Due to its setting in the years following the First Crusade, “Kingdom of Heaven” is of necessity a film with deep religious undercurrents. Frequent mentions of Christianity and Islam are made; Balian’s quest is ultimately one of a religious cause. However, the representation of all the religions involved is not quite equal. While the Saracens are depicted as fervently religious, including Saladin himself, the Crusaders are largely portrayed as a rather irreverent group, including most of the main characters. It is difficult to say what is accurate and what is not, as the original perk of going on the Crusade was the supposed forgiveness of all one’s sins, potentially drawing in a great deal of morally questionable individuals. Peter Frankopan, director of Oxford University’s Byzantine Studies, contends that the proverbial knights who ventured to the Holy Land were little better than sell-swords, and goes so far as to say “Their bravery, heroism and piety, fodder for countless medieval romances, really were too good to be true (Frankopan).”
One amazing fact related to religion as depicted by the film is the relative peace that existed between Muslim, Christian, and Jew within the bustling economic and political center of Jerusalem. “Kingdom of Heaven” correctly identifies that the Muslim population living in the city was a different entity than Saladin’s army, whom originated from Egypt and Syria. It also shows the Muslim and Christian forces within Jerusalem fully cooperating in the defense of the city (Cosman). In an area ruptured by constant religious and ethnic conflict, this cohabitation and unification against a common cause was truly unique. The Encyclopedia of World History states that “During their fitful lifetimes, the Crusader kingdoms became fully integrated into the local political system…,” (Stearns). While the film’s depiction of full-on support of the defense by many different citizens may be a stretch, the collaboration did exist, to some extent.