I was under the impression that "Prince of Persia" was a historical saga.
Boy, was I wrong.
Pleasantly so!
In the first fast-paced scenes, the audience is swept up into the intriguing Persian culture - in part due - to an enchanting musical score and the broad lush strokes the skilled director (a Bruckheimer Production) has used to paint his larger-than-life canvas.
The cinematography is exquisite - breathtaking in fact - but I was more drawn to the sets which captured the distinctive arcitectural style of the era.
In a nutshell, the tale is about a tribe habitating in the wilds of Persia, who suddenly feel threatened by a neighbouring clan, a confidant alleges are crafting weapons for an ally.
A decision is made to attack the sacred Temple where their High Priests practise a mysterious religion rife with a lot of hokus-pokus and ritual.
Once the city is stormed, one of the Princes - who just earned the title of "Lion" for his ferocious staying-power in the battle - is gifted with a unique ornate dagger with a glass case brimming with sand crystals.
As it turns out, the knife has mystical powers.
Now there is a ongoing struggle by to snatch the coveted religious artifact - with the ultimate aim of using its potent power - to rule the world.
Along the way - a cast of conniving diabolical characters - rev up the screen.
Throughout, the theatre-goer is treated to two-dozen or so spectacular fight scenes that keep 'em on the edge of their plush seats at the theatre.
Unfortunately, the film is a tad long - so about thirty minutes prior to the screen fading to black - filmgoers tend to be squirm in their seats and glance down at their watches.
Will this movie ever end?
Nothwithstanding, I expect fans of the genre (and others) will gobble up every precious moment of this romantic action-adventure drama into summer.
Talk about a hybrid!
Of course, Jack Gyllenhaal's muscled bod - and puppy dog eyes - are worth the price of admission.
Jake, that accent was killing me!
As usual, Ben Kingsley turned in a stellar performance that was seamless and perfect in every way.
The supporting players also bolster the "Prince of Persia" up in a myriad of entertaining ways (making the feature truly an ensemble piece).
The plot is sheer fantasy.
But, the newly-released flick, is a delicious escape that hits the spot, for filmgoers seeking a respite for it all (if only for a couple of hours).
3 Stars!
Ben Kingsley as Gandhi
