"Holiness is in right action, and courage on behalf of those who cannot defend themselves."

Geoffrey 2022-03-24 09:01:19

Director's cut was a massive improvement over the theatrical release. A real shame that they lost so much of the story in abridged version. Eva Green was stunning in this, but I think the real dark horse that stole the show was the King of Jerusalem Edward Norton (impressive feat considering we never see his face; but that voice, gosh, so much love). I particularly loved his exchanges with Balian and Saladin.

The entire film was well-cast, from Liam Neeson, Jeremy Irons, David Thewlis ( Professor Lupin!), Kevin McKidd (Grey's Owen Hunt!), Brendan Gleeson, to Marton Csokas (can't believe he was the King of the Elves in Lord of the Rings; what a versatile actor!)--great onscreen chemistry all around.

The dialogue in this movie blew me away:

King Baldwin IV: 'A king may move a man, a father may claim a son... Remember that howsoever you are played or by whom, your soul is in your keeping alone, even though those who presume to play you be kings or men of power. 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. Remember that.'

Balian: '"A king may move a man," you said, "but the soul belongs to the man..." You have my love, and my answer.'

Hospitaller: '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 [head] and here [heart]. And by what you decide to do every day, you will be a good man - or not.'

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Extended Reading

Kingdom of Heaven quotes

  • Balian of Ibelin: How can you be in hell, when you are in my heart?

  • Sybilla: There will be a day when you will wish you had done a little evil to do a greater good.