The Kingdom

I pray that this is not a new filmmaking trend and a question comes to mind: Is everyone really going to unsuccessfully play second-rate Paul Greengrass from now on? The words of an overseas film critic who wrote that Berg invited a "permanently dancing monkey" to operate the camera sound true. Even in static shots, the chaotic shuffling of the camera from side to side, up and down, which, sitting about 10 m in front of the big screen, led to sore eyes and, after half an hour, I had the feeling I had overdosed on Kinedryl. Greengrass owns this filmmaking style, he's mastered it perfectly and gave Bourne an interesting flair. But in your case, Peter Berg, was it really necessary? Because otherwise the actors, led by the charismatic Foxx, were superb, the Saudi realism fantastic and the final action breathtaking in places. If Berg became convinced that his pseudo-documentary approach with a camera unleashed could draw the viewer more into the plot, in my case it completely missed the mark. The last two sentences of the film are great, a simple and yet so apt description of the never ending struggle between the Western world and the Islamic one! By the way, for the first time in my life I had the experience of being in the cinema completely alone! (10/28/2007)

The Kingdom is a technically solid and, with the exception of the bittersweet ending, rather intelligent thriller. Dealing with the pressing issue of terrorism is as important for the film as the spectacular yet realistically portrayed action. In the end, however, it is clear that Peter Berg is more at ease with the action. It’s also a pity that the movie ends at the moment when it finally gets going. This leaves the audience entertained but not satisfied. In time, The Kingdom will become outdated like, for example, Rules of Engagement. (10/04/2007)

In terms of the writing, it’s very economical, dynamic, and enjoyable to watch without unnecessary rambling. Additionally, it doesn't take anyone's side, meaning that the FBI agents are not machines for Americanism, and not all Arabs are willing to commit suicide for Allah. There is a certain level of political incorrectness, but making a film about such a sharp and current topic is already quite an art in itself, especially with such a high budget, so the director cannot be criticized too much in this regard. And actually, he cannot be criticized either when it comes to the technical aspects. Though that is rather the work of the chief producer Michael Mann, because when it comes to action, it is mostly his style, the typical visual elements, editing composition, and especially the stunning sound and clarity. The action is simply excellent, raw and fast-paced. Above all, the final ten-minute heist is the best action sequence of the year. Yes, better than Bourne. (10/12/2007)

There is a category of beautifully trashy movies where the American president takes down ten terrorists in a man-to-man battle, then sits in the cockpit of a military plane and eliminates a missile base threatening the whole world with a precise hit. Similar movies are transparent, they don't pretend to be anything else, and in their stupidity, they are often surprisingly entertaining. Unfortunately, The Kingdom does not belong to this category. It is obviously a low-quality production, and the opening montage and the scene of the attack on the American employees' camp set the bar quite high. One then looks forward to a clever crime thriller, only to find out that the good part is already over, and with every subsequent shot, the film delves into all the imaginable clichés of action movies. In the case of The Kingdom, the core of success for film fans is represented by well-shot action scenes and the reliable acting of the participants, although routine. However, the film script exudes such indifference toward Saudi Arabian realities and such contempt for the local culture that it hurts; the American civilization's superiority is simply evident when American professionals have to teach their colleagues the basics of criminal investigation, including fingerprinting... I don't even feel right giving it 2 stars in the end. Overall impression: 25%. (05/12/2013)

A very strong four stars. Berg really knows his stuff. It begins with an ingenious collage of archive images of U.S - Arab relations combined with computer graphics. I'd even venture to guess that these are this year's most impressive opening titles. The approach to the subject is matter-of-fact, with no embellishments and unnecessary frills. The acting performances are all high caliber. I was very surprised by Jennifer Garner, the surprisingly "ordinary" Jason Bateman, and I have to take my hat off to the performance of the almost unknown Ashraf Barhom. The final action inferno ranks among this year's best, and I will stress once again that I don't mind shaky camera. So, my last words about the Kingdom? I'll just say this: In the end, we're all the same. (12/14/2007)