Director Sir Ridley Scott (Blackhawk Down, Gladiator, Hannibal) really knows how to make an epic film. Just like he did with Gladiator, Scott creates a film where one man becomes a hero due to his own inner strength, character, and circumstances. Orlando Bloom (Lord of the Rings, Blackhawk Down, Troy, and Pirates of the Caribbean) plays Balien, the lead character in “Kingdom Of Heaven.” He does a wonderful job and I’m sure he will receive critical acclaim for his skillful acting. The film draws you in from the beginning when Balien is paid a visit from the father he never knew. His father, Godfrey of Ibelin (Liam Neeson), invites Balien to come with him to Jerusalem to protect the king. Balien refuses but circumstances and his desire to be cleansed of his sins prompt him to fulfill his destiny in Jerusalem. Just like in Gladiator, Kingdom of Heaven is filled with brutally graphic battle scenes. For this reason Dove cannot award the film the Dove Seal.