An epic adventure about a common man, "Kingdom of Heaven" tells the tale of a man who finds himself thrust into a decades-long war. A stranger in a strange land, he rises from a humble craftsman to knighthood, in service to a doomed king. Ultimately, he must protect the people of Jerusalem from overwhelming forces – while striving to keep a fragile peace. The film begins in France in the year 1184, and the Crusades serve as a backdrop for this love story played out between bloody battles.

Godfrey (Liam Neeson) is a right-minded knight who readily admits he has committed murder in the past. He searches out his bastard son Balian (Orlando Bloom of "Lord of the Rings," LOTR), a blacksmith in a remote town. Godfrey arrives on the day that Balian has buried his wife in disgrace. She committed suicide because of the death of their baby in childbirth. Godfrey is seeking forgiveness for not being a father to Balian. As was the case in "Gangs of New York," Neeson has a powerful impact on the film even though he’s not in it for very long.

Balian travels to Jerusalem after murdering the Priest who stole the necklace from his wife’s neck, just before her burial. Though Balian has the wisdom of his father, Godfrey, he is seen as an unworthy warrior by Guy de Lusignan (Marton Csokas of "Bourne Supremacy"). Guy is married to Princess Sibylla (Eva Green of "The Dreamers"), King Baldwin’s (Edward Norton) sister. King Baldwin is the Christian ruler of Jerusalem. The King has leprosy, and is not expected to live much longer. Upon his death, Sibylla will become Queen and Guy, the King.

When war seems inevitable between the Muslims and Christians, cool headed leaders Saladin (Ghassan Massoud) and King Baldwin, broker a peace where both have dignity in what is done. Once Baldwin is gone, however, Guy has no trouble getting his comrade-in-arms, Reynald (Brendan Glesson of "Troy"), to rape and pillage the land. Reynald also wants King Guy to have Balian killed. As Guy prepares for war with the Muslims in Jerusalem, Balian is the only knight that refuses to go into the battle, and he warns Guy that Saladin is anxious for the attempted attack, because Guy’s armies will likely run out of water before they reach the city. While on the march towards Jerusalem, the armies attack many Muslim villages. Saladin’s predictions are true and the battle is such an easy victory for Saladin, that there is no need to show the fighting¾ only the aftermath of carnage and buzzards flying overhead. King Guy and Reynald become captives of Saladin’s army.

Later, it’s discovered that Saladin’s sister was killed during a village raid, possibly at the hands of Reynald. Now Saladin and his army have no choice but to charge Jerusalem, where Balian is defending the walled city, but not for long. Before the fierce battle begins, King Guy is brought back in disgrace¾ riding backwards on a donkey with a dunce cap on his head.

We care about the characters because they seem real, and could be transplanted to the 21^st century with only a costume change and a slight modification of dialect. The mood of the film is somewhat somber, as it captures the feeling of more contemporary films like "The Interpreter" and "Hotel Rwanda." However, it definitely has "Gladiator" glory to it. The acting is exceptional, especially the stand- out performance of Edward Norton.

Some say that all good movies about war inherently have an anti-war message. There are terrific LOTR-type special effects here, and awesome battle scenes of documentary-style footage. Seeing both sides bury the dead in mass graves takes the shine off the heroic activities of the survivors.

This is a better movie than any of last year’s three sword and sandal sagas, "King Arthur," "Troy" or "Alexander." It’s no LOTR but at a little under 2 ½ hours, as compared to 9 hours (the length of the trilogy), it would be unfair to compare the two. The LOTR trilogy is considered one film. While it does not have the glamorous heroic story of Scott’s "Gladiator," this story’s insight into the winners and losers in war more than makes up for it. Like the film "Turtles Can Fly," this film is as much about the people as their leaders.

The biggest battle scene is between Muslims and Christians, to decide who will lay claim to the city of Jerusalem. Both leaders, Balian and Saladin, are good men who have been manipulated into a position where war is the only remaining viable option. Only after many have died, does war become a path to peace, but for how long? It appears that over the centuries, there have been many "wars to end all wars." But we feel that there’s a certain heresy in that notion. After all, who would be around to savor the victory?