The Kingdom | Peter Berg

I gave it 8.

I really really enjoyed this film. There are plenty of murmurings about the place about it’s lack of taking a clear political position, or lacking a message, or being heavily biased in the American camp, but honestly I must say that all such perceptions have clearly missed the mark on what this film is about. I found it deeply rich in symbolism and representation, and at the conclusion of the film, I found that it didn’t have much to do with the real political setting of its roots. This isn’t a film that commentates about the United States, the Middle East and terrorism, it’s a study of people and cultures, struggles and passions. I found many of the scenes that portrayed Muslims praying to be quite beautiful, as I always have done. I’m not a Muslim, but I let other people live their lives as I see fit. In any case, I don’t want to turn this entry into a political forum.

Most of the film is quite slow and I immediately fell in love with it, all the way up to it’s contrasting actionesque climax, the violence a mirror of the passion felt by both cultures. Peter Berg’s direction has definitely taken more than a few cues from producer Michael Mann, and the entire film is beautifully shot. The support roles were outstanding, especially Chris Cooper and Jennifer Garner, an actor I haven’t been impressed with until now, and Ashraf Barhom plays the role of the troubled Saudi Colonel to perfection.

I suppose I’m someone who’s given to reading into things whether they are intended by the creators or not – after all, this is the power of art. Some people may find the film simple, but almost all of my favourite films have this illusory simplicity. Often saying too much will only lessen the impact of saying something plainly, but powerfully. There is more to this film than what seems to be its context, something human, something tragic, and ultimately something beautiful.