Kingdom, The (12/21/2007)

Rated R for intense sequences of graphic brutal violence, and for language.

Directed by Peter Berg (The Rundown, Friday Night Lights (TV))

Starring: Jamie Foxx, Jennifer Garner, Chris Cooper, Jason Bateman, Jeremy Piven

The Kingdom is wildly intense and disturbingly powerful… a far better film than we expected.

The Kingdom’s opening credits give us a brief history lesson and timeline of what “The Kingdom” is and how it was formed. Then the movie opens inside a Western housing compound in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia where a terrorist bomb detonates, igniting an international incident. While diplomats and politicians slowly drag their heels, FBI Special Agent Ronald Fleury (Jamie Foxx) quickly assembles an elite team (Chris Cooper, Jennifer Garner and Jason Bateman) and negotiates a five-day trip into Saudi Arabia to investigate the bombing. It’s not long after landing in the desert kingdom that Fleury and his team discover the Saudi authorities are suspicious and unwelcoming of Americans. Frustrated by red tape and the ticking clock, the team finds an unlikely ally in Saudi Colonel Al-Ghazi, who helps them navigate royal politics and unlock the secrets of the crime scene.

Jonathan’s Word: I’ll admit, I didn’t have high expectations from the previews- I figured the film would be a huge “downer.” Don’t get me wrong, it definitely wasn’t the “feel good” film of the year, but the characters were likable, the storyline was captivating, and the performance were strong.

My interest was first peeked by this film when I found out it was directed by Peter Berg. I really enjoy his style, especially with Season 1 of TV’s Friday Night Lights. And The Rundown is one of my favorite brainless action movies.

Todd’s Word: I agree. I had forgotten that Berg directed this film until I was watching some of the best opening credits since Se7en.

Jonathan’s Word: This film was scary. Not like “horror movie” scary, but like “this could really happen” scary. It reminded us of some of the evil people that exist in this world. It was disturbingly real, and raw.

Todd’s Word: There were a couple of scenes where I actually got out of my seat and was pacing in my living room.

As far as the violence goes, there are plenty of action movies where I find the violence entertaining because it is so over the top and at times laughable. Then there are films where the violence is so realistic and graphic that it is almost too uncomfortable to watch. The Kingdom is one of those films and joins the list of movies like Braveheart and Saving Private Ryan.

Jonathan’s Word: I wouldn’t go as far as to compare the violence to Saving Private Ryan. But it did feel very real.

But the movie wasn’t void of humor. We had occasional moments of comic relief, especially from Jeremy Piven as well as the sarcastic jests from Jason Bateman’s character.

Todd’s Word: I love both of those guys…they generally have smaller roles but always deliver great performances. But I can’t leave out Chris Cooper who is surprisingly funny.

Jonathan’s Word: I think the element I liked the most about The Kingdom is the glimpse we see into the lives of some of the Saudi people. The film wasn’t preachy, but it definitely introduced us to some of the good people over in the middle east. We were given the opportunity to see the contrast between Saudi terrorists and Saudi friends.

Todd’s Word: There really is very little to complain about in this movie. I was expecting a political agenda or anti-war message and was surprised to find a powerful film more about friendship and justice.

The story is intense and powerful, the cast is perfect, the direction is flawless and the cinematography is brilliant. I highly recommend it.

Jonathan’s Word: I’m with you. I really enjoyed this film.

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
The film is R and definitely isn’t for younger kids. We agreed that we would let teenagers see it though, because the violence was not over the top- it was just very real. The violence and language are the only elements that gave the film an R rating.

Conversation Starter
Three Simple Questions (with Answers You May Be Looking for):

1. What are some of the messages or themes you observed in this movie?
2. How do you suppose we—as serious Christ-followers—should react to this movie?
3. How can we move from healthy, Bible-based opinions about this movie to actually living out those opinions?