so.

Orlando Bloom and Liam Neeson in Kingdom of Heaven
Orlando Bloom and Liam Neeson in Kingdom of Heaven. Father and son bonding moment. Cool for Bloom. Those sword-fighting lessons from Pirates of The Caribbean must have come in handy. Photo: hecinemasource.co

King Baldwin has leprosy. So you never see Edward Norton’s face. But it is fun to have him nevertheless.

Edward Norton in Kingdom of Heaven
Edward Norton in Kingdom of Heaven. Yep, this is how Edward Norton looks throughout all his scenes. For all we know, he could have recorded his voice. Just kidding. It is always nice to have him in a movie. Even when you don’t see him.Photo: cinecultist.com

The (only) leading female is Sibylla, played by the gorgeous Eva Green.

Eva Green in Kingdom of Heaven
Trust me, this picture doesn’t do her justice at all. She is simply radiantly beautiful in this cool epic from 2005. Photo: http://www.atoww.com

There is also Dr. Owen Hunt (Kevin McKidd) from Grey’s Anatomy, plays one of Liam Neeson’s soldiers.

Kevin McKidd from Grey's Anatomy
Yes, I admit I went back to watching Grey’s Anatomy after Kevin’s Owen livened up the show. I was pissed off that they had gotten rid of Jeffrey Dean Morgan’s character for the second time. But finally there is another passionate and fun gPuy. Photo: img5.allocine.fr

Brendan Gleeson plays exactly looks like his character in Braveheart– where he played Hamish, Wallace’s best mate. Although here, he is pretty much the bad guy.

Brendan Gleeson, Braveheart
This is Brendan in Braveheart. One of the good guys.
Brendan Gleeson in Kingdom of Heaven
Brendan Gleeson in Kingdom of Heaven. Apart from 10 year gap between the films, he is instantly recognizable and reminded me of Hamish. Here, he does a great job as a mean bastard. Photo: filmdope.com

Reasons to see Kingdom of Heaven:

–          You mean apart from Liam Neeson, Jeremy Irons, Edward Norton, Orlando Bloom and Eva Green?

–          Director is Ridley Scott- who also directed Gladiator, Body of Lies, American Gangster, White Squall and Thelma and Luis.

–          Good script, good acting, wonderful direction and pretty cool battle scenes.

–          If you are not convinced yet, I am giving up.

Cons:

–          I didn’t see any, but you might be bothered by the stuff that is not historically accurate.

–          Why have Edward Norton play a character with leprosy in the first place? But being the cool and interesting guy that he is, it was Edward who specifically requested that role. Let’s keep fingers crossed that he does star in an epic one day, with his face showing…

–          If you do hate Orlando Bloom and think he can’t act, obviously you will get annoyed watching him for 144 minutes. Or for 190 minutes in Director’s Cut.

Orlando Bloom in Kingdom of Heaven
Yep, a lot of Orlando Bloom. He is pretty good, though. He carries his role with grace and innonce. Photo: wallpaperbase.com

My biases: Love the whole cast and I am a big fan of Ridley Scott. White Squall (starring Jeff Bridges) is one of my favorite movies ever and I am yet to dislike anything Ridley worked on.

IMDB verdict: 7.1

My verdict: 7.8- 8.0

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Filed Under: Movies and Actors Tagged With: action, adventure, Brendan Gleeson, Edward Norton, Eva Green, history, Jeremy Irons, Kevin McKidd, Kingdom of Heaven, Liam Neeson, Marton Csokas, Michael Sheen, movies, Orlando Bloom, Ridley Scott

My Favorite Movie Proposal: Braveheart – William Wallace to Murron:

Posted on July 2, 2012 Written by ripitup

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Braveheart movie poster, Braveheart starring Mel Gibson
Braveheart movie poster, Braveheart starring Mel Gibson, Sophie Marceau & Catherine McCormack. Image via popcornfreak.com

Of all the movies that I have seen, my favorite proposal in a movie remains Braveheart. Yes, Braveheart is my favorite movie ever and there are hardly any scenes I don’t enjoy (except for the ones where Bruce talks to his sick father. The man gives me the creeps- looks and personality wise).

But I am a big fan of Randal Wallace, just because he wrote Braveheart and I’m willing to forgive him for Titanic (I just didn’t like that movie.) The dialogue is smart, touching, inspiring, sad, romantic and funny -combinations depending on the character and the scene.

The Background

The scene will probably mean more to you if you’ve seen and liked the film. But even if you haven’t, I’ll give you all the crucial details so that you can enjoy it more. And this is not a spoiler. The catalyst of Wallace’s quest for freedom will start a little later anyway.

The 13th Centrury, Scotland

Scotland is under the rule of England. King Longshanks is ruthless, and he enjoys the suffering he inflicts on the Scottish.

Wallace is a young boy with a loving father and older brother. He’s not yet old enough to join them in their battle to get their freedom, but his father isn’t willing to put his life at risk. When they are trapped by the English and killed along with other Scottish men, Wallace is naturally filled with a desire to take his revenge. But a distant uncle (Brian Cox) arrives at the funeral, and he explains to him that a man’s strength doesn’t lie in his sword but in his brain. Wallace is to go with him.

This is one of the significant events that is about to make Wallace the smart and strong man that he’ll become. The second event that will shape the rest of his life is a little girl named Murron who sees how sad Wallace is, and she picks up a beautiful purple flower that she sees, and runs to him and gives it to him. Neither of them says anything, but share a moment. Then she runs back to her parents.

Flash-forward many years, and Wallace (Mel Gibson) returns to his village, as it is where he belongs. Raised and trained by his uncle, he has fought in many battles. He has seen the world, learned French and Latin and has become a very good warrior who can outsmart any enemy.

However his desire for revenge has been replaced by a desire to live happily and peacefully in his home town, raising a family.

When he arrives, he goes to a wedding where Murron is. (Catherine Mccormack).  Before he can get to her, he is challenged for a fight by his old friend Hamish (Brendan Gleeson)– who doesn’t recognize him. However while Hamish fails to beat Wallace despite his size and strength, Wallace manages to knock him down with a strategic throw of a little stone. This makes them realize that it is Wallace, and he is welcomed back. Even though the wedding is interrupted by a horrible intervention by English lords who take the bride away- as it is their “right. “

Wallace doesn’t lose any time in courting Muron and impressing her with his charm, knowledge and sense of humor. But it is what Wallace gives to her end of the end of their first “date” together that totally wins her heart. He has kept the flower all she gave him all those years ago and gives it to her.

braveheart-mel-gibson-william-wallace-and-catherine-mccormack
Catherine McCormack (Murron) and Mel Gibson (William Wallace) image via theiapolis.com

During another day together, this is how he starts his proposal:

Braveheart Proposal Scene : Witty, romantic, sweet & original

Wallace: Of course running a farm is a lot of work but that’ll all change when my two sons arrive.

Murron: (taken aback) So you have got children?

Wallace: Not yet, but I was hoping you could help me with that.

Murron: So you want me to marry you then?

Wallace: (smiling) That’s a bit sudden but alright.

Murron: (amused) Is that what you call a proposal?

Wallace: I love you. Always have. I  want to marry you.

They kiss.

Wallace: Is that a yes?

Murron: That’s a yes.

They kiss.

*

They get married in secret, have their wedding night in secret. But even though they could hide their marriage, they can’t hide their happiness, and I don’t want to recount what happens next.

*

Why I love the proposal:

It’s romantic, heartfelt, original, sincere- led to by a sweet sense of humor. It i so romantic , surrounded by the gorgeous Scottish nature and it kinda makes you feel like you wouldn’t minmd living in that century if you could love and be loved like that, by someone like that.

OK, obviously reality sets in after the movie but the important thing is that the movie- not specific to that scene takes you into that time, that world and makes you forget that it is a movie. That it is fiction, just accompanied by historical facts and real characters –Wallace being the Scottish hero.)

I love everything about this movie. If you haven’t seen it, remember that a movie rarely scores well both with the oscars and box office, fans and critics. And the director/producer/starring actor is hardly ever the same guy (in this case Mel Gibson) – and he/she doesnt usually put $60 million dollars from their own money when the studio doesn’t finance fully.

Rated at 8.4. on IMDB, has been on the top 250 for a very long time and it has been rated by nearly 360.000 people. It has won 5 Oscars, been nominated for 5 more. Mel Gibson received Best Director and Best Film.

*

How do you like the proposal scene? What do you feel about Braveheart?

And what is your favorite movie proposal ever?

 

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Filed Under: Movies and Actors Tagged With: Braveheart, braveheart dvd, braveheart mel gibson, braveheart oscars, braveheart proposal scene, braveheart quotes, Brendan Gleeson, bryan cox, catherine mccormack, longshanks, mel gibson braveheart, mel gibson oscars, randal wallace

Dark Shadows starring Johnny Depp: Depp might be the funniest vampire ever!

Posted on March 20, 2012 Written by ripitup

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Dark Shadows starring Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer, Eva Green & Helena Bonham Carter
Dark Shadows starring Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer, Eva Green & Helena Bonham Carter. Image via seat42f.com

I’m not a Tim Burton fan. As in I’ve so far enjoyed watching a total of 4 of his films: Batman, Batman Returns, Big Fish (my absolute favorite among them all) and Edward Scissorhands. Burton typically goes too cartoon-like- to the point where his humor and the relatability of the characters get lost on me.

Loving only half of Johnny Depp movies (the ones I don’t like are often directed by Tim Burton- the dude does wear pretty much anything Tim Burton gives him), I wasn’t all that excited about Dark Shadows…That was until I watched the hilarious trailer. If the movie is anything like it, it looks like I’m going to have one hell of a good time watching it .

Of course I don’t mind one bit that Michelle Pfeiffer is among the cast – I’ve liked a lot of her movies so far (Wolf, Tequila Sunrise, Hairspray, Stardust, Up Close & Personal to name a few.)

Dark Shadows Plot

A witch (Eva Green) curses the playboy Barnabas Collins (Johnny Depp) he is in love with, and turns him to a vampire, and then buries him alive. When he is accidentally woken up over 200 years later, it is the 70s and hilarity ensues he has to get used to all the new technology, the witch doing her best to seduce him, the state of the family business and the family members. Oh, and then there is the 70s fashion…

*

In case you are wondering whether our taste is similar or not when it comes to Depp, below are the Johnny Depp movies I like or love (in no specific order):

–          Finding Neverland

–          Once Upon a Time in Mexico (huge Desperado fan)

–          Blow (I almost cried at the end- never watched a movie that engaging about a drug dealer, and never felt such sympathy for one.)

–          Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl (hated 2 & 4)

–          In the nick of time

–          What’s Eating Gilbert Grape

–          Benny and Joon also starring Aidan Quinn and Julianne Moore.

–          Chocolat

–          The Rum Diary

–          The Man Who Cried

Recommended Johnny Depp Reading:

The Tourist starring Johnny Depp, Angelina Jolie & Paul Bettany

Johnny Depp A Kind of Illusion: The Book Review

Public Enemies starring Johnny Depp, Christian Bale and Marion Cotillard

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Filed Under: Movies and Actors Tagged With: dark shadows, dark shadows cast, dark shadows johnny depp, dark shadows movie, dark shadows trailer, dark shadows tv series, Eva Green, eva green dark shadows, helena bonham carter, Johnny Depp, johnny depp dark shadows, Johnny Depp movies, Michelle Pfeiffer, Tim Burton

Stone starring Edward Norton, Robert De Niro, Milla Jovovich & Frances Conroy

Posted on January 6, 2011 Written by ripitup

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Stone starring Edward Norton, Robert De Niro, Milla Jovovich & Frances Conroy
Stone starring Edward Norton, Robert De Niro, Milla Jovovich & Frances Conroy

Whoa. I just watched Stone and I feel a huge burden was lifted off my shoulders. Stone ended up being one of the worst disappointments ever.

I admit I had high expectations. Although I didn’t expect an original plot, I wanted interesting characters, a good direction (John Curran was directing) and a flowing story. I got none.

**

Here’s what happens in the film:

Stone (Edward Norton) is a convict, serving time for arson. He has to persuade the seasoned parole officer Jack (Robert De Niro) that he deserves early freedom. But he believes that it will be easier if his gorgeous wife Lucetta (Milla Jovovich) seduces Jack as well.

At first Jack is wary and unresponsive to Lucetta, but it doesn’t take that long for her to get him to have sex with her. But with two people as unstable as Lucetta and Stone, can Jack prevent his wife (Frances Conroy) from finding out?

**

Ok, the plot did seem entirely predictable before watching but I was relying on the director John Curran to make it worth. After all, he and Edward Norton gave us the wonderful The Painted Veil. But while not being as predictable as anticipated, Stone doesn’t deserve the label thriller at all. Yes, it is drama but I am not sure it even deserves that title. After all dramas are supposed to give you at least one character worth worrying about? Worth caring for?

Jack lives with his depressed, over-religious wife. But he alone is the one to blame for such a soulless existence. He treated his wife like she wasn’t even there over 4 decades ago and when she wanted to leave, he almost threw their kid out of the window. No, this really happened. He literally took his own child from the bed and threatened to throw her out! His wife freaked and stayed. And that scene was the only interesting scene of the movie.

Milla Jovovich plays Stone’s sex-crazed wife who seems to be mad about her husband- so mad in fact that she would seduce the much older Stone. But even before Stone, she gets to f*** some guy out of the blue. And in the daytime, she is a school teacher, teaching young children. Ouch.

And Stone sounds like stoned through the whole movie. Yes, Edward creatively invents a character but his rants grow old and boring pretty quickly.

The movie is soulless and well, I mostly blame it on the writer Angus MacLachlan.

Frankly, there are tens of other Norton and De Niro movies you should watch before you should waste time on this one. And hey, if you are in the mood for Norton’s weird rants, and all the weird religious talk on the radio…

Currently, at 6.0 on IMDB, it is annoyingly overrated. And this is coming from a major Norton fan.

Also on Edward Norton

Edward Norton Trivia

Leaves of Grass

Kingdom of Heaven

Down in the Valley

25th Hour

Fight Club

The Illusionist

The Painted Veil

American History X

Primal Fear

The Incredible Hulk

Pride and Glory

Also on Robert De Niro

Coming Soon: Limitless starring Bradley Cooper & Robert De Niro

City by the Sea starring Robert De Niro, Frances McDormand and James Franco

Stardust, The Air I Breathe, Playing by Heart, The Good Shepherd, Hairspray & He’s Just Not That Into You: 6 Good Movies with Brilliant Casts

20 Reasons to Love Stardust- feat. Michelle Pfeiffer, Claire Danes, Robert De Niro & Charlie Cox

Also on Milla Jovovich

A Perfect Getaway starring Timothy Olyphant, Steve Zahn & Milla Jovovich

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Filed Under: Movies and Actors Tagged With: Angus MacLachlan movies, drama, Edward Norton, edward norton stone, Frances Conroy, John Curran, Milla Jovovich, Robert De Niro, Stone, stone 2010, stone edward Norton, stone movie, The Painted Veil

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