Kingdom of Heaven

—Overview
—Photos
—About this Film pdf
—Spiritual Connections

What motivates one to go on a quest? There were a variety of motivations for Christians who participated in the Crusades between the 11^th and 13^th centuries, most deplored by believers today.

Kingdom of Heaven is a romantic epic set in the context of the 12^th-century Crusades. It follows the journey of the real-life Balian of Ibelin, defender of Jerusalem in the Second Crusades, portrayed by Orlando Bloom (best known as Legolas the Elf in The Lord of the RingsKingdom of Heaven does not seek to be a documentary about the Crusades, but gives its primary focus to the personal, inner spiritual quest of its protagonist, rather than the external religious conflicts of the period. films).

Just as the film’s title alludes to Christ’s words in the gospels, “the KingdomHeaven is within you,� Kingdom of Heaven intimates that the Kingdom of God may be found within the heart of the noble person who is seeking God. Indeed, the most outwardly religious characters in this film, Christian or Muslim, seem farthest from this kingdom. They make allusions to sacred text to justify acting out of political expediency or for financial gain, rather than out of a motive of faithfulness to the Author of that text. of

From the film’s outset, Balian is confronted with religious hypocrisy in his French village. Bloom’s character begins his journey to warrior as a blacksmith (a path Bloom also followed in Pirates of the Caribbean). After losing his family and murdering a priest who dishonored the memory of his wife, Balian decides to escape to Jerusalem with Godfrey of Ibelin (Liam Neeson), a Crusader briefly home in France, who reveals himself as Balian’s father.

For Balian, going to Jerusalem gives purpose to his life – a chance to gain redemption for his wife, forgiveness for his own actions, an opportunity to know the father he never knew and to discover something about himself by becoming a knight. There is also Godfrey’s suggestion that there are tremendous opportunities for any ambitious man.

Balian learns much on his journey – about honor, one’s word, respect, and about good and evil. This latest epic from Ridley Scott (Gladiator, Black Hawk Down, Alien, Blade Runner) deserves commendation for its even-handed portrayal of both Christians and Muslims. It depicts extremists on both sides, with the line between good and evil running through the heart of each person. Yet, scholars suggest, those depicted as extremists in the film, particularly the Knights of Templar, probably came closer to representing the mainstream of thought in that era. The broad-minded, interfaith perspective represented by Balian and others was rare, if it existed at all.

In Jerusalem, Balian finds conflict averted by a fragile peace, while extremists continue to fan the flames of hatred and violence. He becomes an advisor to the king, and a romantic relationship develops between Balian and the king’s sister. Yet Balian also learns that good ends never justify the means of achieving those ends, as he refuses to murder a fanatic in order to personally rule Jerusalem and keep the peace.

The 2-hour and 25-minute film is rated R for scenes of extreme violence and epic battle scenes, the special effects for which are the best since The Lord of the Rings. The final act depicts the choices Balian faces in defending Jerusalem. “Before I lose,� he tells the Muslim leader Saladin at one point, “I will burn it to the ground. Your holy places. Ours. Every last thing in Jerusalem that drives men mad.�

Kingdom of Heaven makes comparisons with contemporary conflicts in the Middle East
about land and peace. If the Kingdom of Heaven can be here among us today, it will be found not in the possession of land, but in the hearts and actions of those who seek to do God’s will on Earth as it is in heaven.

KINGDOM OF HEAVEN Cinema Pizza Party
STUDY GUIDE:
Great film. People are talking. If you take a group to see the film, here is a free downloadable study guide (courtesy of Reel)

—Overview
—Photos
—About this Film pdf
—Spiritual Connections