When you come across the term
knight during the 12th century, what come to mind? My first description,
usually follows: defender, loyalty, strong, and brave. In the movie Kingdom of
Heaven directed by Ridley Scott in 2005 starred with actors such as
Orlando Bloom, Eva Green, and Liam Neeson, he portrays the crusaders in such
positive qualities, such like the description that I used to describe knights
during the 12th century. The opening of the movie starts with a sorrow choir
music, as it shows Balian’s dead wife. Balian (the main character), a black
smith who lives in a remote village in France, is showing us his memories of
his beloved wife. We know she has committed suicide because according to
Wikipedia during the Middle Ages the Christian church excommunicated people who
attempted suicide and those who died by suicide were buried outside consecrated
graveyards (Wikipedia). The movie starts to get more interesting once Baron
Godfrey of Ibelin shows up to Balian asking him to return to Jerusalem with
him. As the young Balian refuses his father’s proposal, he encounters with his
younger brother who claims he is the one that order to behead his wife. It was
then during the confrontation that Balian kills him. In desperation Balian
seeks for his father, in hope that he can help him, here is the conversation:
Balian of Ibelin: I have done... murder.
Godfrey of Ibelin: Haven't we all.
Balian of Ibelin: Is it true that in Jerusalem I can erase
my sins... and those of my wife? Is it true?
Godfrey of Ibelin: We can find out together (Heaven of
Kingdom).
The journey to Jerusalem then
begins after Balian follows his father in hope that redemption can save him and
his wife. The director Scott does a good job of depicting the 12th century
costumes, for example the famous splayed cross, was wore emblazoned on their
mantles on almost every knight in battle. The costumes included chain mail
hauberk, coats of plates or armored surcoats.
In this image of the movie the knights are wearing their
armored with the splayed crosses.
Above is an image of 12th century knights with the splayed crosses.
The director Scott represented the Middle Ages on a pretty
accurate scale based off of historical look of the film. He even used necessary
weapons during war that would prove the accuracy time period. The knights used
swords, spears, shields, and horses during the battle and the director shows plenty
of the war battles with the crusaders with these types of weapons.
You can see the general on the right with his armor, sword,
and spear.
The film’s accuracy between the
plot and the authentic link to history is somewhat accurate. There were
Christian crusaders traveling to the Holy Land during this time period in hope
of spreading Christianity. But our character Balian, he travels to Jerusalem in
hope for redemption rather than for a Christian pilgrim. But that is what makes
the plot appealing to a 21st century audience. Similar to most of our films
today, directors and writers show the importance of love and his sensitivity of his feelings. And in this film,
Balian’s love for his wife shows his devotion to go to Jerusalem and clear her
sins.
In the film, the director portrays different sides of a knight such as his ability to love and other positive qualities during the 12th century. Rather
the common misjudgments of the Middle Ages as a dark, barbaric, and cruel time
in history. He shows the status of the crusaders by expressing their strength and vulnerability. The
knights were depicted as heroes and defenders of the Christians in Jerusalem
and fighting for what they believe in. Similar to our class discussions about
Joan’s loyalty to her mission. Joan had a mission assign to her by God, and she
did not stop until she was able to crown King Charles and led the French in
battle. Similar to Balian's mission. His goal was to not only find hope and
redemption but to serve the people of Jerusalem after the fact that his father Godfrey knights
him and orders him to serve the King of Jerusalem and protect the people. Here
is another quote from Kingdom of Heaven:
Jerusalem: Who do you think you are? Will you alter the
world? Does making a man a knight make him a better fighter?
Balian of Ibelin: [pause, turn slowly to face Bishop] Yes
(Kingdom of Heaven).
Above is an image of Balian at battle.
We often portray miracles with the
Middle Ages. There is a scene in the film, that shows Balian and his father's
men returning to Jerusalem, but during their voyage, they encounter a storm
that wrecks the ship, leaving the only survivors Balian and the horse. One
would say it's a miracle that he survived on that ship wreck. Second, Balian
was completely lost in the desert while he was looking for his horse. Then Balian
encounters a Muslim cavalier and his servant. Due to a fight over the horse,
the Muslim cavalier is left dead and Balian spares the servant’s life in return
that he would help guide him into the City. Balian miraculous survives on all
of these near death situations.
In conclusion, I would conclude that
the director portray the film historically accurate based off of his historical
look of the film. And this includes his amazing details of the dramatic choir
music, costumes, and scenery of the battles. I argued that the director
portrays his crusaders in such a light such as revealing his humanity side such of love.The
film ends with the battle of Jerusalem ending with terms negotiated between
Balian and Saladin and the director closes the film with an epilogue stating
that "nearly a thousand years later, peace in the Kingdom of Heaven
remains elusive"(Kingdom of Heaven).
Sources:
Kingdom of Heaven. Dir. Ridley. Scott. Perf. Orlando Bloom,
Eva Green, and Liam Neeson. Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation,2005. DVD.
Images were from Google.
Interesting film if you have an interest in leprosy with King Baldwin. One thing to consider: war and medieval film. It's a dominant theme.
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