The Kingdom
By John Sheridan, Blockbuster.co.uk
“If there was ever a time to put our boots on Saudi sand, isn't it now?”
Jamie Foxx, Chris Cooper and Jennifer Garner head up an all star cast in this heart pounding thriller. An intense story about the fight against terrorism in the middle-east, with an intelligent plot, inspired directing and some terrific performances, The Kingdom is sure to have you on the edge of your seat.
After a devastating attack on an American compound in The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which results in the deaths of numerous Americans; an FBI special investigative unit led by dedicated agent Ronald Fleury (Jamie Foxx) head to Saudi Arabia in order to investigate the bombing independently of the Saudi government.
Entering the country without the American government’s permission and deeply resented by the Saudi people, Fleury and his team are initially sidelined by the Saudi Army who are investigating the bombing. But after bonding with a Saudi Police Colonel and uncovering some clues; Fleury manages to convince one of the Saudi prince’s to take the investigation away from the Army and give it to the police.
With their new friend, Saudi Colonel Faris Al Ghazi (Ashraf Barhom), Fleury and his team work to uncover the terrorist organization responsible and bring the killers to justice.
Produced by
Michael Mann and directed by the fantastic
Peter Berg (
Friday Night Lights), The Kingdom is a thoughtful and compelling thriller that offers a more even handed perspective on the cause and effects of terrorism in the Middle East.
Controversial in parts and deeply political, the film is similar in theme to
Syriana however never loses sight that it is an action film pure and simple.
A terrific thriller with something for everyone; The Kingdom comes highly recommended.