Detailed Summary
The Journey of Balian
The film opens in 12th-century France. Balian (Orlando Bloom), a blacksmith, mourns the loss of his wife and child. He is approached by a knight, Godfrey of Ibelin (Liam Neeson), who reveals he is Balian’s father. Godfrey invites Balian to join him on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. The city is a place where Christians, Muslims, and Jews live in fragile peace. At first, Balian hesitates, but he eventually agrees, seeking redemption for his past.
The Rise of Balian as Defender of Jerusalem
After Godfrey is mortally wounded in a skirmish, Balian inherits his father’s title, lands, and mission to protect Jerusalem. Balian travels to the Holy Land and earns the favor of King Baldwin IV (Edward Norton). The leper king rules with wisdom and seeks peace with Saladin (Ghassan Massoud), leader of the Muslim forces.
Balian becomes a respected knight, defending his father’s lands and growing close to Princess Sibylla (Eva Green), Baldwin’s sister. As Baldwin’s health worsens, political tensions rise. Peace begins to crumble under the influence of the ruthless Guy de Lusignan (Marton Csokas) and his ally, Reynald de Châtillon (Brendan Gleeson).
The Siege of Jerusalem
After King Baldwin’s death, Guy de Lusignan becomes king and wages war against Saladin, disregarding Balian’s advice to maintain peace. This leads to the pivotal Battle of Hattin, where Guy’s army is crushed by Saladin’s forces. Balian, now responsible for defending Jerusalem, prepares for the inevitable siege. In a grand display of leadership, Balian rallies the city’s defenders—commoners, knights, and clergy alike—to hold off Saladin’s forces for as long as possible.
The Fall of Jerusalem
The siege is a brutal and bloody affair, but Balian negotiates with Saladin to surrender the city on the condition that its inhabitants are spared. Saladin, known for his chivalry, agrees to Balian’s terms, allowing Christians to leave Jerusalem peacefully. Balian returns to France, rejecting offers of power and wealth, choosing a quiet life.
Movie Ending
The film ends with Balian returning to his blacksmith life in France, where he is visited by King Richard the Lionheart, who seeks to recruit him for another Crusade. Balian declines, having learned the futility of constant war and the importance of peace. The final scene shows Balian riding off into the countryside, leaving behind the chaos of the Crusades.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, Kingdom of Heaven does not have any post-credits scenes.
Type of Movie
“Kingdom of Heaven” is an epic historical drama, centered around themes of religious tolerance, honor, and the human cost of war. It has strong elements of adventure, action, and philosophical reflection.
Cast
- Orlando Bloom as Balian of Ibelin
- Liam Neeson as Godfrey of Ibelin
- Eva Green as Princess Sibylla
- Edward Norton as King Baldwin IV
- Ghassan Massoud as Saladin
- Marton Csokas as Guy de Lusignan
- Brendan Gleeson as Reynald de Châtillon
- Jeremy Irons as Tiberias
Film Music and Composer
Harry Gregson-Williams composed the music for the film, blending orchestral sounds with Middle Eastern influences to capture the setting and themes of cultural conflict. His score reflects the film’s epic tone and diverse atmosphere.
Filming Locations
- Morocco: Many epic films shot their desert scenes and Jerusalem city scenes in locations like Ouarzazate, a well-known destination for large-scale productions.
- Spain: Several key locations, including Castillo de Loarre and the Casa de Pilatos in Seville, were used for scenes in France and Jerusalem.
- England: Some scenes were filmed at Shepperton Studios.
The diverse filming locations were crucial in creating the film’s grand scale, evoking the medieval world and the sprawling landscapes of the Holy Land.
Awards and Nominations
- Nominated for the Satellite Award for Best Director (Ridley Scott).
- Nominated for the Saturn Award for Best Costume and Best Production Design.
- The Director’s Cut is highly praised and considered a significant improvement over the theatrical release, often listed in discussions of Ridley Scott’s best work.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Ridley Scott’s final version of the film adds almost an hour of new material, making it the definitive cut. This extended edition enriches the story with deeper character exploration, added political intrigue, and greater historical detail.
- Edward Norton chose not to take credit for portraying King Baldwin IV, a character who remains masked throughout the film because of his leprosy.
- Orlando Bloom spent months training in sword fighting and horseback riding to prepare for his role as Balian.
Inspirations and References
- Historical Events: The film is loosely based on the events of the Crusades, particularly the Battle of Hattin and the Siege of Jerusalem.
- Historical Figures: Characters like King Baldwin IV, Saladin, and Balian of Ibelin are inspired by real historical figures, though much of their portrayal in the film is fictionalized for dramatic purposes.
- Religious Themes: The film explores the idea of religious tolerance, drawing parallels between the 12th-century Crusades and modern conflicts.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
- Director’s Cut: The Director’s Cut stands as the most substantial alternate version of the film, significantly extending its runtime and delving deeper into the characters, especially Princess Sibylla and her relationship with her son. This edition also provides more historical and political context, enriching the experience beyond that of the theatrical cut.
Book Adaptations and Differences
While Kingdom of Heaven is not directly based on a specific book, it draws heavily from historical texts and Ridley Scott’s research on the Crusades. The film takes creative liberties with historical accuracy, especially in portraying Balian. Historically, Balian was much older and more established.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Godfrey’s Death: Godfrey’s passing, where he knights Balian, marking his transformation from blacksmith to noble.
- Balian’s Speech: Before the siege, Balian rallies the people of Jerusalem, declaring that “None of us took this city from the Muslims. No Muslim of the great Saladin’s army now coming against us was born when this city was lost.”
- The Siege of Jerusalem: A visually stunning and intense battle sequence that showcases Balian’s leadership and Saladin’s chivalry.
Iconic Quotes
- “I am Jerusalem.” – King Baldwin IV
- “What man is a man who does not make the world better?” – Godfrey of Ibelin
- “If this is the Kingdom of Heaven, let God do with it as He wills.” – Balian of Ibelin
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The designers crafted King Baldwin IV’s mask to symbolize his inner strength and wisdom, even as he battled leprosy.
- The cross that Balian crafts at the beginning remains a powerful symbol of his journey for redemption throughout the film.
Trivia
- Orlando Bloom’s breakout role as Legolas in The Lord of the Rings catapulted him to stardom, leading to his casting as one of the most sought-after actors of the time.
- Ghassan Massoud, who played Saladin, is a well-known Syrian actor who initially declined the role, fearing it would portray the Muslim leader inaccurately. He later accepted after Ridley Scott assured him of the film’s balanced depiction.
- Many consider the Director’s Cut far superior to the theatrical release, with some even describing it as a significantly improved and entirely different movie.
Why Watch?
“Kingdom of Heaven” offers a visually stunning and thoughtful look at the Crusades, filled with epic battles, complex characters, and moral dilemmas. The film’s themes of tolerance and peace resonate strongly in today’s world, making it more than just a historical drama.
Director’s Other Movies
Recommended Films for Fans
- Gladiator (2000)
- Troy (2004)
- Braveheart (1995)
- The Last Samurai (2003)
- Alexander (2004)
