Kingdom of Heaven

Kingdom of Heaven

 Between the time span of 2000-2006 there was one British actor that every girl in the world was completely and totally in LOVE with (I being one of them).

Orlando Bloom.

From the moment he stepped onto the Hollywood scene playing the wise and courageous elf Legolas in The Lord of The Rings franchise, he took the world by storm. His fame skyrocket with each film and he went on to play Will Turner in Pirates of The Caribbean and Paris in Troy.

Kingdom of Heaven I had heard about, but for some odd reason I was constantly getting it mixed up with Troy (probably because both movies came out at the same time), and because Troy had Brad Pitt in it, I had no desire to see either film. Last year I finally decided to watch both, but Kingdom of Heaven ended up having the biggest impact on me.

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Orlando Bloom as Balian de Ibelin

      The story starts in France in the 12th century during the Crusades. Balian de Ibelin (Orlando Bloom), a poor blacksmith, has just buried wife who committed suicide and had to be buried outside of the city. The suicide was caused by the miscarriage of her child, so Balian is in deep grief and remorse at the lost of his unborn child and his wife who is now an outcast.

     In the midst of his grief a Crusader, Godfrey de Ibelin (Liam Neeson) comes across Balian and straight out tells him that he is his bastard son and therefore heir to his estate and fortune in Jerusalem. Balian is anything but thrilled at this shocking discovery and bids Godfrey and his companions to leave him alone.

     After they leave, Balian contemplates his mystery past and might be future when the very strange village priest (Michael Sheen) starts badgering him about his wife. When he doesn't let up, Balian gets angry and starts to fight him, ultimately killing him. Balian is horrified at what he has done and immediately sets out to find Godfrey. When he finds him, he asks if he can go to Jerusalem to have his sins forgiven. Godfrey assures him that he can and so Balian follows him to Holy City.

Liam Neeson as Godfrey de Ibelin

 Along the way, Godfrey teaches his how to fight, which becomes useful, as they are attacked and Godfrey is seriously wounded. Shortly after they make it to Jerusalem, Godfrey dies, but not before he gives his son his blessing and knights him by saying these few words:

"Be without fear in the face of your enemies. Be brave and upright that God may love thee. Speak the truth always, even if it leads to your death. Safeguard the helpless and do no wrong. That is your oath. "

 Then he proceeds to slap him in the face and tells him "And that's so you remember."

     After that is when Balian's life in Jerusalem begins. He meets the king's beautiful sister Princess Sybilla (Eva Green) and her power hungry Crusader husband, Guy de Lusignan (Martin Csokas). Hollywood made a love affair out of Balian and Sybilla's relationship, although it wasn't accurate. Sybilla was very much in love with her husband, but hey, who can say no to Orlando Bloom?

     Up to this point I had actually found the movie quite boring and the action and violence really gory and unappealing. I was also beginning to fall asleep, but I had met just about everyone in the story...except for this king they called 'Jerusalem' so I stayed up and watched a little longer.

I was glad that I did too.

Edward Norton as King Baldwin IV 

 (Sadly I couldn't find a matching poster for Baldwin)

     King Baldwin IV (Edward Norton) is the most extraordinary character in the whole film. More than just a king and warrior, he is also a leper and he is dying. His body is covered in bandages and his face is hidden by an elaborate silver mask. The only part of him you see is his startling blue eyes. As soon as Balian walks in, Baldwin tells him of Godfrey's loyalty to him and encourages Balian to follow in his path. Baldwin also gives him advice about how to properly manage the estate and how to lead others:

"None of us know our end, really, or what hand will guide us there. A king may move a man, a father may claim a son, but that man can also move himself, and only then does that man truly begin his own game.

Remember that howsoever you are played or by whom, your soul is in your keeping alone, even though those who presume to play you be kings or men of power. When you stand before God, you cannot say, "But I was told by others to do thus," or that virtue was not convenient at the time. This will not suffice. Remember that."

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Eva Green as Princess Sybilla

     This is an incredibly long movie and it would take me forever to write about it, but after Balian is knighted is when things start getting interesting. He manages to bring his father's dying estate back to life, falls in love with Sybilla when she comes to see him, help Baldwin stop a war between the Muslims and the Christian, and eventually becomes a very powerful leader.

     As much as I loved Balian as a strong and noble leader, King Baldwin IV is my favorite. Leprosy was one of the most feared diseases at that time and yet Baldwin still manage to rule Jerusalem with knowledge and compassion. Edward Norton did a great job at being able to act through that exquisite mask and his eyes completely penetrated you. The portrayal of Baldwin is actually the only accurate portrayal in the movie, therefore making it the best character all around.

     Baldwin's death (which was beautifully done) is a catalyst for the Muslims to gain revenge on the Crusaders and now Balian must take up the wise words from Baldwin and lead a small army of the just knighted men and boys and defend the 'Kingdom of Heaven.'

     They end up losing and the Muslims take over Jerusalem. Balian and Sybilla (who has left her husband) head back to Balian's hometown in France. While Balian is looking around his old blacksmith shop, Richard Coeur de Lion (King Richard I of England; Richard the Lionheart) rides up to the shop and asks him if he knows of the whereabouts of Balian de Ibelin.

Balian replies, "I am the blacksmith."

Richard says, "I am the King of England."

Balian once again replies, "I am the blacksmith."

     After Richard leaves, Balian and Sybilla decide to ride up the hills, but only after Balian takes one last look at his wife's grave.

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    I found the movie to be beautifully done and the acting exceptional. I've seen the standard and the Director's Cut and by far the DC is the best, although it's very long.

     Orlando Bloom did an amazing job! This is by far, in my opinion, his best role. He played a very generous and courageous man, who knew what was right and did it. It took me a while to get use to Eva Green. Sometimes her performance came off as too modern and it didn't seem accurate in some parts. Although, she did a very good job and her best scene was her goodbye to her brother while he is dying.

     The movie is rated R because violence is very strong and the battle scenes are intense. The love affair between Sybilla and Balian was actually quite low-key, which was good. It didn't become a major part of the movie.

      

     The Crusades was a very hard and tough time in history. The basic idea was to 'murder in the name of God' on all sides. Christians, Jews, and Muslims all fighting for this one city. Hollywood tends to romanticize the Middle Ages and make seem like an incredible and romantic time in history. It was actually one of the worst times in history and that came across very strongly in the movie.

"We defend this city, not to protect these stones, but the people living within these walls"

 ~Balian of Ibelin; "Kingdom of Heaven"

Downton Abbey Confession #2

 I think Grand Dowager Violet Crawley should be named the 'most awesome' Granny ever.

 

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 I mean how can you not love her??

"First electricity now telephones. Sometimes I feel as if I were living in an H.G. Wells novel."

As If The World Wasn't Crazy Enough...

I know. I'm totally on a blogging roll right now, but I needed to post this.

I found this article from this website from that crazy forum freejinger.org. I normally go there if I need a good laugh about something.

Anyway...I thought this article was worth posting.

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How To Be a Good Christian Wife

A couple years ago I was bombarded with emails asking me how to please both Jesus and your Husband. I came up with a list for these ladies and it seemed to help.

I've re-written the list and I hope it helps as many women reading this as it has helped in the past.

1. Always be up before your Husband in the morning so you can have his paper and his breakfast ready for him when he wakes. Although it is the morning, there is no need to be slovenly, always make sure you are showered and dressed with your hair fixed and your make-up on. ALWAYS serve fresh orange juice. Only whores use frozen.

2. DO NOT sit down at breakfast. Your Husband will be trying to read the morning paper and the sound of your chair scraping on the floor will be a distraction to him as you get up and down to fetch him more biscuits or find his briefcase for him.

3. DO NOT be a clingy wife! Your Husband has a lot on his mind in the morning, planning out his busy day. Do not try to engage him in conversation about what your plans for the day are or other trivial matters. Always walk him to the door. Make sure to carry with you any of the things he has forgetton so he doesn't need to go back for them. Offer yourself for a kiss, but if he is too busy to notice DO NOT POUT. He has a lot of responsibility and the morning is not the time for feminine hysterics.

4. DO NOT CALL YOUR HUSBAND AT WORK. Nothing will distract him from his responsibilities at work faster than trying to deal with yours as well. It can wait. In the case of an actual emergency, of course, calling him at work is necessary. PMS induced crying jags are not emergencies.

5. Spend your day cooking and cleaning. There is no excuse for anything other than a spotless house. Filth is for pigs not humans and cleaning top to bottom everyday is a good use of your time as well as good exercise. Bake lots of cookies and cakes and treats. ALWAYS REMEMBER a fat Husband is a faithful Husband.

6. When your Husband gets home from work, do not jump him with problems you've had during the day, or questions about his day. He needs time to relax and wind down. Make sure the TV remote is next to his chair and the batteries are fresh. Once he walks in the door, ladies...turn OFF the soaps and talk shows.

7. Have a snack ready for him to eat as you finish dinner. If he is not happy with your choice of snack DO NOT POUT, it's your fault. He's had a busy day and he's not psychic. Replace the snack immediately with what he wants.

8. Dinner should be more formal than breakfast. At this meal you may be seated, and allow him to serve himself from the table. Of course if he wants hotter gravy or something from the kitchen, you need to be up and gone for it with a smile. DO NOT PIG OUT. Always leave the table a little bit hungry to maintain both your figure and your dignity.

9. After dinner you may begin clearing the table as he waits for you to bring his dessert. He will be in a state of relaxation by this point and feel contented. If he aims a playful swipe at your backside during the clearing, respond with an "oh you!", smile and continue to the kitchen to get his dessert.

10. When choosing a dessert, remember a fat man is a faithful man and a full man falls asleep fast. Use lots of rich icings and creamy fillings.

11. Do not complain or question if your Husband has plans for after dinner. He has the right to a private life. Never call to check up on him. Use your free time to bake more, or to do his laundry.

12. Always go to bed before your Husband. He deserves a quiet time to reflect on his day and to plan for tomorrow. If he wakes you for sex when he comes to bed, give in graciously.

13. Never initiate sex yourself. Only whores initiate sex.

So ladies, print this out and keep it somewhere where you can see it daily. Not only will your Husband be much happier but so will you.

And of course, you will be pleasing Jesus and isn't that what it's all about?

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Now it's my turn.

This is the biggest load of CROCK I have ever read before in my life!!! Please, I am hoping it was just a satire. He groups all men as if they're all the same person.

Well, I hate to break it to you...BUT MEN ARE NOT ALL THE SAME! Each man is DIFFERENT and his his OWN tastes and preferences! 

The only good thing coming from this is that I know that not all men are like what you have just listed above!

  

Whatever good points he was trying to make, he completely debauched with his disgusting and ridiculous reasoning.

That's not being a good Christian wife. It's being a damn house slave. I'll stay in my father's house till the day I die, then ever conceive the thought of submitting myself to that lifestyle. I mean, if it even exists. 

Oh...BTW

And if whores make frozen orange juice, than you should know that only the gayest men write out lists in bright princess purple.

I'm done.

Little Princesses...Then and Now

Some might think I'm crazy...but...

I really think that Brad and Angelina's pretty youngest daughter, Vivienne Marcheline, bares a similar resemblance to Grand Duchess Anastasia in 1904.

Vivenne at 2 or 3 years old

Anastasia at 3 in 1904

Modesty, Romance and Everything in Between

"The Birth of Venus" by Alexandre Cabanel

Webster's Definitions

Modest: Properly restrained by a sense of propriety; not bold or forward.

Modesty: Chasity or purity of manners.

When you hear the word modesty what's the first thing that jumps to your mind?

What you wear and how it affects other people. Well, that's partly true, but actually the term modest is actually describing ones attitude and actions.

Now, I like to think that I'm modest in what I wear. I wear jeans, camisole tops, halter tops, and whatever I find pretty and comfortable. My mom has normally been strict in what I do or do not wear and there are times when I've crossed the boundary line, but more often than not, I dress pretty well.

In this time we live in a era that is obsessed with the constant battle between modest vs. immodest clothing. The Christian community has its heart in the right place when it encourages girls to dress appropriately, but there are times that I think they go to far and make a bigger issue out of it than it really needs to be.

I might be pretty safe in saying that if you are a young girl raised in a Christian family with at least one brother, than you have probably heard the saying "Men are very visual and we can't tempt them by what we wear."

That's all well and true and I totally agree with it, but the Christian society has too often rammed this belief down girl's throats and give no thought to what they might feel .

It's almost as if they believe that girls are completely inept to conceive the thought that they might find boys attractive.

Don't we also have eyes that can see?

Don't we also have minds that can think?

And honestly if it's such a big deal, I think society can tell the male race to exercise a little self control and not have everything be at the expense of the women. This is America, not the Middle East. I'm not going to hold myself accountable for every thought that comes into a guy's mind when he sees me. I'm not forcing him to look at me and I'm not forcing him to act as God created him to be.

Women have been made to long for men since the creation of Eve. I've been boy crazy since I was nine years old! I have four sisters who are just the same as me.

 

Now, I totally and 100% find this utterly attractive and worth looking at maybe once or twice. Or just save it on the computer to look at whenever you want. I mean, in my mind there's just something about a guy with a sword, a shield, dressed in Middle Ages period clothing that gets me going. God created me to be like that and I'm thankful everyday that he did.

The point is girls are just as visual as boys are, we just don't make it as public. 

Another thing is, girls can find a man attractive really no matter how he's dressed or not dressed (spare yourself the mental image in the latter words.) It really doesn't matter to me, I'm not so single-minded that I only prefer a man to look one certain way.

And to be honest, guys are not so single minded either. My brothers are almost bigger fashionistas then me when it comes to women's clothing.

The Christian society has also linked this belief in saying that girls are emotional and that they fall into temptation because of romantic thoughts and ideas. Once again also true, but the same society seems to believe that all girls are romantic.

Well, I'll have to break it to you, I am not a romantic person. I don't care about flowers, chocolates, soft music, or even dates. My idea of a romantic date is taking a walk down our country road, talking and getting to know one another.

I've also believed that chocolates, flowers, and dates when two people are in a relationship prior to marriage (courtship, but I loathe that term) sometimes seems like leading a lamb to the slaughter.

Scenario: Nice guy woos a girls with candy and flowers and causes to her heart to go all a flutter (thank you Princess Kate for that wonderful image that is in my mind) and makes her think that he's wonderful. 

Once that ring is on her finger though the romance stops and everything that caused her to think he was great was nothing more than a lie.

Sometimes it's true and sometimes it's not. I don't believe in it, because I don't want the guy to think that he is obligated to do so to win my affection. Also if he does do it, I know that it's genuine, because it wasn't a requirement of mine, but truly done from his heart.

Another thing I find so wonderfully attractive about a man is a man who loves children. In this day in age people think that men who spend time with children must be some kind of pedophile or child molester. That is completely, totally, and diabolically ridiculous.

A man who cares for children and understands them is incredible and rare thing.  I guess because I love children, I wan to find someone who loves them just as much as I do.

Modesty at its core is about how we act, not necessarily how we dress. It's how we present ourselves to other people. Now, I'm not saying we can wear whatever we want, but a good attitude and a right spirit is just as important.

One persons view on modesty isn't going to be the same as another persons. I respect that and I'm not going to judge another person based on their outward appearance.

Girls live in a time where femininity has been looked down upon and in some cases horribly brutalized. It's no longer acceptable to be generous, kind, and loving towards everyone.

Romance can be misleading and a disillusionment. Like a teen girl's obsession with Edward Cullen or Mr. Darcy, both literary characters, both don't exist and yet in the hearts and minds of girls there the next best thing to reality. A hard hit to guys, because now they feel that they can't measure up to something that's a fantasy.

The media tells Girls to dress this way, act that way, be independent, do what you want, follow your heart, etc. Now, girls are smart, they are strong, and more often than not, they are able to think for themselves and in other cases many girls are not able to.

Girls raised in Christian families have been given the wonderful opportunity to be witnesses to girls that are not so fortunate. And that's not by looking down on them by the way they dress or by how they choose to live their lives, but by simply employing the gifts that God has enabled them with and use them for some purpose in this world.

~Ivy

Downton Abbey Confession #1

Forget Edward Cullen and his winy, pathetic, annoying, and unrealistic ways.

 

I'll take Matthew Crawley instead : )

Kind, loyal, strong, generous....and so very real!  

(...although, he does remind me a lot of Carlisle Cullen.)

Elizabeth: The Golden Age

Cate Blanchett as Queen Elizabeth I

There is a never-ending speculation and wonder behind the life of England's most famous monarch, Queen Elizabeth I. Shrouded in mystery and intrigue, she is a portion of history that changed the world forever. 

Her reign made England the world power for centuries. Her curiosity in the new world across the ocean led to the colonization of America (and being born and raised in Virgina, I'm proud to say that).

Q. Elizabeth I is has many well known qualities for which the world has remembered her by. From her red hair and stone white face, to her refusal to marry and remain a virgin. Her elaborate gowns and love of theater, and her unwavering trust in the sovereignty of God. 

All of these add up to an incredible woman that by her death was still a woman, but one, who during her reign, the world learned not to mess with. Men, woman, kings, queens, princes, and popes.

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Jordi Molla as King Philip II of Spain

In my review of the preceding movie Elizabeth I had been somewhat disappointed by the inaccuracy and the all around general dark depressing gloominess of the film. So one can assume that I put in the sequel with caution. 

The movie starts several years later, where the first one left off. Elizabeth is in the highlight of her reign. She's happy, lively, and full of ideas to improve England. 

Elizabeth has two major adversaries that she has to deal with.

The first is her former brother-in-law, King Philip II of Spain who is telling his young daughter, Princess Isabella,  the evils of the 'bastard queen of England.' Little Izzy doesn't seem to care and prefers cuddling her doll that looks quite a lot like that hated queen.

The second is the hardened criminal, Mary Stuart or Mary, Queen of Scots who is doing time under house arrest. Her crimes? Being in line to the throne of England and being a Catholic. Both, in the minds of the English people are grounds for death.

Not to Elizabeth though. She states very clearly that she punishes people for their deeds, not for their religion. In spite of what she is trying to bring together, there is still tension between the Catholics and Protestants.

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Clive Owen as Sir Walter Raleigh

Now, what's a royal movie without a love story?

Another note of inaccuracy is the lack of Elizabeth's dear Robert Dudley, who in the first film was a convict of a heinous crime and therefore Elizabeth banished him from her sight.

Completely and totally wrong. Elizabeth and Robert were close friends till Robert's death.

So, with Robby out of the portrait, Hollywood had to dig up some other dead historical figure and they used Sir Walter Raleigh, played wonderfully by Clive Owen. Elizabeth is intrigued by the dashing rogue, Raleigh and envies him and his stories of the new world colony of Virginia, which he named after her.

Abby Cornish as Elizabeth "Bess" Throckmorton

Yet, there ends up being another lady vying for Raleigh's wandering heart. Elizabeth's devoted and favorite lady-in-waiting Elizabeth (Bess) Throckmorton.

One might immediately think pretty little Bess to be conniving and envious of the Queen when it comes to loving the same man, but she's not. She is kind, generous, and loyal to the end. There is accuracy of Walter and Bess' relationship. 

Walter truly did love her. Bess becomes pregnant with his child and they secretly marry...without the Queen's permission. When Elizabeth finds out, she furious and sends Raleigh to the tower and dismisses Bess.

More on that later.

Samantha Morton as Mary, Queen of Scots

 In the midst of this wild love triangle, Elizabeth is still in a struggling battle over what to do with her imprisoned cousin, Mary Stuart. Her counselors simply want to kill her and get it done with, but Elizabeth (in her feminine mind) will not end someones life unless a crime has been committed.

So when a failed assassination attempt on Elizabeth's own life sends all of England into an uproar, immediately the guilty finger is pointed at Mary who claims to be innocent. Elizabeth believes her to be innocent as well, but her counselors do not. Eventually Elizabeth signs Mary's death warrant in only to protect 'her England' from another crime. 

As soon as Mary is proclaimed dead, Elizabeth falls into complete guilt and begs for God's forgiveness. 

God might be forgiving, but Philip of Spain is not and sees Mary's innocent death as a catalyst to wage war on England. So begins an incredible and epic sea battle between England and Spain. Anyone who knows their history knows that Sir Francis Drake led England's fleet to victory (although his role in the movie is seriously downplayed) and ushered England into its golden age as the leading world power. 

Spain finally defeated and England at peace, Elizabeth is now free to simply be queen. The end of the movie sees Elizabeth at the Raleigh's home after Bess has given birth to their son. Although inaccurate (Elizabeth didn't know of the secret marriage until the baby was born), it was a very moving and beautiful ending. 

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Elizabeth: Woman, Warrior, Queen

 The one aspect that surprised me the most was the lighting. Whether this was done on purpose or not, I don't know, but the constant attention to the beauty of natural sunlight and warmth is spread throughout the film. Which is a complete tearaway from the first movie where everything was dark and cold.

In my opinion, I found The Golden Age to be beautifully done and much more positive than it's predecessor film. In spite of its inaccuracies (find them here under Dramatic License) it is a very good watch. The beauty of the cinematography and once again, the stunning costumes, sets, and designs are awe inspiring.

"My loving people, we have been persuaded by some that are careful of our safety, to take heed how we commit ourself to armed multitudes for fear of treachery; but I assure you, I do not desire to live to distrust my faithful and loving people ... I know I have the body but of a weak and feeble woman, but I have the heart and stomach of a king, and of a King of England too, and think foul scorn that Parma or Spain, or any Prince of Europe should dare to invade the borders of my realm."

 ~ Queen Elizabeth I