Before watching this film, leave behind any references to The Kingdom Heaven. This is an extremely low budget film shot somewhere in the desert (certainly not the judean desert) and with no sets to speak of. The film gives the impression it's going to lead you to some profound revelation at some point. This never happens and by the end I was left feeling cheated that I struggled through Rene's (The Templar) rare, mumbled, accented dialogue for nothing. I will never cease to be amazed at how easily some film goers are pleased. The reviews that paint this as some sort of beautiful, well acted, historical treat are myopic in my opinion and I am being kind. This was an awkward, pointless film, with a pointless story.
19 Reviews
For everyone not familiar with the middle east, Islam and its history
snakepk2 March 2010
Warning: Spoilers
This movie is very watchable for a low budget flick. The historical references were close to perfect. I'm surprised judging from all the reviews, nobody has any accurate knowledge about Islam here. Islam has many divisions when it comes to religious beliefs other than the Quran. The two largest are Shia's, or Ismaili's and Sunni's who usually in a political sense don't quite get along with each other. There are many others, including Bori's, Agha Khanis, etc. Hassan from the movie is a Shia and Sallahudin's army etc consists of Sunni's. The division started during politics in Mecca and Madina after the death of the Prophet(PBUH) between most of the companions of the Prophet(PBUH) and his cousin Hazrat Ali (use the internet its pretty interesting. The woman who looked like an American was a Christian forced to convert to Islam after her city was sacked and she was enslaved and then her master fell in love with her and bla bla bla. Slavery was a common practice back then. A Muslim woman bathing in public was actually quite common in those times, so was taking a dump in a bush, even if people were watching. Public Toilet Cabins were not that common :P. As for people who didn't understand how she was providing food for her guests, she states in the movie that her husband supplies her with enough food. She's away from civilization since her mother in law from her first husband didn't like her. It is a custom in most middle eastern areas, that Son's usually stay with there parents even after their married, as it is there rightful obligation to care for them in old age. Women in Islam are not oppressed as I get the vibe from some of the reviews here, as it is not Islam but the culture that is to blame nowadays. There are only two countries where I feel the women are oppressed, Saudi Arabia and Iran.
Overall this movie was great but the ending sucked bad.....oh and btw for those of you that don't know soap wasn't introduced to the general public of Europe till the late 13th Century, before that soap was only used by high ranking Nobles and Royalties as a luxury.
Overall this movie was great but the ending sucked bad.....oh and btw for those of you that don't know soap wasn't introduced to the general public of Europe till the late 13th Century, before that soap was only used by high ranking Nobles and Royalties as a luxury.
Acts like its profound but never goes anywhere
Consul_Incitatus24 March 2007
Warning: Spoilers
I was not impressed.
Rene is a Knight Templar (a warrior monk) who is wandering in the desert after surviving the battle of Hattin in which most of the Crusaders were killed. He meets a Muslim named Hassan, they end up saving each other's lives, they become buddies to the point where they at least wont kill each other. Rene is a humorless, religious fellow, prone to mumbled, barely intelligible voiceovers about God and stuff. Supposedly Hassan is an Assassin, who were a group of brainwashed violent fanatics, yet in the movie he just seems like a totally reasonable regular guy, much smarter than the humorless, oxlike Frenchman. They meet a Muslim widow who is kinda hot and has a not-very-good imitation of an Arab accent. What is the woman doing permanently out in the desert? She keeps no animals, doesn't grow anything, what does she do for a living? They spend most of the movie hanging out around her tent and demonstrating trite lessons about how religious fanaticism and hatred are bad. The woman tries to tempt Rene away from his crazy religious vows, so to remove the temptation he offs her at the end in a way that seems abrupt and not believable. His character never really develops into anything more than a cardboard dumb dirty guy who's nuts. The whole thing seems like a pointless exercise in verbose pretentiousness.
And another thing- there's a scene where Hassan hands Rene some soap, and he tries to eat it. I'm sorry, Europeans of that time period may have been a bit sketchy about personal hygiene, but they did have soap, and they used it.
Rene is a Knight Templar (a warrior monk) who is wandering in the desert after surviving the battle of Hattin in which most of the Crusaders were killed. He meets a Muslim named Hassan, they end up saving each other's lives, they become buddies to the point where they at least wont kill each other. Rene is a humorless, religious fellow, prone to mumbled, barely intelligible voiceovers about God and stuff. Supposedly Hassan is an Assassin, who were a group of brainwashed violent fanatics, yet in the movie he just seems like a totally reasonable regular guy, much smarter than the humorless, oxlike Frenchman. They meet a Muslim widow who is kinda hot and has a not-very-good imitation of an Arab accent. What is the woman doing permanently out in the desert? She keeps no animals, doesn't grow anything, what does she do for a living? They spend most of the movie hanging out around her tent and demonstrating trite lessons about how religious fanaticism and hatred are bad. The woman tries to tempt Rene away from his crazy religious vows, so to remove the temptation he offs her at the end in a way that seems abrupt and not believable. His character never really develops into anything more than a cardboard dumb dirty guy who's nuts. The whole thing seems like a pointless exercise in verbose pretentiousness.
And another thing- there's a scene where Hassan hands Rene some soap, and he tries to eat it. I'm sorry, Europeans of that time period may have been a bit sketchy about personal hygiene, but they did have soap, and they used it.
This is sad!
orly7726 January 2007
Honestly, I can't believe I watched this. Do not, do not believe anything that is written about this film. there is no art, there is no amazing story. I am using some anonymous (bugmenot) account, but, my words ring true. This movie is just trying to capitalize on the buzz of Knights Templar from the Da Vinci Code. This movie has nothing to do with the sort(the reason i watched it). It is only some estranged idea of a Christian consorting with a Muslim. But, it isn't even really anything to do with that. In the end, the saddening end, it is just a failed love story, of a Knight Templar doing something a Knight Templar would never do. In all honesty, a useless movie with no point.
Do not rent this movie - you have been warned!!!
gailcarty16 June 2007
After seeing all the awards this movie had won I got it out expecting something special. This is a dreadful movie. It never started, just droned on and on. The main character's diction/accent is so poor it's hard to make out a word he said. But after rewinding it, we realised it wasn't worth hearing anyway.
And I can't believe another user thought the acting was good! It was ABYSMAL. In one of the first scenes we see the Templar Knights discuss how they will react to the Islamic King's actions - apart from one actor the rest of the cast give truly cringe-worthy performances.
This is definitely one to leave on the shelf. Embarrassingly, my guests also thought it was spectacularly rubbish.
To be honest you'd be better off watching Colin Farrell as Alexander the Celt (What? Alexander wasn't Irish?!) - yes, it is that bad!!!!
(RE: User comment by Dyxrum regarding the Da Vinci Code
Although I'm no fan of Dan Brown or his work, the Da Vinci Code is a work of fiction and as such must be quite well written as it topped the bestseller lists for quite a while - so maybe the 12 year old comment is a tad O.T.T. Surely it's the mislead people who regard the Da Vinci Code as a work of nonfiction that you're referring to - not to the work of fiction itself. So before you get on your high horse take a look at your own 'know all' review!)
(RE: Comparisons to Kingdom of Heaven
Come on they're not really comparable...the plot's so simplistic it's better suited to kids than adults - big budget: no brainer. On the other hand, Soldier of God is meant to be cultured/high-brow. My opinion? Dull as dishwater.)
And I can't believe another user thought the acting was good! It was ABYSMAL. In one of the first scenes we see the Templar Knights discuss how they will react to the Islamic King's actions - apart from one actor the rest of the cast give truly cringe-worthy performances.
This is definitely one to leave on the shelf. Embarrassingly, my guests also thought it was spectacularly rubbish.
To be honest you'd be better off watching Colin Farrell as Alexander the Celt (What? Alexander wasn't Irish?!) - yes, it is that bad!!!!
(RE: User comment by Dyxrum regarding the Da Vinci Code
Although I'm no fan of Dan Brown or his work, the Da Vinci Code is a work of fiction and as such must be quite well written as it topped the bestseller lists for quite a while - so maybe the 12 year old comment is a tad O.T.T. Surely it's the mislead people who regard the Da Vinci Code as a work of nonfiction that you're referring to - not to the work of fiction itself. So before you get on your high horse take a look at your own 'know all' review!)
(RE: Comparisons to Kingdom of Heaven
Come on they're not really comparable...the plot's so simplistic it's better suited to kids than adults - big budget: no brainer. On the other hand, Soldier of God is meant to be cultured/high-brow. My opinion? Dull as dishwater.)
The characters from this movie are far a way from any culture.
Valeanu12 June 2007
The characters from this movie are far a way from any culture (Christianity, Islam,...)
A muslin woman living alone in the desert...with two man...some time she rise the voice and both man calm down.... Do you really know how was the condition of woman in that age ..in Islam ?
Someone say: "I highly recommend this movie to all students of medieval history, and those interested in comparative religious studies." D. Chaltry, Florida.
Ha Ha Ha...
Mr. Mir Bahmanyar and Kathryn Kuhlen.....please...read at least one book before to write a movie.
A muslin woman living alone in the desert...with two man...some time she rise the voice and both man calm down.... Do you really know how was the condition of woman in that age ..in Islam ?
Someone say: "I highly recommend this movie to all students of medieval history, and those interested in comparative religious studies." D. Chaltry, Florida.
Ha Ha Ha...
Mr. Mir Bahmanyar and Kathryn Kuhlen.....please...read at least one book before to write a movie.
not such a good movie
marius_wiz2 April 2007
Warning: Spoilers
so if you want to wast some time in this life , watch this movie ! the plot is not very understandable. the movie is very bad. because there is no plot no actors, no city ...4-5 people fighting sometimes. need a review! the movie is a disaster. don't waster your time . even my self could have done a better movie. the music is though quite good. thy to spend time with something else. stop stop this movie. so if you want to wast some time in this life , watch this movie ! the plot is not very understandable. the movie is very bad. because there is no plot no actors, no city ...4-5 people fighting sometimes. need a review! the movie is a disaster. don't waster your time . even my self could have done a better movie. the music is though quite good. thy to spend time with something else. stop stop this movie. stop Marius the Wizard
Terrible, terrible, terrible
dazski10 July 2008
Warning: Spoilers
I had high hopes for this film, I thought it was going to be the film that Kingdom of Heaven wasn't.
Unfortunately I was very wrong.
This without a doubt ranks highly in my all time worst films.
It really is truly awful - please do not believe anything to the contrary.
I don't believe they had a plot, just an idea which they then set about filming (badly).
The story, which focuses on the a relationship between a Christian Knight & a Muslim is full of racial & religious stereotyping - the only way they could make it worse would be if they introduced a stereotypical evil Jewish merchant, oh wait that is exactly what they did!!!!
The only reason I can suggest you watching this is so you can log in to IMDb and click that my comment was indeed very useful, because this film is awful.
Be warned.
Unfortunately I was very wrong.
This without a doubt ranks highly in my all time worst films.
It really is truly awful - please do not believe anything to the contrary.
I don't believe they had a plot, just an idea which they then set about filming (badly).
The story, which focuses on the a relationship between a Christian Knight & a Muslim is full of racial & religious stereotyping - the only way they could make it worse would be if they introduced a stereotypical evil Jewish merchant, oh wait that is exactly what they did!!!!
The only reason I can suggest you watching this is so you can log in to IMDb and click that my comment was indeed very useful, because this film is awful.
Be warned.
Not "Kingdom Of Heaven" - but..
regan13009 April 2007
It's well acted that's for sure. Not bad to watch at all.
It doesn't compare to Kingdom of Heaven in the shear scale of modern film making, but it's an interesting critique on the madness of absolute belief some warriors may have lived by, at the time of the crusades. I noticed a previous comment mentioned that a member of the crusading knights would not have acted in the way depicted in the film - I wonder how you would know that of every knight. It's an interesting take on the ambiguities that could beset devote individuals of any faith.
I doubt we have come that far since the time depicted in the film, but I'm sure it will all turn out all right in the end.
Oh dear...
It doesn't compare to Kingdom of Heaven in the shear scale of modern film making, but it's an interesting critique on the madness of absolute belief some warriors may have lived by, at the time of the crusades. I noticed a previous comment mentioned that a member of the crusading knights would not have acted in the way depicted in the film - I wonder how you would know that of every knight. It's an interesting take on the ambiguities that could beset devote individuals of any faith.
I doubt we have come that far since the time depicted in the film, but I'm sure it will all turn out all right in the end.
Oh dear...
ohhh
samerhalabi200125 April 2008
the film is very slow ,,, i mean when they are lost , it took forever to find the tent .... and ohhh yehh about the tent , come on she looks like someone from USA , i mean come on find someone who looks like arab , never see an arab women taking shower just like the one we see in this movie , i don't know but the i think the script was OK but the director killed it ..... i don't recommend it at all, one thing , the facts ,,,, when they took him as a slave we see him in a desert , just log into google map and tell me where is that desert ? and about the women in the tent , i don't know but if we want to talk about arab women for a whil you will imagine an arab look with a veil and a very black hair , but what we see .... anyway again i think it was the director who killed this film after all
A Knight Templar joins forces with a Muslim in order to survive
writeumcowboy-14 November 2006
I watched this incredible HD feature at the Dallas Deep Ellum Film Festival (where it walked away with a big award) and was amazed that the filmmaker had pulled off such a huge film for a small budget. Filmed in California, Mir Bahmanyar somehow managed to transform a California desert to the middle east, but that transformation was second to the incredible transformation by Bill Mendieta into a Muslim fighter who harbors a deadly secret. At the completion of the movie, at first I was surprised by the ending, but realized the subtext of the story must be met (congrats to Bahmanyar and Kuhlen). Tim Abel's Knight Templar and Mendieta's characters dominate the story with an ease of slipping into the skin of such three dimensional characters. Mapi Galan, whom they discovered in Spain, helped develop the story into a rich depth with her beautiful and exotic Sohelia who mesmerizes the men who visit her tent and seem to alter their attitudes towards war. Neil Lisk's cinematography was exceptional and if you look at the crew you'll note that Mir Bahmanyar's name is all over the place, and this was due to his dedication of getting the story made and offered to the viewing public.
Not so bad.
dxyrum14 June 2007
I noticed some really bad reviews of this movie so decided to comment. Firstly the movie isn't a story of the Knights Templer or the crusades, it is about life, the decisions we make, how we can spend our lives chasing the unimportant and miss the real life staring us in the face. Secondly if you look at the really bad comments,you will see that they were written by people who seem to think the know all truths. One of the reviewers wanted something that was on par with the Da Vinchi code!!!! I have no beliefs in any Gods but I would stand with Christians denouncing that book/film, because a 12 year old could have produced much better (no insult meant to 12yr olds). So if you have a bit of a brain and are open minded enough and realise that we are always learning, well this film is of a reasonable enough standard to spend some time on.
A side story to "Kingdom of Heaven" about a Templar, a Muslim and a widow in the desert
Wuchakk25 September 2018
After the Battle of Hattin in 1187, a grim Knight Templar named Rene (Tim Abell) wanders the desert where he encounters a Muslim named Hassan (Bill Mendieta). They meet a Muslim woman, Soheila (Mapi Galán), and discuss sectarian differences and the human penchant for conflict & killing while the woman seems intrigued by one of the men.
This is basically a low-budget companion piece to the events of "Kingdom of Heaven" (2005). "Soldier of God" came out later that same year, but only cost $325 thousand while "Kingdom" cost a whopping $130 million. Thankfully, the filmmaking doesn't seem THAT low-budget: There's a lot of beautiful desert photography, the editing is proficient and the score is aesthetic and moving. I encourage you to watch or re-watch "Kingdom of Heaven" first because it provides the background events and key names that will help you understand the situation here.
This is a dialogue-driven sword & sandal drama with flashes of action. The acting is well done for such low-budget fare. The problem is that too much of the verbiage is hard to discern and there's no subtitle option. Another reviewer called the movie "a pointless exercise in verbose pretentiousness," but some of the dialogue is quite good, at least what I heard anyway, particularly the discussion when the Jewish merchant visits.
Someone criticized the actions of a certain character on the grounds that a such-and-such wouldn't do such-and-such. I disagree. I just went to coffee with a devotee of a certain noble belief system who recently got out of prison for murder, which he committed in a flash of angry frustration. Plus you have to consider the adrenaline rush of battle frenzy and the desire to remove something lingering & troubling.
I probably would've liked this flick a lot more if I was able to discern more than 50% of the dialogue.
The film runs 1 hour, 34 minutes and was shot in Dumont Dunes, California, with some exteriors done in Málaga, Andalucía, Spain.
GRADE: C
This is basically a low-budget companion piece to the events of "Kingdom of Heaven" (2005). "Soldier of God" came out later that same year, but only cost $325 thousand while "Kingdom" cost a whopping $130 million. Thankfully, the filmmaking doesn't seem THAT low-budget: There's a lot of beautiful desert photography, the editing is proficient and the score is aesthetic and moving. I encourage you to watch or re-watch "Kingdom of Heaven" first because it provides the background events and key names that will help you understand the situation here.
This is a dialogue-driven sword & sandal drama with flashes of action. The acting is well done for such low-budget fare. The problem is that too much of the verbiage is hard to discern and there's no subtitle option. Another reviewer called the movie "a pointless exercise in verbose pretentiousness," but some of the dialogue is quite good, at least what I heard anyway, particularly the discussion when the Jewish merchant visits.
Someone criticized the actions of a certain character on the grounds that a such-and-such wouldn't do such-and-such. I disagree. I just went to coffee with a devotee of a certain noble belief system who recently got out of prison for murder, which he committed in a flash of angry frustration. Plus you have to consider the adrenaline rush of battle frenzy and the desire to remove something lingering & troubling.
I probably would've liked this flick a lot more if I was able to discern more than 50% of the dialogue.
The film runs 1 hour, 34 minutes and was shot in Dumont Dunes, California, with some exteriors done in Málaga, Andalucía, Spain.
GRADE: C
Shot cheap, looks great
KennethRossReddell30 April 2009
This film was compared to Kingdom of Heaven. Wow. Ridley Scotts crusade movie cost tens of millions to make. Even so, it is arguably one of Scotts worst films and contains very bad production flaws for a Scott film. On top of this, the story told in Kingdom is an absolute perversion of history and gives a moronic portrayal of the Knights Templar. This movie, Soldier of God, appears to have had no budget. The story seems to be limited by this fact. That said, I will judge it on its own merits. - The filming is beautiful work. Obviously done with a low end camera, yet masterfully shot. - The editing is extremely well done. Some of the best editing I have seen for a film in this budget range. Can't say enough here. - Costumes looks great. A better job was done on costumes than many big budget movies. - Accents are very good and give authenticity. - Although the story is sparse, plot subtle, it is a much more believable and authentic film than Kingdom of Heaven in the portrayal of the people and the period.
Not an action packed fun movie. An interesting watch. Requires an appreciation for film making and not simply a desire to be quickly amused.
Not an action packed fun movie. An interesting watch. Requires an appreciation for film making and not simply a desire to be quickly amused.
Well acted and beautifully shot
rae24126 April 2007
I was fortunate enough to see this film at the Straford Upon Avon International Digital Film Festival, where it won Best Film. In this day and age of "wham, bam, thank you ma'am" no-brainer action films and simpering synthetic rom coms, it was such a relief to have an intelligent film with characters that needed to be understood rather than handed out on a plate, that was beautiful but still harsh and brutal in its intensity.
It was a pleasure to watch. I for one am exceedingly grateful that it was nothing like "Kingdom of Heaven" (a pale comparison) and for once, which is unusual for Hollywood, historically accurate or as accurate as you can be in the 21st century. I am not a great historian of the period though I do have an interest in the Crusades, but I recently read another review of this film that praised it's historical accuracy -
"I highly recommend this movie to all students of medieval history, and those interested in comparative religious studies." D. Chaltry, Florida.
Praise indeed.
Historically accurate, beautifully shot and well-acted. What more could you want?
Rae
It was a pleasure to watch. I for one am exceedingly grateful that it was nothing like "Kingdom of Heaven" (a pale comparison) and for once, which is unusual for Hollywood, historically accurate or as accurate as you can be in the 21st century. I am not a great historian of the period though I do have an interest in the Crusades, but I recently read another review of this film that praised it's historical accuracy -
"I highly recommend this movie to all students of medieval history, and those interested in comparative religious studies." D. Chaltry, Florida.
Praise indeed.
Historically accurate, beautifully shot and well-acted. What more could you want?
Rae
Brilliant film
dan-23761 August 2007
What an outstanding film! I had no idea how good it was going to be when I selected it.
Gripping and moving throughout, the acting is amazing, and the underlying politics deep and dark. To the best of my knowledge historically accurate, this is an extremely well acted historical drama illustrating the age long conflict and, ironically, harmony between the Abrahamic beliefs.
The movie takes you through voyage of middle eastern mystery and keeps you guessing all the way.
Really, watch it to the end for the real clincher!
Gripping and moving throughout, the acting is amazing, and the underlying politics deep and dark. To the best of my knowledge historically accurate, this is an extremely well acted historical drama illustrating the age long conflict and, ironically, harmony between the Abrahamic beliefs.
The movie takes you through voyage of middle eastern mystery and keeps you guessing all the way.
Really, watch it to the end for the real clincher!
Well acted,..well crafted,. Well done.
troyhking11 September 2007
I was walking around Wal-Mart looking at their DVDs when all of a sudden something caught my eye,. a DVD with a list of Awards from various festivals including Deep Ellum Film Festival winner of Best Picture and the Stratford-Upon-Avon winner of Best Picture,.. Its called " Soldier Of God",. It stars Tim Abell known for his roles in" We Were Soldiers" and "Miracle At Sage Creek" he was also listed as a Producer,. the story was written by Mir Bahamanyar who also acted as Executive Producer I'm not entirely sure what the budget of this film was but its an absolutely beautiful film full of images that flow like an animated work of art,. the story revolves around a Templar Knight and his struggle to understand the "what" and "why" he fights after becoming friends to a man who essentially is to be his enemy ,..Tim Abell portrays Rene brilliantly as a conflicted dedicated Christian ,.the whole cast did a stellar job in recreating the simplistic sensibilities that surround the vision this film wants you to feel,. this movie parallels the same feelings and same decisions that are being made today,. some people I've talked to have compared "Soldier Of God" to "Kingdom Of Heaven" but for my money if you want thought provoking story telling over the urge to open big on a singular weekend then do yourself a favor and check this film out,.. You will not be disappointed
Well acted,well crafted,. Well done.
I love it when I find gems like this,. I enjoy movies I can tell other people about and this is one of those movies.
I even bought a few copies to give out to a few local filmmakers here around town so they could see what a beautiful HD Independent movie should be like. Thanks for reading
I love it when I find gems like this,. I enjoy movies I can tell other people about and this is one of those movies.
I even bought a few copies to give out to a few local filmmakers here around town so they could see what a beautiful HD Independent movie should be like. Thanks for reading
friendship with the enemy? God won't allow it....
mirceavalcea2 June 2007
Warning: Spoilers
i got an IMDb account just to comment this movie, because i was angry. i was angry on being deceived by some previous comments saying it's a bad movie and i'm puzzled by the movie's rate. it is a really good movie, and just because it's less about fighting and more about feeling and thinking doesn't mean it's not worth watching. on the contrary, it makes you think a little on what's inside everyone of us (men): the instinct to kill. religion has always been a good reason for killing, just as "patriotism" today. well acted (the less words are talked, the more is said), beautifully filmed, it focuses more on the inner struggle of all the characters. just one thing i disliked: when the Muslim and the Christian finally get along, guess who's betraying them...yeah, you guessed right, the Jew. apart form this, it is a well thought movie about trying to get along with "the enemy"....and failing to do so. no happy end, fortunately. on the contrary, the end is surprising and just gorgeous.
Great Film
dfwphotos9 June 2006
An excellent film...Acting is excellent. Camera work is fantastic, especially noting that the film was shot in HD video. Tim Abell is especially notable in his role as it is a departure from the special forces and sci-fi thrillers we're used to seeing him in. Mapi and Mendieta were unbelievable. Bill Mendieta's transformation from a nice looking yuppie type to the assassin role is pretty unbelievable as well. The plot follows a Knight of Templar (Abell)through the Crusades. Nice work all around and kind to the eye.
I really enjoyed this film as presented at the Deep Ellum Film Festival in 2005.
I really enjoyed this film as presented at the Deep Ellum Film Festival in 2005.
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