---
title: "Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time"
year: 2010
kind: "film"
canonical: "https://film.one/film/prince-of-persia-the-sands-of-time"
fi1m_id: "prince-of-persia-the-sands-of-time"
imdb_id: "tt0473075"
tmdb_id: 9543
wikidata_id: "Q245172"
fi1m_score: 56
critics_score: 51
critics_reviews: 15
published: "2026-10-05T11:58:37.177452+00:00"
updated: "2026-10-05T11:58:37.729196+00:00"
region: "TH"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

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

Directed by Mike Newell · 1h 56m · MC น 13+ · Adventure, Fantasy, Action

## Identity

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/film/prince-of-persia-the-sands-of-time
- **Type:** Film
- **Fi1m ID:** prince-of-persia-the-sands-of-time
- **IMDb ID:** tt0473075
- **TMDB ID:** 9543
- **Wikidata ID:** Q245172
- **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0473075/, https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/9543, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q245172

**Fi1m score: 56** · Critics 51 from 15 reviews

*In a sentence:* Jake Gyllenhaal in a beard, Alfred Molina with ostriches, and only one of them looks happy to be there

> Mike Newell’s game adaptation looks handsome, moves briskly and has Alfred Molina. But the swordfights are cut to confetti, the leads never warm to each other, and the plot stops every twenty minutes to explain its dagger again.

## Synopsis

Persia, under King Sharaman (Ronald Pickup). Prince Dastan (Jake Gyllenhaal) rides to war with his brothers Tus (Richard Coyle) and Garsiv (Toby Kebbell) and their uncle Nizam (Ben Kingsley). Their target is the city of Alamut. Dastan takes it by going up the walls at night without orders, and comes away with a strange dagger and a bride for Tus, the princess Tamina (Gemma Arterton). Soon he is on the run with Tamina and the dagger, which she will not explain and which can turn back time by a few seconds. On the road: a tax-dodging sheik (Alfred Molina), his ostrich track, and a band of hired killers.

## Review

Mike Newell’s *Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time* is adapted from the video game, and producer Jerry Bruckheimer has plainly built it to do for sand what the *Pirates of the Caribbean* films did for water. It has a prince, a princess with a secret, a dagger that turns back time, and a 12A certificate to keep all three friendly. Boaz Yakin, Doug Miro and Carlo Bernard’s script is a chase, Dastan and Tamina running with most of Persia behind them. It lasts 116 minutes and feels like a brisk two hours, which is the kindest thing we can say about its shape.

The opening is the best of it. Dastan takes Alamut at night, going up the outer wall while the army waits at the gates, and John Seale shoots it in torchlight and dust so that you can see the height of the drop and the man making it. Wolf Kroeger’s city is built in real tiers, roofs and balconies and ledges a few feet apart, and Gyllenhaal, or a stuntman in his clothes, goes over them at a run. For twenty minutes we were enjoying ourselves without reservation.

Alfred Molina arrives around the hour as Sheik Amar, who runs an ostrich race and talks about taxes. He is the only person on screen who seems to understand what kind of film he is in. His scenes with Steve Toussaint’s Seso, a knife-thrower who says little and means it, are the loosest in the picture. We laughed, properly, and it was mostly at the birds, which says more about the writing than the birds.

Gyllenhaal is in good shape, good humour and a bronzed beard, and he never quite looks at home. He plays Dastan as an eager boy, but there is no edge to him; when the film needs him to be dangerous he goes earnest instead. Arterton has the harder job, guarding the dagger while being dragged across the desert by the man who took it, and she is better than her lines, which are mostly bickering. The two of them circle each other for ninety minutes and the moment the film is waiting for never comes. Kingsley does his quiet-uncle act and is given little beyond it.

The fights are the problem, and it is a surprising one given who cut them. Mick Audsley, Martin Walsh and Michael Kahn share the editing credit, and the swordplay comes out in half-second pieces: a blade, a face, a fall, a blade. We could rarely tell where anyone was standing. The Hassansins, killers led by Gísli Örn Garðarsson whose credits include a Whip Man and a Porcupine, are a good idea for a monster, and each fight with them is over before we had worked out what they could do. The time-reversal effect is neat the first time, and the film shows it to us, with narration, roughly once a reel.

Penny Rose’s costumes are detailed and dusty, Seale lights the desert in long amber afternoons, and Harry Gregson-Williams keeps the brass and the wordless choir at full volume whenever a horse moves. What it is wrapped around is a story that keeps stopping to explain itself. Tamina tells Dastan what the dagger does; then she tells him again; and by the third telling we had stopped listening and started waiting, and we were still waiting an hour later.

Newell made [*Four Weddings and a Funeral*](https://film.one/film/four-weddings-and-a-funeral) and [*Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire*](https://film.one/film/harry-potter-and-the-goblet-of-fire), and he has always been better with people in rooms than with armies. That holds here. The sheik’s tent and a quarrel between the brothers play; the big set pieces feel handed to a second unit and returned. The film it most wants to be is the first *Pirates of the Caribbean*, which had Johnny Depp doing something nobody had asked for.

Most critics came out about where we have, divided and a little tired, and that seems fair. If you have a twelve-year-old and a wet afternoon it will do the job, and the Alamut climb and the ostriches will do it well. Anyone older will remember the climb, the birds, and not much else.

*Fi1m score 56, published 5 October 2026.*

## What the critics say

Most critics find Prince of Persia passable: a mixed, middling reception with few outright champions. The reviews agree that it is watchable and that the praise falls in two places. Alfred Molina’s comic turn is singled out again and again as the liveliest thing in it, and the real-world stunts, the parkour in particular, are credited with giving the action some pace. Several critics also like the look of the film, the detailed medieval cities and the cinematography, even when they like little else.

The reservations cluster around the story and the lead. Many find the plot convoluted and the whole thing forgettable, and a few call it plainly dull. Jake Gyllenhaal splits the critics: some think he has presence, others that he never gives the prince any edge. The spread is wide. Eye for Film says it exceeds expectations as a game adaptation, while Slant Magazine finds it lifeless and weighed down by effects-epic habits.

## Straight answers

**Is Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time worth watching?**

*Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time* is worth watching only for a twelve-year-old on a wet afternoon, and we scored it 56. The night climb at Alamut and Alfred Molina's ostrich sheik are good, but the swordfights are cut into half-second pieces and the plot keeps stopping to explain its dagger. Anyone older will remember the climb, the birds and little else.

**How long is Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, and what is it rated?**

*Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time* runs 1h 56m and is rated น 13+ by the MC in Thailand. It is an adventure and fantasy film.

**Where can I watch Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time in Thailand?**

*Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time* is not on any streaming or rental service in Thailand at the moment. It is available in 48 other countries; change your country at the top of the page to see where. Availability is checked daily.

**How violent or frightening is Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, and is it suitable for children?**

*Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time* is a 12A, and it earns that gently: swordfights, falls and a band of hired killers, with the violence chopped so fine you can rarely see who is standing where. The Hassansins are the frightening part, and each fight with them is over quickly. It should suit most children of about ten up, and nothing in it troubled us.

**What should I watch after Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time?**

After *Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time*, try [*The Mummy*](https://film.one/film/the-mummy) (1999, Fi1m 71): Desert, treasure, bickering couple; the jokes land and the villain is allowed to be scary. Then [*Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl*](https://film.one/film/pirates-of-the-caribbean-the-curse-of-the-black-pearl) (2003, Fi1m 81): Same producer, same template, and a lead performance nobody could have predicted; and [*Stardust*](https://film.one/film/stardust) (2007, Fi1m 75): A British fantasy chase with a sense of humour about itself and a better romance.

### Reviews we read (15)

- **Screen Daily**, John Hazelton (64/100, inferred): The available page identifies this as a review, but its verdict is hidden behind the paywall. No specific praise or complaint is visible in the accessible text. [Read](https://www.screendaily.com/prince-of-persia-the-sands-of-time/5013596.article)
- **The New York Times** (64/100, inferred): The page returned only an access error, so the critic’s verdict cannot be verified. No praise or complaint from the review is available to identify. [Read](https://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/23/movies/23persia.html)
- **Empire**, Ian Nathan (60/100, inferred): Nathan finds it entertaining but held back by wooden dialogue and sloppy exposition. He praises the real-world stunts, especially the parkour and swordfights. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/prince-persia-sands-time-review/)
- **The Hollywood Reporter**, Ray Bennett (60/100, inferred): Bennett finds it an enjoyable, family-friendly adventure that lacks epic scale and leaves little lasting impression. He praises the film’s beautiful cinematography and brisk editing, which help keep the far-fetched story buoyant. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/prince-persia-sands-time-film-29567/)
- **Time Out**, Tom Huddleston (3/5): Huddleston gives the film 3/5, indicating a mixed verdict. The available text does not reveal what he specifically praises or criticizes. [Read](https://www.timeout.com/movies/prince-of-persia-the-sands-of-time-2)
- **The AV Club**, Scott Tobias (C): Tobias finds the film a thin, witless, generic adventure despite its commercial savvy. He praises Jake Gyllenhaal’s screen presence and the cinematography’s flattering shots, while criticizing the mythology, CGI, and heroine. [Read](https://www.avclub.com/prince-of-persia-the-sands-of-time-1798165105)
- **Little White Lies**, Matt Bochenski (3/2/1): The critic finds the film a disappointing, uninspired blockbuster that fails to deliver memorable spectacle. They particularly fault its second-rate effects and uninnovative action sequences. [Read](https://lwlies.com/reviews/prince-of-persia-the-sands-of-time)
- **Los Angeles Times**, Betsy Sharkey (40/100, inferred): Sharkey finds the film spectacular but emotionally underpowered, with Jake Gyllenhaal unable to give its prince enough edge. She praises the visually mesmerizing production design, effects and stunts, while noting that Alfred Molina’s comic performance adds welcome fun. [Read](https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2010-may-27-la-et-prince-persia-20100527-story.html)
- **Variety**, Leslie Felperin (40/100, inferred): Felperin finds the film passably enjoyable but forgettable, lacking the originality and spark to stand out. She praises Alfred Molina’s lively comic turn, while criticizing the film’s overdesigned look and Gyllenhaal’s disappointing performance. [Read](https://variety.com/2010/film/markets-festivals/prince-of-persia-the-sands-of-time-1117942703/)
- **The Guardian**, Andrew Pulver (30/100, inferred): Pulver finds the film silly and over-complicated, with its convoluted plot undermining the adventure. He praises its attractive visuals and fleeting excitement, but says even director Mike Newell cannot rescue the story. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2010/may/20/prince-of-persia-sands-film-review)
- **Slant Magazine**, Bill Weber (1/4): Weber finds the film dull, lifeless, and weighed down by familiar effects-epic tropes. He criticizes its fragmented action and says the leads lack chemistry, while noting Gemma Arterton’s authoritative performance. [Read](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/prince-of-persia-the-sands-of-time/)
- **Eye for Film**, Jennie Kermode (75/100, inferred): Kermode finds the film formulaic but entertaining, and says it exceeds expectations as both an action movie and a game adaptation. She especially praises the parkour action and Alfred Molina’s comic performance. [Read](https://www.eyeforfilm.co.uk/review/prince-of-persia-film-review-by-jennie-kermode)
- **HeyUGuys**, David Sztypuljak (70/100, inferred): The critic finds the film enjoyable and recommends seeing it, though it falls short of expectations and its story becomes confusing. They praise the action and parkour sequences, especially the opening assault on Alamut. [Read](https://www.heyuguys.com/prince-of-persia-the-sands-of-time-review/)
- **Den of Geek**, Ryan Lambie (3/5): Lambie finds the film entertaining but predictable, uneven, and short of a cinematic triumph. He praises Alfred Molina’s performance and the richly detailed medieval cities, while criticizing the lack of tension in the action. [Read](https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/prince-of-persia-the-sands-of-time-review/)
- **Digital Spy**, Ben Rawson-Jones (30/100, inferred): The review finds the film visually impressive but ultimately dull and uninvolving. It praises Alfred Molina and the ostriches for bringing humor and energy to proceedings. [Read](https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a218984/prince-of-persia-the-sands-of-time/)

## Details

- **Director:** Mike Newell
- **Director:** Mike Newell
- **Screenplay:** Boaz Yakin, Doug Miro, Carlo Bernard
- **Cinematography:** John Seale
- **Editor:** Mick Audsley, Michael Kahn, Martin Walsh
- **Music:** Harry Gregson-Williams
- **Production design:** Wolf Kroeger
- **Costume design:** Penny Rose
- **Producer:** Jerry Bruckheimer
- **Cast:** Jake Gyllenhaal as Prince Dastan; Gemma Arterton as Tamina; Ben Kingsley as Nizam; Alfred Molina as Sheik Amar; Steve Toussaint as Seso; Toby Kebbell as Garsiv; Richard Coyle as Tus; Ronald Pickup as King Sharaman
- **Runtime:** 1h 56m
- **Certificate (MC):** น 13+
- **Release (Thailand):** 6 October 2010
- **Genres:** Adventure, Fantasy, Action
- **Budget:** $200 million
- **Box office:** $336 million
- **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qXlAls2Gv0

## Where to watch in Thailand

Not streaming, renting or buying in Thailand at the last check.

Also available in: AE, AR, AT, AU, BE, BG, BR, CA, CH, CL, CO, CZ, DE, DK, EC, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HK, HR, HU, IE, IL, IS, IT, JP, KR, LT, MX, NL, NO, NZ, PA, PE, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SG, SI, TR, UA, US, ZA. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country.

## If you liked this

- *The Thief of Bagdad* (1940): The Arabian Nights adventure this one is imitating, with real colour and a real genie.
- *The Mummy* (1999), Fi1m 71: Desert, treasure, bickering couple; the jokes land and the villain is allowed to be scary. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-mummy.md)
- *Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl* (2003), Fi1m 81: Same producer, same template, and a lead performance nobody could have predicted. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/pirates-of-the-caribbean-the-curse-of-the-black-pearl.md)
- *The 7th Voyage of Sinbad* (1958): Ray Harryhausen’s monsters still weigh more than anything rendered in this film.
- *Stardust* (2007), Fi1m 75: A British fantasy chase with a sense of humour about itself and a better romance. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/stardust.md)

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/film/prince-of-persia-the-sands-of-time