Wow. I mean I know this is Nasser propaganda and a very nationalist film made for Egypt, I did enjoy it a lot actually! At the core the film tells the events of the third crusades. To be honest I doubt it's even that accurate. I doubt Saladin was that great of a man. Although I do not think that's the point per se. I think the idea is this Saladin in this film is the perfect ruler, someone who fights for a just cause but promotes tolerance and peace. Honestly this is what the film is about. Wanting peace between people. It's more antiwar than it is pro war actually. The idea of the European powers attempting to take over the land of Jerusalem away from the hands of the Arabs, feels way to familiar right now. It's crazy I'm sitting here nearly 900 years later or something, and this is still one of the world's biggest issues. As Saladin frequently states that the Christians, the Jews and the Muslims live peacefully with each other without any problems. Again a real life similarity and parallel with Falesteen. The idea of the European powers trying to take over is the idea against Western imperialism, and western world domination, which is still going on as of this review! This film is against that and in a sense pan Arab, as Nasser promoted Pan Arabism, the film reflects Saladin's desire to unite the Arabs together. There's also a theme of secularism with one of Saladin's companions in this film being a man called Issa (again idk if it's true). But Issa is a Christian warrior who realises that the European powers are attempting to take over the region and say it's for religion when it's truly for power gain. There's also a level of corruption between the European leaders. They frequently backstab each other making them all unjust dictators. Again I don't know how accurate these depictions are but it's interesting! Also I loved the story between Louise, a European warrior turned nurse who falls for the Christian Arab Issa. Their love story proves that unity between the west and the east is truly possible with understanding and compassion. The film is basically anti colonialist, which actually reflects many issues that are still prevailing in the middle east and the global south. Although that being said I don't know how accurate this film. I think it was definitely propaganda in a way made by the Nasser regime. It's still interesting and tbh I agree with the message I just don't know how accurate the portrayals of the European kings and Saladin is. Because admittedly could Saladin be unjust too? Or the European kings have compassion in their hearts? I mean I don't know!!! I think the point is no matter who the film is made by there is always some bias in who the villain is. Also I found it super interesting but also realistic how there was the King of Acre and Jaffa who sold over his Kingdom to the Europeans. It feels so real especially as you get people in these countries that essentially sell their soul to the west. Kingdom of Heaven is an interesting film if you wanna see another one about the crusades. Consider it the prequel to Saladin the Victorious. Ahmed Mazhar was actually a great Saladin, and honestly he's been in half the films I have seen recently but I have to give it to him! He does the job! He is really good. I also liked Salah Zulfikar, and this was my first work of his. He was great and masculine as his character of Issa. Laila Fawzi was just an absolute diva to be honest as Virginia even though her character sucked as a human 😭 Nadia Lufti is amazing. She is actually so pretty and just conveys so much passion in this role. I also think the way this film Was shot is amazing. I think it's so hard to actually accept the fact this film was made very cheap actually! It looks so impressive and expensive. I think they shot this in real life locations in Egypt like Muhammad Ali mosque or some fortresses so that was very interesting and it's kinda crazy ima be going to some of these places. Youssef Chahine ur amazing! Anyways a great epic historical drama! Really impressive in it's scope and ambition and all the details are amazing and to be appreciated!! Also there was such an amazing and beautiful scene when there was a Christian hymn playing on the night of Christmas eve as the Muslims were reading the Adhan (the call to Prayer) as they were getting ready to pray. It was such a beautiful and amazing scene!

Wow. I mean I know this is Nasser propaganda and a very nationalist film made for Egypt, I did enjoy it a lot actually! At the core the film tells the events of the third crusades. To be honest I doubt it's even that accurate. I doubt Saladin was that great of a man. Although I do not think that's the point per se. I think the idea is this Saladin in this film is the perfect ruler, someone who fights for a just cause but promotes tolerance and peace. Honestly this is what the film is about. Wanting peace between people. It's more antiwar than it is pro war actually. The idea of the European powers attempting to take over the land of Jerusalem away from the hands of the Arabs, feels way to familiar right now. It's crazy I'm sitting here nearly 900 years later or something, and this is still one of the world's biggest issues. As Saladin frequently states that the Christians, the Jews and the Muslims live peacefully with each other without any problems. Again a real life similarity and parallel with Falesteen. The idea of the European powers trying to take over is the idea against Western imperialism, and western world domination, which is still going on as of this review! This film is against that and in a sense pan Arab, as Nasser promoted Pan Arabism, the film reflects Saladin's desire to unite the Arabs together. There's also a theme of secularism with one of Saladin's companions in this film being a man called Issa (again idk if it's true). But Issa is a Christian warrior who realises that the European powers are attempting to take over the region and say it's for religion when it's truly for power gain. There's also a level of corruption between the European leaders. They frequently backstab each other making them all unjust dictators. Again I don't know how accurate these depictions are but it's interesting! Also I loved the story between Louise, a European warrior turned nurse who falls for the Christian Arab Issa. Their love story proves that unity between the west and the east is truly possible with understanding and compassion. The film is basically anti colonialist, which actually reflects many issues that are still prevailing in the middle east and the global south. Although that being said I don't know how accurate this film. I think it was definitely propaganda in a way made by the Nasser regime. It's still interesting and tbh I agree with the message I just don't know how accurate the portrayals of the European kings and Saladin is. Because admittedly could Saladin be unjust too? Or the European kings have compassion in their hearts? I mean I don't know!!! I think the point is no matter who the film is made by there is always some bias in who the villain is. Also I found it super interesting but also realistic how there was the King of Acre and Jaffa who sold over his Kingdom to the Europeans. It feels so real especially as you get people in these countries that essentially sell their soul to the west. Kingdom of Heaven is an interesting film if you wanna see another one about the crusades. Consider it the prequel to Saladin the Victorious. Ahmed Mazhar was actually a great Saladin, and honestly he's been in half the films I have seen recently but I have to give it to him! He does the job! He is really good. I also liked Salah Zulfikar, and this was my first work of his. He was great and masculine as his character of Issa. Laila Fawzi was just an absolute diva to be honest as Virginia even though her character sucked as a human 😭 Nadia Lufti is amazing. She is actually so pretty and just conveys so much passion in this role. I also think the way this film Was shot is amazing. I think it's so hard to actually accept the fact this film was made very cheap actually! It looks so impressive and expensive. I think they shot this in real life locations in Egypt like Muhammad Ali mosque or some fortresses so that was very interesting and it's kinda crazy ima be going to some of these places. Youssef Chahine ur amazing! Anyways a great epic historical drama! Really impressive in it's scope and ambition and all the details are amazing and to be appreciated!! Also there was such an amazing and beautiful scene when there was a Christian hymn playing on the night of Christmas eve as the Muslims were reading the Adhan (the call to Prayer) as they were getting ready to pray. It was such a beautiful and amazing scene!