Review of Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2010)

General Information

• Director: Mike Newell
• Main Cast:
  • Jake Gyllenhaal (Dastan)
  • Gemma Arterton (Tamina)
  • Ben Kingsley (Nizam)
  • Alfred Molina (Sordaan)
  • Toby Kebbell (Garsiv)
• Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
• Runtime: 116 minutes
• Studio: Walt Disney Pictures

Plot

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time is an action-adventure film based on the popular video game of the same name. The story follows Dastan (Jake Gyllenhaal), a young, street-smart orphan who is adopted by the King of Persia. As he matures, Dastan becomes a skilled warrior and is entrusted with protecting a mystical dagger that has the power to reverse time. After the king’s assassination, Dastan finds himself on the run, falsely accused of the murder, and forced to team up with Princess Tamina (Gemma Arterton) to protect the dagger from falling into the wrong hands.

As Dastan and Tamina journey across Persia, they uncover a conspiracy that could lead to the destruction of the world. The plot revolves around the use of the Sands of Time, a powerful artifact that can turn back time, giving whoever controls it the ability to rewrite history. Dastan must find a way to stop the villainous Nizam (Ben Kingsley), who plans to use the dagger to manipulate time for his own gain.

Highlights

1. Jake Gyllenhaal’s Performance
   • Jake Gyllenhaal brings a charismatic and athletic presence to the role of Dastan. He embraces the adventurous nature of the character, making him an engaging lead. His physical performance, including the film’s acrobatic stunts and sword fighting, is impressive and mirrors the video game’s action-packed sequences. Gyllenhaal’s witty and charming portrayal fits well within the lighter, action-adventure tone of the film.
2. Gemma Arterton as Princess Tamina
   • Gemma Arterton plays the role of Princess Tamina, a strong-willed, intelligent character who serves as both Dastan’s ally and love interest. Arterton brings depth to the character, balancing her courage and wisdom with moments of vulnerability. While her character doesn’t have as much complexity as Dastan, she provides a solid emotional anchor for the film’s events and complements Gyllenhaal’s performance well.
3. Action Sequences and Stunts
   • The film is filled with thrilling action sequences, including breathtaking chases, sword fights, and acrobatic stunts. The use of parkour-inspired movements and fluid action sequences are visually exciting and often feel like they are lifted directly from the video game. The Sands of Time dagger itself adds an interesting twist to the action, allowing characters to manipulate time in creative ways, such as reversing moments of danger or avoiding fatal outcomes.
4. Visual Effects and Cinematography
   • The visual effects in Prince of Persia are both stunning and imaginative. The use of CGI to bring the mystical Sands of Time and the magical elements of the dagger to life is visually captivating. The expansive, detailed sets, ranging from the cityscapes of ancient Persia to desert landscapes, add an epic scope to the adventure. The film’s vibrant colors and sweeping cinematography help transport the audience to a fantastical version of ancient Persia, enhancing the film’s sense of wonder.
5. Adventure and Fantasy Elements
   • The film embraces the classic adventure and fantasy genres, providing a fun, escapist experience. The themes of betrayal, redemption, and the fight between good and evil are central to the plot, and the film doesn’t take itself too seriously. Its lighter tone, combined with moments of humor and romance, make it an accessible and entertaining movie for a wide audience. The film feels like a throwback to swashbuckling adventures of the past, with a modern, fantastical twist.

Criticisms

1. Predictable Plot
   • While Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time delivers on action and visual spectacle, its plot is fairly predictable and lacks depth. The central story of betrayal and the struggle for control over the Sands of Time follows familiar tropes seen in other adventure films. The motivations of the characters, particularly the villain Nizam, can feel one-dimensional, and the final twist is not especially surprising.
2. Character Development
   • Despite Gyllenhaal and Arterton’s strong performances, the characters themselves lack substantial development. Dastan’s transformation from a reckless street orphan to a noble prince is rushed, and Tamina’s character doesn’t receive as much exploration beyond her role as a love interest and guide. The relationship between Dastan and Tamina, though charming, feels somewhat underdeveloped and doesn’t offer much beyond the typical adventure film dynamic.
3. Underutilization of Supporting Cast
   • While the film boasts a talented supporting cast, including Ben Kingsley and Alfred Molina, some characters feel underused or lack depth. Kingsley’s portrayal of the antagonist, Nizam, is effective but doesn’t provide much complexity beyond being a standard villain. Molina’s character, Sordaan, adds some comic relief but isn’t given enough screen time to become a memorable supporting character.

Verdict

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time is an entertaining action-adventure film that delivers on spectacle, fun, and excitement, much like the video game it’s based on. The performances from Jake Gyllenhaal and Gemma Arterton, along with stunning action sequences and impressive visual effects, provide a solid foundation for the film. However, its predictable plot, lack of deep character development, and underutilization of supporting characters hold it back from being a truly exceptional film. Despite these flaws, Prince of Persia is still an enjoyable ride for fans of fantasy-adventure films, offering enough thrills and escapism to make it worth watching.

Rating: 7.5/10