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camp, between a pack of far right bigots and a gang of multiculturalists who seem to be more present day than twelfth century. Particularly disappointing was the portrayal of the order of Knights Templars as a pack of rent a thugs, a common depiction these days, when in reality they were deeply devotional and more understanding of their enemies than anyone of the time.

If you can put history aside, unfortunately I can't, you will find a good movie underneath, but it is a pity as with a bit more effort it could have delivered the whole package. There are some big names but none of them shine in any memorable way, though Edward Norton as the masked leper king is very good in the role with only his voice and eyes to work with, the real king Baldwin had however handed kingship to his healthy son many years beforeoh there I go again. Liam Neeson and Jeremy Irons are more believable as knights but are in no way challenged or pushed by the task at hand. Ghassan Massoud as Saladin manages to find some mileage in his role and comes off as a world wise man, a realist and a man who was lived a life of war and devotion to his faith as well as something of a cynic. It would have been easy to portray him as a medieval messiah but thankfully we are spared that.

On a more positive note the creation of both medieval France where the story opens and the depiction of Jerusalem and the surrounding castles, towns and camps is a technical triumph and in some way these fine visual accomplishments balance out the films other failings. The film will probably divide the audience, those with an eye for history will find some of it off putting, those not bothered by the flawed historical depictions may love it, for me it's a case of style over content, an odd mixture of historical epic, Thomas Mallory and modern day political correctness.

Learn more about this author, Dave Franklin.
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