Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time - Thoughts

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time was one of those movies that I knew I’d get around to seeing, only not in a rush or at the theatre. It released in May 2010 and was relatively well received for most part by audiences worldwide. While I had played the original Prince of Persia game from the late 80’s, I had not played the newer 3D release from 2003. My guess would be that The Sands of Time movie is perhaps somewhat based on The Sands of Time game from 2003. In the movie the prince along with the princess of Alamut are fugitives, who need to uncover a sinister family plot to use the magical dagger and its power to turn back time and change history.


After my viewing experience it’s safe to that the movie was quite a mixed bag for me. Owing to being a Walt Disney movie, with a PG-13 rating, the movie was certainly crafted keeping in mind the younger audience group, which I believe to a great extent took away the edge from the movie. While I’m sure it was intentional, to the discerning moviegoer, I felt that it took away some. This one aspect aside, the movie was quite enjoyable. The recreation of the period and the setting was flawless, and many of the scenes visually splendorous. There was a fun element present throughout, which was not obviously comedic. Pace was a mix of slow moments, and faster suspense and action sequences. I personally felt that the slow moments were a little draggy. Overall, Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time is a fun adventure movie, that’s probably great for family viewing, and for young teenage children. For the hardcore moviegoer it may fall a little short.

The cast was pretty impressive, and performances were fitting. Jake Gyllenhaal played prince Dastan, the lead character in The Sands of Time. He was able to successfully represent a blend of rough and smooth, which was key to his character. There was a need for constant energy, and that was an area in which he was able to consistently deliver. Gemma Arterton was fitting as the princess of Alamut; her exotic look adding a mystical Far East tone to her character. In stereotypical fashion she was short-tempered, not someone who would trust easily, and a serious double-crosser. Ben Kingsley played Nizam, Dastan’s uncle, the king’s brother. Needless to say he played the role with strength and noticeable experience of age. Toby Kebbell and Richard Coyle played Dastan’s brothers, Garsiv and Tus. Their performances were apt; seemingly questionable at times, and loyal at others.

The DVD I was watching was a Region 1 US release. Video was good, and color favored warm tones, such as the sandy desert, the run down towns, and the brown skinned cast. Night scenes were a little dark but not an issue. Sound was presented by means of a Dolby Digital 5.1 surround soundtrack. Ambience was on point, dialogues clear, and surround stage usage was sufficient. What was standout was perhaps the photography in the movie, as several of the long shots were very scenic.

My Recommendation: Watch It – (A light adventure flick, well suited for family viewing)