Movies |
El Naser Salah el Dine (Saladin) |
Mark Merlino - Home page |
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This 175 minute long Egyptian made epic film, produced in 1963 entirely in Arabic, tells the stories of Saladin's reconquest of Jerusalem and of his conflict with the armies of the Third Crusade. This film dramatizes the narrative of this history by showing details of the Arab leaders' strategic planning and the intrigues in both courts. Throughout this film, Saladin us shown as being benevolent and gentle. He is portrayed as being the leader of all Arabs, both Muslim and Christian. The film shows the crusaders, particularly some of their leaders, as failing to lead good Christian lives by being overly aggressive and proud. Saladin even personally pleads with King Richard to halt his invasion and lead a humbler Christian life so that Europeans and Arabs can live in peace. What is most fascinating about this film is that it is critical of the crusaders without being anti-Christian. In a sense, these wars are portrayed as resulting from personal ambition and national aims. Well worth seeing. |
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