CAIRO, 24 May 2005 — Very quickly into the film — “Kingdom of Heaven” — you get the message. Within 15 minutes it becomes very clear that Ridley Scott is trying to clear a new world. A better world than has ever been seen. There you are not what you are born but what you have it in yourself to be. A kingdom of conscience, peace instead of war, love instead of hate: that is what lies at the end of Crusade.
Egyptian critics said that film with its $130 million budget would turn the Western world against Islam and Muslims and portray them as cold-blooded warriors. Indeed, showing famous Muslim leader Salahuddin Al-Ayoubi and his generals as minor characters with little human depth harms the plot and gives too much importance to the Crusaders led by Balian of Ibelin, played by British actor Orlando Bloom.
The 39-year-old Egyptian actor, Khaled Al-Nabawy, who plays Salaheddin’s aide says the film will enhance dialogue and understanding between Muslims and Christians. Al-Nabawy talked about his role in the film and his expectations from it.
Q: What do you expect from the film?
A: I expect that the movie will contribute to improving the image of Muslims and I’m sure it will enhance inter-faith dialogue.
It is the right time for the West to learn about us. We know a great deal about them; they know much less about us and when you don’t understand something, the danger is that you will misunderstand and misjudge it.
Q: Do you think the film will narrow the gap between the two religions?
A: Yes, because it is not only about war; it is about faith and the attempt to see the truth. I know that there are some Christians who think that the film is too sympathetic to Muslims and that there are Muslims who think the opposite. This difference will encourage people to see the film and make up their own minds.
Q: What do you say to those who say the film is biased?
A: We expected that some people would think it pro-Christian because it was American-financed but they are mistaken. Both Mr. Scott and the screenwriter, William Monahan, made great efforts to have an objective and balanced script which showed the reality of the conflict between Salahuddin and Richard the Lion-Hearted.
Q: Would you have refused the opportunity to work with this great director if you had not liked your role?
A: Of course, I would have. I liked the script of Kingdom of Heaven very much — even though I had only ten scenes. And if those scenes were cut to five, I would not be sad because of what I learned from working with Ridley who is one of the best directors in the world.
