I don't mind historical inaccuracies for the sake of a good story, but it was annoying how much of a dickhead he was about it with Napoleon in particular. Just say it was cool or you thought it made for a better story instead of pretending that we don't have historical records!
This is my favorite way to word a comment online. A real bait n switch. Then, as the commenter, you get the sweet satisfaction of seeing the gif of the football player saying “they had us in the first half,” repeated in your replies. This is how you know you’re cookin on the old interwebs.
In the extended version it does include the fact that he’s an experienced warrior prior to this (both as engineer and infantry) his father is just giving him actual training he probably never got. It won’t fix the identity issue, but other than that the director’s cut is such a better film it’s almost like a different work.
One of the first historical movies I watched and something that not only flames my interest in historical stories but sparked my love for history and finding the real story behind the sceeen.
Ridley Scott made an epic, enjoyable film. Anyone with a knowledge of the Crusades knows the true story. This analysis borders on petty. Pulling apart every little detail. I loved the film.
Anyone that has interest in history knows the movie is over dramatized and inaccurate. The only reason the movie got fame is because of the scene where saladin meets baldwin
I really wish people reviewed that version, as it is a much more complete and enjoyable movie. Not much more action, but a lot of important dialogue and relevant information for Balian and Sibylla.
So you've done Braveheart, Gladiator, 300, Troy and Kingdom of Heaven, can you now do the finest medieval movie ever made, Monty Python and the Holy Grail?
History Hit really knocks it out of the park with videos like this. So much fascinating historic information is passed along to those of us eager to learn. Thank you once again for yet another great upload, History Hit team!
I highly recommend "Warriors of God" by James Reston. One of my favorites. While it focuses more on Richard the Lionheart and Salahadin, it dispels a great many myths from this movie. Really opened my eyes.
13:42 there have been many examples when illegimate sons have been given the title (if there was no other option) especially in the early middle ages certainly until the 11th century. Especially germanic and nordic nobility according the "mors danico", the Danish way. Just think of William the Bastard later becoming the Conqueror and King of England. But there are many more examples. From 1200 on it got much more strict....
@@jdmmike7225 Yeah, we know that, we were told 5 times in the first 10 minutes. The point isn't whether movie Balian reflects real Balian, but whether movie Balian's situation is historically plausible.
He didn't say it didn't happen all he said was that it was unusual for it to be done with the expectation that people would accept it.... do you have problems listening 😂😂🤡🤡
Absolutely fascinating episode on one of my favorite movies. I was aware of some of the true history of Balian of Ibelin, but this was a great explanation of the intertwining issues throughout that crusade. That he negotiated the truce between Richard I and Saladin was something I wasn't aware of and quite interesting. Thank you so much for this.
In the Director’s Cut, it was revealed that Balian used to serve the Kingdom of France as a siege engineer, explaining how he knew to fight and defend Jerusalem.
Apart from the wide liberties taken with historical narrative, Ridley Scott's movies are a pleasure to watch simply for their mood and visual texture - quite immersive.
Honestly put Kingdom of Heaven in the same slot as Braveheart and Gladiator, pure historical fiction to service a great story. For many movies this would kill them, but these are just do damned well done and enjoyable to watch I don't care. I'm invested in the characters and events presented to me, and just stop thinking about the issues as they relate to realism or real history. And it isn't like this is unprecedented, hell even the Greeks told stories that we know really didn't happen the way they did, or had elements added, but again it all services an amazing bit of fiction that tickles some port of our imagination. Not saying we should not have break down videos, I love to learn the real history, but even knowing all of this I still love Kingdom of Heaven and can watch it any time. There are many ways to push a story in deep historical accuracy, such as Master and Commander, but it requires a very strong hand and attention to detail with the story, script, and production. It really is almost harder.
@@Geda.gede.gada.gadaoo Which Christian leaders does in insult? Reynald? Guy? Both deserve insult and were not Christian leaders in any real sense. The film exults Baldwin IV as it should.
Jon Finch was one of the greatest actors in the world. Too bad me only had a small role in this film. But it was great to see him in this marvelous film. He’s portrayal of MacBeth in Polanski’s 1971 film is by far on of the greatest Shakespearean performances in cinema.
English novelist Grahame Shelby wrote two surprisingly accurate (given the novel genre) novels in the early 1970s Firstly "The Knights of Dark Renown" detailing Baldwin IV, Reynald, Gerard de Ridefort, Isabella and the Kingdom's political machinations and followed it with "The Kings of Vain Intent" on the third crusade where the real Balian was made a central character. Well paced books with characterisations that bring the era to life. Recommended.
These 30,000 bezants were paid by the Hospital with the money deposited by King Henry II of England, but even so when the 40 days granted the Christians to raise their ransoms were up, some 15,000 Christians were unable to pay and condemned to slavery. Ibelin, appalled, offered to stand surety for them while the ransom was raised, but Saladin refused, although he did “give” 1,000 slaves to his brother and 500 each to Balian and the Patriarch of Jerusalem, so that 2,000 souls were freed at the last minute.
It says multiple times in the movie that Balian fought quote "on house back and as an engineer " it also mentions he built siege equipment for is previous Lord just saying 😊
I can understand why. His military background in the director's cut was mentioned in one sentence by his brother, the priest, while conversing with the crusaders. Very easy to miss.
1:00:14 ...and emperor Frederick Barbarossa. How is it everybody forgets about him? He was the first to march and had the biggest army of all Western kings.
Mostly because his story ends in a freak tragedy. The Third Crusade might have actually recaptured Jerusalem since Barbarossa might have been the tempering influence to cut down on the Richard vs. Philip squabbling. Sadly Barbarossa becomes a footnote in Crusading history.
I think Ridley Scott is the guy responsible for the 'this is the past blue filter' that is now all the rage with historic movies but its very noticable in the opening of this movie and early to mid 2000s seems about right for the trend starting. Needless to say im not a fan of the this is the middle ages so everything needs to look dreary aesthetic.
In the Director’s Cut Balian was an engineer and had already seen battle before the story started. It’s implied that he already knew the sword and didn’t pick it up in 5 minutes around a campfire. Actually watch the movie. It’s good.
Love the way that before the fight which kills the Teutonic companion and ultimately the death of Godfrey, one knight is seen oiling his mail armour to prevent rust. Knightly housekeeping!
My 9 year old was playing age of empires 3 and wanted to know more about Salladin so I showed this guy as real Salladin. The casting of of this movie was absolutely amazing.
The guy who plays Saladin is a Syrian actor. I cannot remember his name but I read up about him a few years ago. I think he did an excellent job. And yes, a very well casted movie.
The reason why David Thewlis's Hospitaler character has a different view of organized religion than most of his contemporary counterparts is because he is an angel. Ridley Scott has confirmed this.
I remember when this movie came out Ridley Scott claimed during the press tour that Kingdom of Heaven would be the "most historically accurate" blockbuster ever made. Not quite
Here we go at 1187 there were siege towers the city of Jerusalem how to ditch the ditch professor that you put on History hit has talked about this they had siege towers and they use them after they covered some of the ditches. In the director's cut of Kingdom of heaven it was found out that balian was a former crusader prior to becoming the Lord Commander and savior of Jerusalem. You clearly did not watch the director's cut like you said in the first part of this breakdown. Because it was all in it. In the original we only knew he was a blacksmith we didn't know there was more story until the director's cut came out.
On the leprosy front, leishmaniasis was also prevalent in the region and was often misdiagnosed as leprosy as it also consumes the flesh, but it is not as virulent as leprosy.
Balian in the movie, he's already been on war campaigns, so he would have known how to use a sword. Just not in that style was proficient. He was taught and learned in building siege. Engines
I always assumed those last scenes are Balian slowly realizing he doesn't belong in France anymore and he and Sibylla race off to catch up to Richard just as Balian did at the beginning with Godfrey
Taking "forced" in the strongest most literal interpretation possible (a knife to the throat for example). A situation where she is slightly drunk and gives several soft "No's" before yielding is not impossible and fits the description.
Using "forced" in the strongest most literal interpretation possible(knife to the throat for example). A situation where for example she is slightly drunk and gives several small "No's " before yielding wouldn't count.
In the movie the Balian character eventually follows after Richard the First. Ridley Scott has said it's not intended to be 100% accurate. More of a representation of many factors.
everyone always just casually glossing over the added director cut bit at the beginning where he says he served as an engineer, i.e. he knows his stuff
If this little bit of information is crucial to a better understanding of your story, why leave it out from the cut that everyone is going to see and judge? Director's cuts are never released simultaneously with theatrical cuts so it is not like there is an option which you would like to see first. Why deliberately invite criticism?
I do not believe that is the Director's cut, I think it is the theatrical cut. the reason is stated in multiple posts before mine about the extended cut (AKA the extended director's cut, released on 23 December 2005 at the Laemmle Fairfax Theatre in Los Angeles, California)
Beautiful movie.. As a medieval historian, I appreciated it despite the inaccuracies. I disagree about the training. It's implied, to me, that the entire journey is training daily as they travel.
Hey, since the video passed over it, is the cavalry charge where there are 2 columns that split into 2 arcs a legit historical formation? If so what’s it called?
@tubbs2063 I'm not a medieval warfare historian. My area of forte is actually regarding religiosity, especially heretic sects in the medieval Christian world. However, if I recall correctly, splitting the calvary would be a legit tactic in this period depending on various factors like terrain and enemy numbers and movement. I have Crusade battle accounts in my resources but would have to hunt down the information. While I'm fascinated by the Crusades and politics of the Holy Land, it's so well documented and studied that I didn't focus on it personally except as a side interest. European Medieval history spans approx. 1000 years across a multitude of cultures - it's nigh impossible to be an expert in more than small elements relatively speaking.
I've not seen the director's cut and I was really disappointed when I watched the original in the cinema. However I feel better about it after watching it a few times on DVD. Thanks enjoyed this deep dive
Balian was Lord of Ibelin for 23 years lol. And his family built the Castle at Ibelin, which was a strategic keystone for their war efforts. So no, Balian was no Bastard.
Was there an extended version of this movie? I don't remember some of these scenes. I owned a DVD and watched it often. It's a nice story, but sad to have known that it is non-historical. I would also like to know why they changed what they changed and their reasons for it.
I can't think of a single film more improved by a Director's Cut. The theatrical cut is an abomination, the DC is extremely good (if historically inaccurate).
Gladiator and Kingdom of Heaven are not historically accurate but you can still enjoy the narrative yarn the writers were trying to spin but Napoleon is even devoid of a yarn and was more of a checklist of events that may or may not have happened and when asked, Scott said "were you there? no, so shut up" is really juvenile. He has gone senile and needs to retire.
@@humblescribe8522 That is a valid point. I have nothing to counter it. But iirc William Marshal, the greatest knight on life, was married. He snaked his wife away from none other than Richard the Lionhearted's side. Upon his deathbed they finagled a way for him to stop being married long enough to become a Templar before he died. I think a lot of these were more guidelines than rules. And what rules there were tended to be golden rules. I.e. he who has the gold makes the rules.
I love the director's cut of this film, anyone interested in reading more about the real Balian of Ibelin, I highly recommend Helena Schrader's novels about him. The film makes changes for good reasons and I don't fault it for that. I fault the theatrical cut for being awful.
@@rankoorovic7904 Maybe both I'm not sure, their relationship is so fascinating, religious extremists fighting on opposite sides of a brutal war but seem to have genuine respect for each other
@@GerardDeRideford Oh I know he was a monster and as much to Shias as any Christians. I don't think many crusade leaders on either side were terribly great people though
It's a great movie how accurate is does it really matter the best thing a great historical movie can do is Inspire others to actually delve into history and learn more about it
It's been a few years since I watched the movie ... but with respect to Balian first learning to use a sword at the start I think you are wrong. Didn't he have prior experience as a military engineer?
Disagree with the reason behind why its "the kingdom of heaven". I think it is called kingdom of heaven because it is the center of all 3 abrahamic religions (shocking yes) But I also this its an ironic title based on the amount of bloodshed in Jerusalem, by all sides, which also is mentioned multiple times in the movie. Yet all abrahamic religions worship this place and call their religion peaceful.
Perhaps France is portrayed as dark and miserable because the setting is reflecting the character's life given his wife has committed suicide, whereas Jerusalem is portrayed as bright because he is finding purpose and hope. Would it feel odd having halls of renaissance paintings and lush vineyards setting the scene for a depressing story?
That's a great analysis of the setting, within the context of the story. I do feel the portrayal of France wasn't great, but I did understand it was done with the intent of highlight perspectives of the characters and a contrast to the "new Christian world" in the Holy Land. In your point it really was a winter of discontent.
Absolutely. It's artistic choice and it is meant to reflect his feelings. Ridley isn't trying to shoot page for page history. He's telling a story to the backdrop of history.
@@stevecox4154don't give him too much credit. Gurantee if it was aksed he would say it was to show how horrible life in France was in the 12th century not an artistic choice
Hehehhh aahhh Riddley. I fucking love his movies and just leave my historical nerd self on a shelf and just make popcorn & enjoy pure entertainment & glorious spectacle. 🥰 I will say i drastically wish there was a film fully exploring the full Sybilla history.
About the whole "tHiS iS nOt a DoCuMenTarY" argument: you know who also wasn't writing "documentaries"? Shakespeare (even if you don't believe in "Shakespeare", still someone wrote that, it wasn't dropped down from a space ship) and his takes on history are still going strong 400+ years later not because they are the most "historicaly accurate", but because they are one of the best stories ever written. Ridley Scott does not "just do what everyone else does", he throws a dull, colorless wet blanket over stories that were just fine before they got his special treatment.
Ridley Scott routinely brutalizes history for the sake of dramatic construct. He could just as well have told a story faithful to historical events or he could have created a fictional character and story. Instead he chose to present a story which, while placed in historic surroundings, does a disservice to all the historical figures portrayed. He justifies by saying he wasn't making a documentary. I would rather filmmakers stay as true to history as possible, as the actual events are no less dramatic. Oh, well.
I know that this film is terrible in terms of historical accuracy and even basic logic of the plot, but it was this movie that sparked my love and interest for medieval history. I would absolutely love to see more videos of this format about other films ❤
I love this movie; however, Balian is a textbook Mary Sue. It brings me no joy to say it, but he is the bestest at everything for reasons, the good people like him the bad guys hate him. If you watched this movie for beat for beat historical accuracy, my apologies. If you wanted a microcosm of the fall of Jerusalem in the late 12th century, boy, do you get a sense of things with a good story.
Love anything he does ! He was in bravery heart a film many consider a hate film 🎥 disrespects Scottish 🏴 and English 🏴 alike. And has about as much historical accuracy as a space ship 🚀 in a film about steam ships 🚢
2:35 overreacting much? "The whole of france"??? It is just a more rural setting in the winter for that one location.. How do you get the picture of all of france or the entire western world from that?
Wait, are you telling me Ridley Scott historical movies aren't accurate to history?! I am shocked I tell you! Shocked!!!!
*Gladiator 2 has entered the chat*
I don't mind historical inaccuracies for the sake of a good story, but it was annoying how much of a dickhead he was about it with Napoleon in particular. Just say it was cool or you thought it made for a better story instead of pretending that we don't have historical records!
Isn't Alien pretty accurate?
This is my favorite way to word a comment online. A real bait n switch. Then, as the commenter, you get the sweet satisfaction of seeing the gif of the football player saying “they had us in the first half,” repeated in your replies. This is how you know you’re cookin on the old interwebs.
Next you'll tell me Rome didn't become a Republic after the death of Emperor Commodus.
“A king does not kill a king. Were you not close enough to a great king to learn from his example?”
In the extended version it does include the fact that he’s an experienced warrior prior to this (both as engineer and infantry) his father is just giving him actual training he probably never got.
It won’t fix the identity issue, but other than that the director’s cut is such a better film it’s almost like a different work.
As cavalry, not infantry. The film says he has experience in war “on horse”
@@joshuaverkerk4532 In the extended version, he is introduced as a former siege engineer.
The Director’s Cut is simply outstanding.
Ridley Scott’s best film honestly
@@cheften2mk His best movies are Alien and Blade Runner not any of his historical movies
Better then the theatrical version for sure
Outstandingly shit
A very entertaining historical drama, if it isn't the director's cut do not watch it however.
One of the first historical movies I watched and something that not only flames my interest in historical stories but sparked my love for history and finding the real story behind the sceeen.
Check out Helena Schrader's novels about the real Balian. Great historical fiction and well researched
Director's cut is worth seeing
Much better
Ridley Scott made an epic, enjoyable film. Anyone with a knowledge of the Crusades knows the true story. This analysis borders on petty. Pulling apart every little detail. I loved the film.
Anyone that has interest in history knows the movie is over dramatized and inaccurate. The only reason the movie got fame is because of the scene where saladin meets baldwin
I really wish people reviewed that version, as it is a much more complete and enjoyable movie. Not much more action, but a lot of important dialogue and relevant information for Balian and Sibylla.
Worth seeing? This movie is a gem. Extremely underrated.
So you've done Braveheart, Gladiator, 300, Troy and Kingdom of Heaven, can you now do the finest medieval movie ever made, Monty Python and the Holy Grail?
The extended cut explains he was a solider and engineer so he did know how to fight
History Hit really knocks it out of the park with videos like this. So much fascinating historic information is passed along to those of us eager to learn. Thank you once again for yet another great upload, History Hit team!
I highly recommend "Warriors of God" by James Reston. One of my favorites. While it focuses more on Richard the Lionheart and Salahadin, it dispels a great many myths from this movie. Really opened my eyes.
13:42 there have been many examples when illegimate sons have been given the title (if there was no other option) especially in the early middle ages certainly until the 11th century. Especially germanic and nordic nobility according the "mors danico", the Danish way. Just think of William the Bastard later becoming the Conqueror and King of England. But there are many more examples. From 1200 on it got much more strict....
But Balian wasn't illegitimate. He's nothing like the character they show us which tries to portray him as an "Everyman".
@@jdmmike7225 Yeah, we know that, we were told 5 times in the first 10 minutes. The point isn't whether movie Balian reflects real Balian, but whether movie Balian's situation is historically plausible.
He didn't say it didn't happen all he said was that it was unusual for it to be done with the expectation that people would accept it.... do you have problems listening 😂😂🤡🤡
Yay!!!! I am SO excited for this!! Have been hoping you would a deep dive on Kingdom of Heaven!!!
Absolutely fascinating episode on one of my favorite movies. I was aware of some of the true history of Balian of Ibelin, but this was a great explanation of the intertwining issues throughout that crusade. That he negotiated the truce between Richard I and Saladin was something I wasn't aware of and quite interesting. Thank you so much for this.
Absolutely love these History Hit Deep Dives. Can't get enough of em.
Honestly for all this movie gets wrong, the portrayal and the actor they picked for Salah ad-Din fucking rock.
In the Director’s Cut, it was revealed that Balian used to serve the Kingdom of France as a siege engineer, explaining how he knew to fight and defend Jerusalem.
Apart from the wide liberties taken with historical narrative, Ridley Scott's movies are a pleasure to watch simply for their mood and visual texture - quite immersive.
Thank you for the content.
Is the 13th warrior music original to the movie, or has it been added by History hits (around the 50:00 mark)?
Yes , it’s a tribute from Harry Gregson Williams to Jerry Goldsmith
@@UrSfVafc59 here I just thought Hans Zimmer did the soundtrack....great song regardless, & a great soundtrack
Honestly put Kingdom of Heaven in the same slot as Braveheart and Gladiator, pure historical fiction to service a great story. For many movies this would kill them, but these are just do damned well done and enjoyable to watch I don't care. I'm invested in the characters and events presented to me, and just stop thinking about the issues as they relate to realism or real history. And it isn't like this is unprecedented, hell even the Greeks told stories that we know really didn't happen the way they did, or had elements added, but again it all services an amazing bit of fiction that tickles some port of our imagination.
Not saying we should not have break down videos, I love to learn the real history, but even knowing all of this I still love Kingdom of Heaven and can watch it any time. There are many ways to push a story in deep historical accuracy, such as Master and Commander, but it requires a very strong hand and attention to detail with the story, script, and production. It really is almost harder.
You love it even though the movie insults your christian leaders from the past.
@@Geda.gede.gada.gadaoo Which Christian leaders does in insult? Reynald? Guy? Both deserve insult and were not Christian leaders in any real sense. The film exults Baldwin IV as it should.
Aaaalllll of this. 100%
@@ReverendMeat51 im talking about balian how his fathers and his mothers story is twisted in such a bad way
Jon Finch was one of the greatest actors in the world. Too bad me only had a small role in this film. But it was great to see him in this marvelous film. He’s portrayal of MacBeth in Polanski’s 1971 film is by far on of the greatest Shakespearean performances in cinema.
I always loved the one Man at Arms lowering his face guard helmet like "here we go again"
English novelist Grahame Shelby wrote two surprisingly accurate (given the novel genre) novels in the early 1970s Firstly "The Knights of Dark Renown" detailing Baldwin IV, Reynald, Gerard de Ridefort, Isabella and the Kingdom's political machinations and followed it with "The Kings of Vain Intent" on the third crusade where the real Balian was made a central character.
Well paced books with characterisations that bring the era to life. Recommended.
These 30,000 bezants were paid by the Hospital with the money deposited by King Henry II of England, but even so when the 40 days granted the Christians to raise their ransoms were up, some 15,000 Christians were unable to pay and condemned to slavery. Ibelin, appalled, offered to stand surety for them while the ransom was raised, but Saladin refused, although he did “give” 1,000 slaves to his brother and 500 each to Balian and the Patriarch of Jerusalem, so that 2,000 souls were freed at the last minute.
Watching this during my week vacation in an ancient medieval city along the Danube River.
The directors cut establishes that Balian has combat experience as a military engineer
It says multiple times in the movie that Balian fought quote "on house back and as an engineer " it also mentions he built siege equipment for is previous Lord just saying 😊
The Directors Cut is my favorite movie of all time.
would love to see a kingdom of heaven 2 with king richard, phillip and friends.
Just an FYI...you refer to him as "just a blacksmith." But iirc it was stated that he fought in wars and was a military engineer.
I can understand why. His military background in the director's cut was mentioned in one sentence by his brother, the priest, while conversing with the crusaders. Very easy to miss.
@syjiang It is. To be honest, I had no idea if it was mentioned in the theatrical cut or not.
@@AceMoonshot It wasn’t. That’s why a lot of people thought it was bullshit that he can fight the fully trained warriors of Saladin.
A whole hour of medieval history? Count me in
Also, no RUclips adds? What else could a girl ask for?
Directors Cut was way better than the previous version
1:00:14 ...and emperor Frederick Barbarossa. How is it everybody forgets about him? He was the first to march and had the biggest army of all Western kings.
Mostly because his story ends in a freak tragedy. The Third Crusade might have actually recaptured Jerusalem since Barbarossa might have been the tempering influence to cut down on the Richard vs. Philip squabbling. Sadly Barbarossa becomes a footnote in Crusading history.
I think Ridley Scott is the guy responsible for the 'this is the past blue filter' that is now all the rage with historic movies but its very noticable in the opening of this movie and early to mid 2000s seems about right for the trend starting. Needless to say im not a fan of the this is the middle ages so everything needs to look dreary aesthetic.
In the Director’s Cut Balian was an engineer and had already seen battle before the story started. It’s implied that he already knew the sword and didn’t pick it up in 5 minutes around a campfire. Actually watch the movie. It’s good.
if you're not breaks down the directors cut im sad, Edit: im very glad you did the directors cut.
Whenever he says Balian, all I can think of is "Mornin', good day for fishin', ain't it? Ah-hyuk!"
3:17 “here in lies the problem with Kingdom of Heaven”
Cue Orlando Bloom’s face 😂
Harsh by 100% true.
Uh.... yeah. He was tragically miscast for this role
@ he’s miscast in everything expect The Lord of The Rings.
@@GT-wo2oj Agreed... he peaked as Legolas. His Balian is just William Turner but less funny
Love the way that before the fight which kills the Teutonic companion and ultimately the death of Godfrey, one knight is seen oiling his mail armour to prevent rust. Knightly housekeeping!
I saw this with Ridley Scott, actually. I know it didn’t do that well at the box office but I loved it.
My 9 year old was playing age of empires 3 and wanted to know more about Salladin so I showed this guy as real Salladin. The casting of of this movie was absolutely amazing.
The guy who plays Saladin is a Syrian actor. I cannot remember his name but I read up about him a few years ago. I think he did an excellent job. And yes, a very well casted movie.
The reason why David Thewlis's Hospitaler character has a different view of organized religion than most of his contemporary counterparts is because he is an angel. Ridley Scott has confirmed this.
THEY DEEP DIVED THE DIRECTORS CUT! LETS GOOOO!
divine blessing for holy war wasn't just the crusaders.
I remember when this movie came out Ridley Scott claimed during the press tour that Kingdom of Heaven would be the "most historically accurate" blockbuster ever made. Not quite
Even if it's not accurate it's still one of my favorite movies.
Here we go at 1187 there were siege towers the city of Jerusalem how to ditch the ditch professor that you put on History hit has talked about this they had siege towers and they use them after they covered some of the ditches. In the director's cut of Kingdom of heaven it was found out that balian was a former crusader prior to becoming the Lord Commander and savior of Jerusalem. You clearly did not watch the director's cut like you said in the first part of this breakdown. Because it was all in it. In the original we only knew he was a blacksmith we didn't know there was more story until the director's cut came out.
Eva Green was never more beautiful than in this film. Casino Royale is close.
On the leprosy front, leishmaniasis was also prevalent in the region and was often misdiagnosed as leprosy as it also consumes the flesh, but it is not as virulent as leprosy.
Balian in the movie, he's already been on war campaigns, so he would have known how to use a sword. Just not in that style was proficient.
He was taught and learned in building siege.
Engines
I always assumed those last scenes are Balian slowly realizing he doesn't belong in France anymore and he and Sibylla race off to catch up to Richard just as Balian did at the beginning with Godfrey
How is it against her objections, but not forced?
Taking "forced" in the strongest most literal interpretation possible (a knife to the throat for example). A situation where she is slightly drunk and gives several soft "No's" before yielding is not impossible and fits the description.
Using "forced" in the strongest most literal interpretation possible(knife to the throat for example). A situation where for example she is slightly drunk and gives several small "No's " before yielding wouldn't count.
In the movie the Balian character eventually follows after Richard the First. Ridley Scott has said it's not intended to be 100% accurate. More of a representation of many factors.
everyone always just casually glossing over the added director cut bit at the beginning where he says he served as an engineer, i.e. he knows his stuff
Every single review of this movie skips the directors cut and misses important context
@@cheften2mk ikr?!
If this little bit of information is crucial to a better understanding of your story, why leave it out from the cut that everyone is going to see and judge? Director's cuts are never released simultaneously with theatrical cuts so it is not like there is an option which you would like to see first. Why deliberately invite criticism?
Enjoyed that
I do not believe that is the Director's cut, I think it is the theatrical cut. the reason is stated in multiple posts before mine about the extended cut (AKA the extended director's cut, released on 23 December 2005 at the Laemmle Fairfax Theatre in Los Angeles, California)
I’m fond of this movie, but it’s always good to know how it’s different from the history.
Beautiful movie.. As a medieval historian, I appreciated it despite the inaccuracies.
I disagree about the training. It's implied, to me, that the entire journey is training daily as they travel.
Hey, since the video passed over it, is the cavalry charge where there are 2 columns that split into 2 arcs a legit historical formation? If so what’s it called?
@tubbs2063 I'm not a medieval warfare historian. My area of forte is actually regarding religiosity, especially heretic sects in the medieval Christian world.
However, if I recall correctly, splitting the calvary would be a legit tactic in this period depending on various factors like terrain and enemy numbers and movement.
I have Crusade battle accounts in my resources but would have to hunt down the information. While I'm fascinated by the Crusades and politics of the Holy Land, it's so well documented and studied that I didn't focus on it personally except as a side interest.
European Medieval history spans approx. 1000 years across a multitude of cultures - it's nigh impossible to be an expert in more than small elements relatively speaking.
One of my faves 👌
I've not seen the director's cut and I was really disappointed when I watched the original in the cinema. However I feel better about it after watching it a few times on DVD. Thanks enjoyed this deep dive
He says the peace is 6 years in the clip played. Not 10 years
Well that's my evening sorted
Balian was Lord of Ibelin for 23 years lol. And his family built the Castle at Ibelin, which was a strategic keystone for their war efforts. So no, Balian was no Bastard.
Was there an extended version of this movie? I don't remember some of these scenes. I owned a DVD and watched it often. It's a nice story, but sad to have known that it is non-historical. I would also like to know why they changed what they changed and their reasons for it.
This is the "Director's cut"
I can't think of a single film more improved by a Director's Cut. The theatrical cut is an abomination, the DC is extremely good (if historically inaccurate).
Gladiator and Kingdom of Heaven are not historically accurate but you can still enjoy the narrative yarn the writers were trying to spin but Napoleon is even devoid of a yarn and was more of a checklist of events that may or may not have happened and when asked, Scott said "were you there? no, so shut up" is really juvenile. He has gone senile and needs to retire.
One part I didn't get in this movie was why Guy de Lusignan and Reynard de Chatillion were always wearing Templar colours
Also Balian fought at Hattin
Exactly. How could he be King if he was a Templar, sworn to chastity.? It really struck me when I first saw it.
@@humblescribe8522 That is a valid point. I have nothing to counter it.
But iirc William Marshal, the greatest knight on life, was married.
He snaked his wife away from none other than Richard the Lionhearted's side. Upon his deathbed they finagled a way for him to stop being married long enough to become a Templar before he died.
I think a lot of these were more guidelines than rules. And what rules there were tended to be golden rules. I.e. he who has the gold makes the rules.
I love the director's cut of this film, anyone interested in reading more about the real Balian of Ibelin, I highly recommend Helena Schrader's novels about him. The film makes changes for good reasons and I don't fault it for that. I fault the theatrical cut for being awful.
As far as I remember, Saladin sending doctors happened but it happened with Richard I.
Did he send doctors or a horse as a gift to Richard?Or both?
@@rankoorovic7904 Maybe both I'm not sure, their relationship is so fascinating, religious extremists fighting on opposite sides of a brutal war but seem to have genuine respect for each other
He also murdered his prisoners and let his own men die at Acre. Saladin is a PoS
@@GerardDeRideford Oh I know and persecuted Shia Muslims as harshly as Christians. Very few medieval rulers look good in hindsight
@@GerardDeRideford Oh I know he was a monster and as much to Shias as any Christians. I don't think many crusade leaders on either side were terribly great people though
Directors cut makes the story a lot richer
Am I having a deja-vu, or am I simply mistaken, or is this a re-upload?
It's a great movie how accurate is does it really matter the best thing a great historical movie can do is Inspire others to actually delve into history and learn more about it
Something can be "authentic" without being " accurate "
It's been a few years since I watched the movie ... but with respect to Balian first learning to use a sword at the start I think you are wrong. Didn't he have prior experience as a military engineer?
20:28 he said 6 years peace not a decade, so it would fit with Baldwin still being alive no?
Disagree with the reason behind why its "the kingdom of heaven".
I think it is called kingdom of heaven because it is the center of all 3 abrahamic religions (shocking yes)
But I also this its an ironic title based on the amount of bloodshed in Jerusalem, by all sides, which also is mentioned multiple times in the movie. Yet all abrahamic religions worship this place and call their religion peaceful.
Hey give Balian some credit. He played a little bit of chess. That’s more than enough training in military tactics.
Perhaps France is portrayed as dark and miserable because the setting is reflecting the character's life given his wife has committed suicide, whereas Jerusalem is portrayed as bright because he is finding purpose and hope.
Would it feel odd having halls of renaissance paintings and lush vineyards setting the scene for a depressing story?
That makes sense.
That's a great analysis of the setting, within the context of the story. I do feel the portrayal of France wasn't great, but I did understand it was done with the intent of highlight perspectives of the characters and a contrast to the "new Christian world" in the Holy Land.
In your point it really was a winter of discontent.
Absolutely. It's artistic choice and it is meant to reflect his feelings. Ridley isn't trying to shoot page for page history. He's telling a story to the backdrop of history.
@@stevecox4154don't give him too much credit. Gurantee if it was aksed he would say it was to show how horrible life in France was in the 12th century not an artistic choice
The Renaissance hasn’t even happened yet at this point in history, so there wouldn’t been any such paintings. Pick up a book sometime.
Hehehhh aahhh Riddley. I fucking love his movies and just leave my historical nerd self on a shelf and just make popcorn & enjoy pure entertainment & glorious spectacle. 🥰
I will say i drastically wish there was a film fully exploring the full Sybilla history.
Dig that movie.
Why didn't you actually talk about the relationship between one of Saladin's generals and Baylen? The slave after the initial battle?
About the whole "tHiS iS nOt a DoCuMenTarY" argument: you know who also wasn't writing "documentaries"? Shakespeare (even if you don't believe in "Shakespeare", still someone wrote that, it wasn't dropped down from a space ship) and his takes on history are still going strong 400+ years later not because they are the most "historicaly accurate", but because they are one of the best stories ever written.
Ridley Scott does not "just do what everyone else does", he throws a dull, colorless wet blanket over stories that were just fine before they got his special treatment.
what are you blathering about 😂😂🤡🤡
31:27 1186-1187* hehe
Might want to add that Orland´s anvil in the opening scene is of a 19th century design. Just a little nitpick.
I can't wait for kingdom of heaven 2
How many years from the battle of Tores
Ridley Scott routinely brutalizes history for the sake of dramatic construct. He could just as well have told a story faithful to historical events or he could have created a fictional character and story. Instead he chose to present a story which, while placed in historic surroundings, does a disservice to all the historical figures portrayed. He justifies by saying he wasn't making a documentary. I would rather filmmakers stay as true to history as possible, as the actual events are no less dramatic. Oh, well.
Matt Lewis!👍👍
I know that this film is terrible in terms of historical accuracy and even basic logic of the plot, but it was this movie that sparked my love and interest for medieval history.
I would absolutely love to see more videos of this format about other films ❤
I love this movie; however, Balian is a textbook Mary Sue. It brings me no joy to say it, but he is the bestest at everything for reasons, the good people like him the bad guys hate him. If you watched this movie for beat for beat historical accuracy, my apologies. If you wanted a microcosm of the fall of Jerusalem in the late 12th century, boy, do you get a sense of things with a good story.
The amount of ads in this video is rediculous
Whoever made this film needs to play Kingdom Come Deliverance to learn a bit more about Medieval life.
Do Kingdom of Heaven claims to be historical correct?
Kingdom of Heaven, and especially the extended version, is a great film👍🏼🍻😃
In back to back years Orlando Bloom played a character that stole a guy's wife and also featured Brendan Gleeson
Why is the "German" dude in Godfrey's company a Viking looking bodybuilder though?
Or he is Scandinavian but just refered to as «german»
@@cheften2mk He attempts to count in modern German (with very bad accent). I believe the actor is Finnish actually
It's an entertaining movie nothing more nothing less anybody that learns history from movies is just wasting time
"why does this film DO this?"
ridley scott DOES NOT CARE about "history"
Love anything he does ! He was in bravery heart a film many consider a hate film 🎥 disrespects Scottish 🏴 and English 🏴 alike. And has about as much historical accuracy as a space ship 🚀 in a film about steam ships 🚢
2:35 overreacting much? "The whole of france"??? It is just a more rural setting in the winter for that one location.. How do you get the picture of all of france or the entire western world from that?
My experience of martial arts is 5,000 hours to expert.
I say that Matthew doesn't look 640 years old