The heroic prince Dastan must save the Persian Empire in this fast-paced, but oh so ordinary action-adventure, suitable for children from 12 years and older.

Plot
The computer game franchise "Prince of Persia" has been a great success. Following this success comes the  film version, that has been eagerly anticipated by many gamers. Jake Gyllenhaal stars as Dastan, the orphaned boy whose courage and talent is discovered by the Persian King who then adopts Dastan and raises him in his court as part of his family.

Together with the King's sons, Dastan becomes a courageous warrior. Dastan always volunteers to go first into battle, his cunning mind, strong and flexible body and great skills with the sword usually ensures a superb victory.

After having attacked Alamut, the city ruled by the beautiful Princess Tamina, Dastan discovers a serious threat to the Persian Empire. It turns out that one of the King's closest confidants has discovered that there is a sacred dagger in Alamut which can be used to turn back time. This traitor has laid a cunning plan, in which he will use the dagger to make himself King, thereby destroying the safe and great empire.

Desiny places this dagger in the hands of Dastan, and it is up to him and Princess Tamina to ensure that the dagger is not misused by evil forces. They must take the dagger back to where it belongs and save Persia from destruction.

Quality and Theme
Very few people will be bored when they watch "Prince of Persia". The film contains a number of fast-paced scenes, which, with a mixture of computer generated special effects and well choreographed fight scenes, offer the public nearly two hours of well produced, light entertainment.

Unfortunately, the film has a major weakness that it shares with many other American films. The filmmakers haven’t done more than what is generally required in order to create an acceptable product, and it all ends up being an unimaginative story completely devoid of originality. The dialogue might as well have been copied from another of the many action-adventure films that have been released lately. The characters' personalities and development are also lacking.

It doesn’t make matters better that the film lacks a clear message. With a bit of goodwill, one might say that values such as; courage and determination to fight for justice is emphasized and that Dastan expresses a desire to create his own destiny. On the other hand, these are values that are highlighted in virtually all films, and thus seem somewhat weak.

Suitability
”Prince of Persia” has a 12A rating. The film contains a series of battles and some vivid scenes which might be frightening for younger children.  The film should, for that reason, not be seen by anyone under the above-mentioned age limit.

Conclusion
For children over the age of 12 this film should be safe enough and will possibly amuse many, but this is not reason enough to watch “Prince of Persia”. If you want to see a fast-paced fencing film there are better choices, for example "Robin Hood".

Facts

Director: Mike Newell Genre: Action/Adventure Actors: Jake Gyllenhaal, Gemma Arterton, Ben Kingsley, Alfred Molina, Toby Kebbell, Reece Ritchie, Richard Coyle and more Language: English Nationality: USA Length: 1h 56mins Production Year: 2009 Age Limit: 12A Suitability: Young people/adults BBFC’s Consumer Advice: Contains moderate violence.

Our Assessment: Not recommended

Official website:
http://www2.disney.co.uk/prince-of-persia/home.jsp

Other reviews:

Telegraph
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/filmreviews/7748905/Prince-of-Persia-The-Sands-of-Time-review.html

Times Online
http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/film/film_reviews/article7131752.ece