From the BBC, with thanks to Dr JDJ:
Two Arabic actors starring in a Hollywood film about the Crusades say it will improve Western understanding of Muslim world. Kingdom of Heaven depicts a 12th century Muslim-Christian battle for Jerusalem during the Third Crusade.Syrian actor Ghassan Massoud, who plays the Muslim leader Saladin, said the film would not reinforce old stereotypes as some had feared....
Massoud also said Kingdom of Heaven would show the US the benefits of diplomacy over war in resolving Middle East crises.
"Saladin fights battles, but he also enters into dialogue. We want to show that dialogue can be much better than war," he said.
"Today, America has overwhelming force but it is as if they don't want to build a dialogue."
I wonder if Ridley Scott knows what a hudna is, and knows that "dialogue" to a jihadist is just a means for him to gather strength to fight again more effectively.
Anyway, for the real story of the Crusades, watch for my forthcoming book, The Politically Incorrect Guide to Islam and the Crusades (Regnery).
Maybe Massoud should substitute "monologue" for "dialogue."
We have too much monologue going on in our schools already; I hope this movie doesn't continue the trend in the movie houses accross the country. Since the parents have already graduated, the movie houses would be a good place--in addition to TV--to reach them with their pap.
I'm keeping my fingers crossed, and I can't wait for your book to come out, Robert!
Too many are getting their history through film rather than through scholarship. This is dumbing down and setting up the public to be receptive to new ideologies because they no longer have a concept of what is correct.
Saladin's 'dialogue' was: "We stole it, so give it back!'
The Crusaders were too scattered in languages and nationalities to be effective against the 'religious' mono-culture of the Muslims, and proved the adage "A house dived against itself cannot stand."
The film's "message" will be visual, no matter what the spoken dialogue avows.
I'll judge it on that (subconscious) level, where symbolism reaches, and see what Scott's iconic ideas really covey.
If it's as good (AKA bad for the reality of history) as the Syrian actor seem to think, then I can only hope Ridley's follow-up film is a life of Mohammad.
Henna hair, and 6 year old wife, and all.
When I heard about this movie I had a sinking feeling that it would somehow twist the facts of history and put a pretty face on islam. Must be more of that Saudi $$ coming into play.
P.S.-
Naturally I meant "house DIVIDED". Not "dived".
Although the West seems to be taking a dive.
(Freudian slip?)
"Massoud also said Kingdom of Heaven would show the US the benefits of diplomacy over war in resolving Middle East crises."
Translation:
Attempting to fight and destroy Totalitarian and Fascist entities enamored in the culture of death will do the US no good. Concessions, capitulation, appeasement with an capital "A" and a generous tribute could do the trick.
Like the message to Israel: "How dare you fight our attempts to destroy you utterly! Lay down and cease to fight for your survival. Let us erase your existence and you'll see, things will be okay!
Of course the preface will show why the crusades happened,next there will be a film on how the West attacks Muhammed out of ignorance and will leave out the misogeny and pedophilia.
The best way to tell if a Muslim leader is lieing is to watch to see if their lips are moving.
Yay another movie.
Mr Spencer, I hope your book is thorough enough.
Still looking for a book which tells the story of military confrontation between the West & Islam.
Like the conquest of Spain, the Vandal Kingdom, stories like the expedition to Algiers by Charles V (Habsburger, ruler of the "Low countries") in the 16th century AD. Traditionally its no longer part of the crusades, but perhaps we ought to broaden the scope. Afterall they bloody attacked first into Spain ! Later on the Seljuk Turcs became a Byzantine problem...the Count of Flanders was among the first to send a group of 500 horsemen to assist the Byzantines before there were any "official" crusades...never do I find such a broad view in a book.
"Massoud also said Kingdom of Heaven would show the US the benefits of diplomacy over war in resolving Middle East crises."
Yeah, it would show that diplomacy has NO benefits when dealing with muslims.
Regardless of how the movie's edited, it will reflect muslims' refusal to move out of the 12th century and into the 21st.