The Golden Compass Sunday, Nov 16 2008

The Golden Compass is the story of Lyra, a 12 year old wild girl living amongst the scholars of Jordon College in Oxford with her best friend Roger. But when Roger is kidnapped by the Gobblers, Lyra must go on an adventure to the North to rescue him from the awful things they are doing to children.

I wasn’t happy with this adaptation at all. First of all, they’ve totally rejigged the story and cut huge parts out. Second, they totally ruined the dramatic ending, ruining before it got to the climax.

But, it was nice to see Lyra and her world come alive. I especially loved the special effects of the technology and the Daemons – the souls of the person as animals. I also loved the cast, especially Daniel Craig and Eva Green.

A good adaptation, but not one to watch if you’re a loyal fan of the books.

Random fact: Daniel Craig (Lord Asriel) was a fan of the books before he was involved with the movie, as was Dakota Blue Richards (Lyra) who has read the books and saw the National Theatre stage play.

3 out of 5 stars.

The Golden Compass [2007]

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Kingdom of Heaven Sunday, Nov 2 2008

Kingdom of Heaven is about Bailan, a young blacksmith who is haunted by the suicide of his wife after the birth of their stillborn child in rural France.

Baron Godfrey of Ibelin is a Crusader who rides through the village and introduces himself as Bailan’s out of wedlock father. He invites him to join him onto his way to the Holy Land. Bailan declines, but after finding out that the town priest beheaded his wife as she was a suicide, and stole her necklace, Bailan kills him and joins the Knights on their quest.

They are ambushed as men are sent to capture Bailan for the murder. While defending themselves, Godfrey is injured and near death, makes Bailan a Knight and his heir. His father charges him to protect the helpless and to serve the King of Jerusalem.

Its an interesting film, and I wasn’t sure I would like it or not. Sadly, this is not the full story. The uncut version which is the true version of the film, makes more sense but sadly I didn’t receive it.

Orlando Bloom has mean and moody down to a T, and i found his restrained acting charming. When he doesn’t say anything and just emotes from his body language, its amazing. Liam Neeson, Jeremy Irons and an unrecognisable Edward Norton as the King of Jerusalem make this film worthwhile, even if the story goes on a bit.

The battle scenes are epic and bloody. Not one for those who are squeamish.

The Syrian actor who played Saladin was amazing and the portrayal of the Muslims wasn’t too bad. I liked the way they spoke Arabic to make it more authentic.

The star for me was Eva Green though, because her character of Sibylla, Princess of Jerusalem, was amazing. When she was on screen, she owned it and made the character her own.

Good film, but not for me.

Random fact: Orlando Bloom gained 20 pounds

4 out of 5 stars.

Kingdom Of Heaven – Definitive Edition [2005]

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