daniel-desilva

A powerful, new film seizes cinemas worldwide as Kingdom of Heaven is released to the awaiting public. Directed by the master of the modern epic, Ridley Scott has proudly created a film about war and peace within the troubled twelfth century. Flanked by a host of talented actors such as Orlando Bloom and Liam Neeson, this film struggles to avoid comparisons with Troy and Alexander. Both classics were released recently sharing similar violent battle scenes bringing our fascinating history to life. This graceful Hollywood blockbuster takes us on a journey of relative peace between the second and third Crusades, when the Christian knights of Europe took up arms against the Moors of North Africa for the Holy Lands. It focuses on the story of Balian Of Ibelin (Orlando Bloom), a young peasant who rises to knighthood and then finds himself drawn to the people of Jerusalem's cause. The story opens, with Balian, a French blacksmith, mourning the death of his wife and young son. It is then that Godfrey of Ibelin (Liam Neeson), a highly regarded baron to the king of Jerusalem, and a man deeply committed to his mission of bringing long-term peace to the Holy Land, comes in search of his illegitimate son Balian, in the hope of giving him some comfort during his time of grief. Godfrey is hopeful that Balian will join him in his quest, but Balian, consumed with grief, cannot think of helping others find peace. All this is soon about to change however with his father's untimely death. Will Balian be able to lead an army against the evading forces and claim victory for a worthwhile crusade that will win a special place in heaven? I was astonished by the acting talent of Orlando Bloom, a man that will always be forever known as Legolas in the Lord of the Rings and cherish a place in the history books of Hollywood. Below is a fearless quotation by Bloom as he addressed his armies as they defended Jerusalem. I recognised a tremendous amount of passion in a truly gifted actor. "Be without fear in the face of your enemies. Safeguard the helpless, even if it leads to your death; that is your oath. Rise a knight, rise a knight!" Other actors that should be credited as knights in shining armour were Liam Neeson and Jeremy Irons as they created promising performances. Finally, I can predict that this film will cast a competitive shadow of many future films this year boasting a stunning backdrop and magical set pieces, which are enhanced, but not dominated, by computer-generated effects.

This emotional, action packed Hollywood blockbuster explodes into cinemas across the United Kingdom this weekend with overwhelming support from movie fans.

From the critically acclaimed director, Sydney Pollack, has created a controversial and deeply moving film about the politics of the international community.

As the world embraces it self with the war on terror, this new film rises up against the critics and tells a brave story about an attractive UN interpreter, Silvia Broome (Kidman) overhearing an assassination plot against the dictatorial ruler of the fictional African state of Matobo.

Silvia eventually tells the security forces of her plight and demands extra security as she fears she was seen and wonders whether her African background could make her a target. A troubled FBI agent (Sean Penn) is assigned her protector and struggles to defend her as his colleagues dismiss her allegations as mere attention seeking; the audience are left wondering whether Silvia really is a lady in distress.

With Nicole Kidman and Sean Penn on top form, I was stunned by both acting performances throughout the many tense scenes. Both actors won Oscars at this year's academy awards and should be noticed for their breathtaking performances as their talent overshadowed the complex script.

However I was a little disappointed by the dramatic ending, there were too many comparisons with Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe; this may have been America's attempt at telling the world the dangers of dictatorial rule, a stern lesson from the world's most powerful country.

So, this is a high budget movie about the complexities of international politics combined with the seedy, underworld of the secret service attempting to protect a pretty blonde determined to punish her parent's killer.

This is a movie not for the restless or energetic as patience and intelligence is needed to understand the gripping plot.

The most suspense sequel this year makes a dramatic impact in cinemas this week as The Ring continues its frightening climax.

Acclaimed director, Hideo Nakata has created a nail-biting masterpiece designed for brave cinema fans as they embark on a journey of excitement and terror.

With a fairly unknown cast the story begins as Rachel Keller (Naomi Watts) and her son Aidan (David Dorfman) move to the community of Astoria, Oregon to start a new life.

As Rachel gets a job at the local newspaper office and Aidan starts at a new school, their lives seem to be getting back to normal.

However the haunted past they left behind soon catches up with them as Rachel learns of an apparent homicide, she immediately suspects involvement with Samara and the ghostly videotape. She destroys yet another copy of the tape, but that only makes Samara angrier.

Now, Rachel has to find a way to put Samara to rest once and for all, before it's too late. Will she rescue her disturbed son in time and will she find out what Samara really is? The film had a rather confusing plot that raised more questions than answers, Is Samara a demon, ghost or the devil and why is Aidan such a strange child? Although I must credit the actors for a convincing array of performances; Born in Shoreham, Naomi Watts (Mulholland Drive, 2001) played the part of Rachel with dignity and David Dorfman was also very promising as the little Aidan; I felt their acting was sheer brilliance for such difficult roles.

But my favourite actor was Simon Baker (L.A. Confidential, 1997) who played the minor part of Max Rourke; His role seemed to strengthen the rest of the small cast.

All in all, this movie is one of the best sequel's I have seen in a long time, its full of suspense, fear, excitement, anger, emotion and will most definitely make you jump out of your seat petrified. Just be warned this is horror at its most horrifying and may even be cursed!