Filming History: An Analysis of 'Kingdom of Heaven' and the Accuracy of Its Depiction

The film Kingdom of Heaven, directed by renowned filmmaker Ridley Scott, tells the story of Balian of Ibelin, a French noble who finds himself in the Kingdom of Jerusalem during the Crusades. While many aspects of the film capture the turbulent atmosphere of the time, it also embellishes historical facts with fictional elements, often for the sake of cinematic storytelling.

Historical Context and Accuracy

Balian of Ibelin was indeed a significant figure during the Crusades, and Kingdom of Heaven does a commendable job in highlighting this historical context. The portrayal of the 1187 siege of Jerusalem is intense and well-executed, although it takes some liberties in the narrative.

Balian's Background and Characterization

The film introduces Balian as a blacksmith from France who suddenly becomes a noble due to his supposed heritage. However, historical evidence points to Balian being born into nobility. In reality, Balian was born in Outremer (a region of the Crusader States) and was granted the lordship of Ibelin, making it highly implausible for him to have become a noble unexpectedly.

Sibylla's Character

Sibylla, the queen of Jerusalem, is another character whose portrayal in the film is vastly different from historical records. The movie depicts her as romantically involved with Balian, but the absence of concrete historical evidence supports this. In real life, Sibylla was consistently loyal to King Guy of Lusignan and crowned him along with herself as the rulers of Jerusalem. Her infidelity to Guy is a fabrication added by the film to add emotional depth.

Religious and Political Complexities

While the film attempts to provide a balanced view of both Christian and Muslim perspectives, it often glosses over the intricacies of Crusader politics and the diversity within each religious group. This simplification aids in the narrative's progression but may mislead viewers regarding the true historical complexities of the era.

Balian's Actions and Motivations

Balian is shown as a man willing to threaten the destruction of Islamic holy sites, which is a significant departure from the historical record. In reality, Balian fought at the Battle of Hattin and was granted permission by Saladin to escort his wife and children to Tripoli. He even defended Jerusalem and, while engaged in disputes, mainly with Raymond of Tripoli, not just Guy of Lusignan.

Key Figures in the Crusades

Saladin: The Muslim leader is portrayed with a great deal of respect, which aligns with historical accounts of his chivalry and tactical brilliance. Saladin did indeed offer Guy a drink and beheaded Raynald. However, he is sometimes romanticized for his chivalric qualities, and his involvement in the Crusades was more complicated, as he was also fighting against other Muslim factions.

Guy of Lusignan: Unlike the movie portrayal, Guy was not a Templar and was not villainized. He was indeed the king of Jerusalem.

Sibylla: The film's depiction of Sibylla is misleading. Unlike in the movie, she remained in Palestine and was unwavering in her attachment to Guy, despite his unpopularity. She visited him when he was captured at the Battle of Hattin and did not go to France as depicted.

Raynald of Chatillon: While Raynald was indeed a violent and arrogant figure, he was not depicted as an idiotic madman. He did attack caravans but was not involved in the fictional rape and murder of Saladin's sister.

Conclusion

While Kingdom of Heaven captures the spirit of the Crusades with considerable accuracy, it also contains several inaccuracies and embellishments. Filmmakers often take liberties for dramatic effect, but these changes can sometimes mislead the audience. Understanding the historical context and comparing it with the film’s portrayal can provide a deeper appreciation for both the cinematic arts and the complexities of historical truth.