The first few minutes of the film capture the archives from history of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The voice-over goes on to describe the essence of the nation in a telling statement “Here is a country where tradition and modernity exist in violent conflict”. I saw the opening credits with #MichaelMann as the producer and knew that I could expect a really slick production. Director #Peterberg puts together a true action thriller, perhaps a little too slick for the context.
Let the remote gather dust. Turn to Pass_Me_The_Remote for an unbiased review of the 2007 movie #TheKingdom streaming on #Netflix. Oscar winner #JamieFoxx plays bad-ass FBI agent Ronald Fleury who is tasked with leading a team into the Kingdom to investigate a massive bombing inside the American compound in Riyadh. Fleury is also depicted as a super-dad and some of the best visuals are the interaction between him and his son, as well as the sons who have lost their fathers in the violence.
The American team includes Janet Mayes (#JenniferGarner), Grant Sykes (#ChrisCooper) and Adam Leavitt (#JasonBateman). Some excellent writing and deft direction indicate how the characters of this crack team are fearless, sanguine and stoic about their assignment and the circumstances. Director #Berg manages to build up the tension in the initial scenes when the team lands in Riyadh as the foursome take on the local official in charge of their mission, Colonel Al-Ghazi (#AshrafBarhom). I thought some of the best scenes are the initial sparring and the eventual buddy emotion between Fleury and Al-Ghazi.
The last twenty odd minutes of the film are a veritable feast for lovers of action cinema . The relentless action sequences are beautifully choreographed and executed. The cinematography lends credence to the tension with some tight close-ups and head-shots.
The initial set-up scenes of the compound and how the Amercians are having a relaxing afternoon with their families and children, baseball and beer thrown in is in stark contrast to the high intensity shock of the bombing and the mindless shooting. The film steers clear of any sensitive political commentary on the geo-politics of the region and instead, focuses on the characters and the dynamics between them. A final touch of deft directorial wisdom leaves you with the futility of the senselessness of all the violence!
