Modern War Film 'The Kingdom' Set to Depart Netflix Within Days
Subscribers to the popular streaming service Netflix have been alerted that a critically underappreciated modern war movie will be leaving the platform imminently. The film in question is the 2007 release The Kingdom, which will be removed from the Netflix library on February 9th, giving viewers less than a week to watch it before it disappears.
A Star-Studded Cast and Acclaimed Director
This intense action drama boasts an impressive ensemble cast that includes Academy Award winner Jamie Foxx, alongside Jennifer Garner, Jeremy Piven from Entourage, Richard Jenkins, and Jason Bateman of Ozark fame. The film's musical score was composed by the renowned Danny Elfman, celebrated for his work on The Simpsons theme and numerous iconic film soundtracks including Batman and The Nightmare Before Christmas.
The Kingdom was directed by Peter Berg, who later gained recognition for directing the war drama Lone Survivor and the Netflix series American Primeval. Berg's distinctive approach to the modern war genre has been particularly praised by dedicated film enthusiasts.
Plot Synopsis and Critical Reception
The film follows federal agent Ron Fleury, played by Jamie Foxx, who receives the most crucial assignment of his career. Tasked with assembling an elite team within just one week, Fleury must infiltrate and dismantle a terrorist cell operating in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The narrative explores the challenges of cultural differences and local law enforcement resistance, while developing an unexpected alliance with a sympathetic Saudi police captain.
While The Kingdom may not have achieved blockbuster status upon its initial theatrical release, it has developed a strong following among movie fans who consider it a hidden gem within the modern war genre. The film maintains a respectable 76% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, significantly higher than many comparable titles.
Fan Praise and Recommendations
Devoted viewers have taken to various platforms to express their admiration for what they describe as an underrated masterpiece. One enthusiast commented: "The Kingdom is an underappreciated modern war movie compared to its competition. When people think of post-Vietnam war movies, they think of The Hurt Locker, American Sniper, Black Hawk Down. But in my honest opinion, The Kingdom is just as good as any of them and is infinitely more re-watchable."
Another fan elaborated on Peter Berg's directorial approach: "What Peter Berg did with The Kingdom was a masterclass in filmmaking in the genre. It's often still grim and brutal, but its moments of levity, comic relief, and ever-growing relationships make it a medium-hearted experience, while still getting the narrative across that war is a brutal and ultimately a never-ending cycle of violence."
Additional viewer testimonials highlight the film's emotional impact and technical excellence:
- "One of the most underrated movies. Great cast, high emotions and intense action."
- "Oh wow. This was by far one of the best movies I've seen in a LONG time. A bit gory in parts and probably not for the faint of heart, but amazing! Mostly it was packed full of action!"
- "I think this is probably one of the best action films ever made for me. The message was very solid and the acting was great. I would highly suggest you watch this film."
Final Viewing Opportunity
With the removal date fast approaching, Netflix subscribers who haven't yet experienced this compelling war drama have a limited window to watch The Kingdom before it leaves the platform. The film will remain available for streaming until February 9th, after which it will no longer be accessible through Netflix's service.
This departure serves as a reminder of the transient nature of streaming content libraries and highlights the importance of catching acclaimed titles before they disappear from popular platforms.