re: What makes Kingdom of Heaven Director's Cut so much superior to the theatrical release

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Agreed.

As Saladin puts it, what is Jerusalem worth, everything, and nothing. That's one of the major arguments the movie makes, that religion is dividing these people, and compelling them to fight over things that ultimately don't matter.

Other examples, the conduct of the Bishop of Jerusalem (I assume he's a Bishop?) and the way the people of the city are united towards the end of the movie. I'll be vague to avoid spoilers. But the movie argues that we can only survive when we transcend our differences, be it class, or religion.

I think the movie has a very 20th century attitude toward religion. In the eyes of the movie, religion is something that needs to be transcended, if we are to find peace. This is of course a religious argument in itself.

That's naive though. Human are violent tribal creatures, and we will never be at peace.

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I think Orlando Bloom is miscast, or at least, he was too young at the time for the role. They needed someone who had suffered, and could portray that.

I also dislike the modern attitude at the core of the movie.

With that said, It's a movie I enjoy watching, and it's one I would recommend. I think most people won't mind the modernism, and there so much going on that Bloom is forgivable.

Jeremy Irons in this... god, what an actor.

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Yeah it is kind to Christianity and is far too soft on Saladin and the Muslims. Always watch knowing it's a particular perspective, it's rare to get a completely nonbiased film. That and history is a complicated thing, looking backwards, and perspective matters.

Scott also hates Christianity, by all accounts, so there's that too. He's actually a bit softer here than I would expect.