I liked this movie, I liked the battle scenes, the characters, the view into history it provided. It was slow in parts, a bit predictable, but still very good overall. I read some poor reviews, which point to the lack of development of the main character, Balean (played by Elven actor Legolas). I have to admit, these complaints are pretty well founded. Balean is basically introduced in the same state he leaves the film. There's some token attempts to show him growing, or learning, or solidifying his creed, but really he doesn't change much. He's a good fighter, a moral guy at the start, he goes over to Jerusalem, contines to be a good fighter and moral guy, and then it ends. I suppose that for somebody looking for a Odyssian sort of tale of personal growth, this would be a problem. I didn't really mind it, as there were other things to look at, other characters to watch, etc. The portrayal of Arabs as honorable warriors, and Templars as bloodthirsty profiteers, was a bit hamhanded and politically safe, but forgivable.