The Kingdom of Heaven Film Essay

'The 'Kingdom of Heaven' is a film that successfully portrays the conflict that has existed for ages regarding religious beliefs and practices. The disparity in ideology and practice between the Christian religion and Islamic faith is carefully represented in the film. The movie explores the relations that have been in existence between the two religions. Through the actors namely Balian, Guy, Raynald, King Baldwin, and Sultan Saladin, the movie depicts certain individual motives. The actors are used to show the different motivations behind the actions of members of the society. They portray the diversity of perception or lack thereof when it comes to religion. The public has for a long time, had a wrong perception of each other's religion.

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The film shows the lack of understanding and information on what either religion represents. The continued debate over religion superiority has clouded the ability to genuinely acknowledge, understand, and appreciate one another's religious differences. The movie highlights the conflict that Christians and Muslims have had since the earliest of times. The lack of harmony between people who observe these two religions has been felt across the globe. Instances of clashes between Christians and Muslims under the guise of 'just war' are commonplace in our current society. Despite the movie hitting the screens more than a decade ago, the thematic concerns addressed in it are still relevant. The film, through the journey of Balian, expresses to the viewer the need for peace and virtue in the society.

The prejudices witnessed as a result of the existing differences are rife in the modern day society. As a student, I have had the chance to observe the depressing effect discrimination on religious grounds has on individuals' lives. Being in a multicultural learning environment has allowed me to interact with Muslims and other students from diverse religions. They have shared with me how humiliating it feels whenever they are treated differently because of their faith. The society's perception of non-Christians is narrow, and therefore, acute sensitization is needed. Tolerance for each other's uniqueness and diversity, as well as harmonious co-existence, ought to be practiced. From the film, Balian is a good example of how individuals are supposed to live with one another. He seeks to find peace of mind after facing challenges in his family life. Having lost his firstborn child by stillbirth and his wife through suicide, he seeks redemption. Balian is used to showing that humans can maintain rational thoughts, and control their desires if they adopt virtuosity. This is a trait lacking in actors Guy and his accomplice Raynald. Guy desires to ascend to the throne of Jerusalem. He blatantly wishes to overlook the present mechanism for ascension to leadership. Guy prefers to use his arrogant and provocative means to obtain the throne. He initiates attacks on the Muslims, who respond in kind. Guy's actions are irrational and not well planned. This is in spite of the constant advice he receives from Balian.

The Muslims ceaseless intent to siege and capture Jerusalem for themselves is a source of agitation. For decades, the holy wars have served the interests of different leaders. Balian's attempts at peace, ceasefires, and retreats during battle are not acts of cowardice. Rather, these can be considered as attempts at inter-religious integration. Sultan Saladin displays some rationality in equal measure. This is witnessed when his armies lay siege to Jerusalem. With the threat and possibility of Balian destroying everything in Jerusalem before surrendering, Saladin decides to let them leave. Saladin's decision to end the siege, which he had already won over the loss of Christian lives, shows the innate ability for humanity and compassion people have. As such, the idea that one religion practices faith and goodwill than the other is misplaced. Through the movie, the actors address the conflict and show prospects of multicultural and religious integration.