Just recently purchased and watched the Kingdom of Heaven which is from the director of Gladiator. I was not surpised by the gore and other harsh moments from battle scenes. One man receives an arrow through his throat and others have blood erupting from sword slashes. It is a modern movie with "epic warfare" scenes.
I was interested to watch this movie because of the issue of the crusades and current events with the War Against Terror. How would they portray the crusades? What would they say concerning the Islamic military during this period? Who would be the good guys and who would be the bad guys?
They seemed to portray both the king of Jerusalem and Saladin the same. They were both fanatics. The Knights Templar were raging, religious zealots who wanted to only kill the infidel. The movie did accurately portray that for many others the crusades were just an opportunity to kill and also gain religious privileges and purge your sins and your family's sins. All we are today are religious nut-jobs with nothing better to do than belittle the religion of others. The movie did seem to miss the religious zealotry of the Muslims. However they were a fierce and vicious foe. It was the Muslims who mounted the heads of the dead enemies that they removed in front of the King of Jerusalem.
Great movie for the action and special effects. This movie will leave you with many questions if you will ask some as you watch.
What are we portraying today with our vast political involvement?
What are we portraying with so much outspoken support of Israel and no mention of the apparent cruelties of that nation?
Some articles from the "great" CBN.
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