Historical Movies and Moral Anachronisms: Exploring Character Ethics Through Time

Historical movies often aim to capture the essence of bygone eras, but sometimes the moral values and ethical dilemmas depicted in these films may not align with contemporary standards. Anachronistic moral values can arise when filmmakers endeavor to portray characters in a context that is deeply rooted in the past but present their choices through a modern lens.

What Are Anachronistic Moral Values in Historical Movies?

Anachronistic moral values in historical movies refer to ethical perspectives or behaviors that appear out of place or inconsistent with the cultural, social, and political norms of the time period being depicted. These anachronisms can sometimes be jarring for viewers, especially if the film portrays historical figures or events through a modern, more progressive viewpoint. This discrepancy can lead to interesting parallels and contrasts, making the characters and their actions more relatable to a contemporary audience.

Examples of Anachronistic Moral Values in Historical Movies

One notable example of anachronistic moral values in a historical movie is the portrayal of Balian of Ibelin in the film "Kingdom of Heaven." Balian, played by Orlando Bloom, is a commander during the Siege of Jerusalem in 1187. In the movie, Balian initially resists the idea of negotiating with Saladin, a position that aligns more with modern notions of heroism and idealism.

However, the film's depiction of Balian's ultimate decision to surrender under certain conditions is a significant anachronism. In the movie, Balian says, 'You offer terms of surrender,' and later, when Saladin offers a relatively humane option, Balian responds affirmatively. This portrayal can be seen as a modern interpretation of Balian's character, making his actions more understandable and relatable to contemporary viewers.

Realistic Historical Context

Comparing the film to historical records reveals that Balian's actual words during the Siege of Jerusalem were far more brutal and unyielding. In real life, Balian's response was:

"If it comes to the point that we must throw off the yoke of servitude, by God, we will set a trap for our own women and children and burn all that we possess, so that you will find not a single man to lead into captivity. We will not leave you a single dinar or a single dirham, not one man. We will kill the five thousand Muslim prisoners we now hold. We will slaughter the donkeys and all the animals. We will bring our women and children outside the city and force them to join the fighting, as one fights for his own life. And not one of us will die without having killed several of you!"

While Balian's words in the film may be considered more heroic and understandable in a modern context, his actual words and actions represent the hardened realities of medieval times.

Saladin's Response

Saladin's response in the film, offering terms of surrender that included allowing Christians to leave with their possessions, is also anachronistic. In reality, Saladin's terms were not as generous. Most of the 7,000 men, 8,000 women, and children who could not afford a 10-dinar ransom were subsequently enslaved. The historical context reveals the harsh realities of the time, making Balian's pragmatic yet brutal decisions somewhat more reasonable.

Impact on Contemporary Audiences

Modern audiences often relate more to Balian in the film because his actions align more closely with contemporary ideals of compromise and survival. The anachronistic portrayal of Balian's character in the movie makes his decision to surrender, under certain conditions, more conceivable and understandable to today's viewers. This contrast between the film's portrayal and historical reality can spark interesting discussions about how we interpret and remember historical events.

Conclusion

Historical movies can provide valuable insights into the past, but they are not free from anachronistic moral values. Balian of Ibelin in "Kingdom of Heaven" is a prime example of how modern perspectives can shape our understanding of historical characters. While these anachronisms can sometimes be jarring, they can also illuminate the complexities of historical choices and the evolution of moral values over time.