Without the three major flaws, an excellent film

Rating: 7/10 (30 November 2007)

First off I really liked this movie. It was thoughtful and inspiring and had a fair amount of blood to keep some of the more bloodthirsty people occupied. It was well directed and well acted.
Now, the unfortunate part is the story. The story that was written was entertaining and was fairly good. However, key elements to the story are missing.
1)The introduction is just an illusion. Seriously there isn't more than 30 seconds of intro before they get right to the story itself. They missed a huge opportunity here and they pay for it later. Later in the second battle scene I couldn't tell if the guys dieing were peasants or warriors because nothing is known about anyone but Ibn. I found myself asking a dozen questions, such as why would a kingdom on the Black sea help their Norwegian counterparts.
2)In the middle(which was very well done) the only problem I had was the prince in the town they go to. Because of a short introduction you don't know anything about this kingdom other than it is plagued by Wendols. The prince just kind of disappears after his crony is killed and left another question is left unanswered. Also they missed an opportunity to meet the villagers.
3)The third problem is the ending, it abruptly ends without much explaining. I couldn't believe it was over. They could have showed later back with Omar Sharif in Baghdad or something like that.
All in all a missed opportunity as a classic, but still a good movie. It is just asking for a remake and if they do release a directors cut it will most likely be amazing.