Kingdom of Heaven | A Kingdom of Conscience, or Nothing - Kant's Moral Philosophy

[@paxwallacejazz]

"DO YOU REALLY THINK that making a man a Knight makes him a better fighter? And the protagonist replies "Yes".

[@LikeStoriesofOld]

Such a great moment!

[@halfadeaty]

Does it?

[@cafearga]

Making a Knight v Bestowing knighthood.

[@jus4000kicks]

It has to do with saying someone can do and become more than what they may have thought they could like saying to someone "You are a pro boxer".

[@Mslaralinda]

It does.

[@possiblepuzzles8137]

Philosophy may not be the most recognized aspect of movies, but by God is it magnificent.

[@melchizedek1187]

Balian never tried to hide his guilt but freely professed it--"they have right to take me" twice he declared. He was searching for forgiveness and salvation and always was true to himself in this manner before the Lord God. Inherently he knew and was told to remain steadfast as such. Saladin's right hand told him that he was worthy and would reap what he had sown. He showed love and compassion for all regardless of their religion or history, knowing that he should be the good shepherd of all the people just as Jesus was and is. That truly was what his oath meant and he walked it out in faith.

[@dclark142002]

What is Jerusalem?
Nothing.
...and everything.
I plan to watch this movie with my son when he grows older. There is so much to teach about religion, people, the effect of sin, and the choices you must make as a man.

[@DCStroe]

dclark142002 I hope you remember salaadin's gestures. for him as a human, was worth nothing..but for him as king/sultan /leader , everything

[@VoidOfDarkness9]

+dclark142002 don't take this film as historical accurate. Why? it's source material has very unprofessional works that any serious historians doesn't take as credible.

[@karmapolice247]

Nah just teach him about the actual historical event, and what actually caused the crusades.

[@jflynn9081]

dclark142002 the film is not historically accurate at all. For example Saladin wanted to kill the inhabitants, and the only reason he didn’t slaughter the population of Jerusalem was because the inhabitants said they would destroy the Muslim sacred sites if they did, along with money. There’s many other inaccuracies but that’s the most common misconception

[@dclark142002]

Of course. It's dramatized for story...and the actual characters in history differed significantly from their portrayal in the movie. But for the purposes of teaching, sometimes a story is useful.

[@katherinekelly6432]

"We should always treat persons as ends to themselves rather as means only""In the ways in which we use people, treat those people as a value in themselves"This is why I love the philosophy of Kant and why post modernism while fascinating leaves me cold.

[@thenowchurch6419]

Katherine. There is a distinction between pop-post modernism and post modern philosophy.
I think you will find that many post modern philosophers agree with Kant, on much.

[@happylindsay4475]

I myself am starting to believe that there is only modernism... I still thinknthe philosophy of Derrida and Foucault have a place under modernity...I could be wrong, but I think that the idea of deconstructing, challenging the status quo, adding more voices and perspectives to the dialogue, legitimizing other epistemic approaches etc. seems to my mind a natural progression to modernist thought...
Ok smart intellectual trolls come and get me lol

[@thenowchurch6419]

@@happylindsay4475 We have to properly define our terms before we can communicate effectively.
If we define modernity as Foucault does : " "modernity" as a historical category is marked by developments such as a questioning or rejection of tradition; the prioritization of individualism, freedom and formal equality; faith in inevitable social, scientific and technological progress, rationalization and professionalization, a movement from feudalism (or agrarianism) toward capitalism and the market economy, industrialization, urbanization and secularisation, the development of the nation-state, representative democracy, public education (etc.) (Foucault 1977, 170-77). ", then ,
Post Modernity is not a total break from modernity but simply a posture of self-critique and critical thinking generally; an attitude of doubt concerning the competence of Reason and Science to solve all our problems, wars and human self-destruction.
It is a critique of faith in the beneficial progress promised by the Enlightenment and gets it's impetus from the horror of WW 2.
So, yes, in a sense Post Modernity is a continuation of modernity, but with
a much more flexible , open and experimental approach.

[@cheeseburgerinparadise7124]

The older philosophies are basically libraries and museums containing the beautiful thoughts of imperfect men seeking something more. This video is beautiful, in many ways....

[@silent_stalker3687]

The protagonist got hundreds of thousands killed, lost the war, lost his nation- and left to France.
‘At least I can asleep at night unlike those that died for my principals’
Your actions don’t end with the first domino, take into consideration the next one.

[@FlawedFabrications]

Baldwin IV in this movie fits quite well the idea of the Philosopher King, which was described by Plato as the ideal ruler, "who possesses both a love of knowledge, as well as intelligence, reliability, and a willingness to live a simple life." As Plato said in The Republic: "philosophers [must] become kings…or those now called kings [must]…genuinely and adequately philosophize."

[@LikeStoriesofOld]

My first video essay for this channel about what I believe to be a greatly underrated movie (watch the Director's Cut though!). Starting with a philosophy as difficult as Kant's wasn't easy so I hope the true Kantians out there forgive me for simplifying it a bit to keep the video at a managable length. Anyways, I'd love to hear your thoughts on the video so feel free to leave a comment!

[@RogeriusRex]

"The Kingdom of Heaven is within you," (Luke 17:21) parallels "It is a Kingdom of Conscious or Nothing." This was a really good essay!

[@jarrahfitzgerald2752]

While I agree with some of what you’ve said, I think your points do not ultimately counter, or undermine Kant’s ideas or the ideas in this video. In fact I think they support what has been said.
A full and proper understanding of a situation will always be the best starting point for action. However, as pointed out, this cannot always be achieved. Not only does the spontaneity of human action work against this, a full appreciation of any given situation requires hindsight. This is not practical. While Schindler likely grasped at least part of the bigger picture of what was happening, he could not possibly have fully known the situation. It is only after the fact that we come to realise the full scale, nuance and ramifications of events. By this point the time for action has passed. The purpose of the maxim is to provide the default starting point, regardless of situation.
I won’t bother breaking down all that is wrong with slogans like “Make America Great Again”, but I agree that a great deal of harm can and has been done while justifying actions with oversimplified slogans or interpretations. Again, to use your example of Schindler, I think his actions could be said to recognise people as an end in themselves. This is as the maxim states. The actions of the Nazis are an example of those acting in contravention of the maxim. Schindler is not morally responsible for the actions of others, only his own. As such, any harm done would not ultimately have been his fault. But with reference to this maxim he acted to save many lives.
There is an inherent cognitive dissonance that seems unique to humans. As such, there are issues in applying simplified ideas to the complexity of human life. But I feel your arguments actually prove the points being made here rather than counter them.

[@Liberator130]

I think you've made a well made video, however, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention that the movie (including the director's cut) really isn't true to the actual historical Crusades. I'd recommend checking out History Buff's video on the matter.

[@JulyTiger1986]

CH Gorog The movie is a highly fictionalized tale of events. It's meant to be entertaining, not educational. It's not a documentary. That being said, I think LSOO is justified in his breakdown of the movies moral philosophies, they are not without merit, even if they are fictionalized.

[@Liberator130]

It's intellectually dishonest to portray true events in a fictionalized way, then treat the subject matter as worthy of "serious moral philosophical musings". It's easy to make up a story then tell everyone in my own interpretation of the film what that really means to us all as absolute moral paradigms.
It would be like me saying that "300" is a perfect analysis of the justification for violence and true axioms of needed gender roles. I'm not even arguing if Kingdom of Heaven is a good or bad movie - I'm just saying it isn't true to the actual events of history, that is a mark against it, and basing intellectual dissections of the work as if they were true to life is something that's egregious at best.

[@Itstwofourteen]

Watching Kingdom of Heaven and then immediately coming here, to this channel, has become an yearly ritual for me.
It has probably saved my life.
Thank you, my friend.

[@ForgottenHonor0]

History Buffs should watch this video. I feel that, while a good historian, he really fails to look beyond his prejudices and see the lessons the story is trying to teach. And Ridley Scott's films are full of lessons to take away. It's not just trying to tell a story in the vein of "here's what happened and who did it." He's trying to say "here's what happened, who it happened to, and why it happened."

[@TheKurtkapan34]

agree, but history buffs never been about the contact points, about conversation or the lesson. he almost always takes on the historical hard accuracy to the spotlight, that's what he's after. true or not, t2o are very different ways to tackle the subjects and i don't think they're interlinked.

[@kanpai44]

But the film Kingdom of Heaven is almost entirely wrong on historical accounts. Balian wasn't from France, but born in the Kingdom of Jerusalem. he married the dowager Queen Maria Comnena, the step mother to Baldwin IV. Two things that the film gets right is that Balian had a good relationship with the King, and he held a mass knighting during the Siege of Jerusalem.
I'm not saying the film isn't good, its one of my favorites and it has good morals and philosophy in it.

[@ForgottenHonor0]

Ironically, so was Gladiator, and History Buffs was all but singing its praises.

[@kanpai44]

True, alas still great films even if they have taught everyone that Balian was from France and Commudus was killed in the Colosseum by Maximus

[@marshallbishop2506]

Nick Craig the historical in accuracies are bad. And is more of a fiction then it is truth. It makes the Muslims look nicer then they were cause not everyone was let go and many were enslaved. And Balian would not have been there if he didn't break his word to Saladin.

[@amandapoyner8141]

I wasn't going to comment. Then I realise that what you are creating here in these videos, is really quite profound; elevating while deepening, and so much more on so many levels. I wanted you to know that I see and feel this. Thank you.

[@sai7472]

By chance or fate, I first came to watch the inspiring "Kingdom of Heaven" while residing in the Kurdistan Region. Even though it was not the director's cut version, the film's moral stance made a lasting impression on me. Kant has always been one of my favorite philosophers, thus, I feel heartened to hear this discussion of his moral precepts as they may relate to this fine film. Moral excellence comes about as a result of habit. We become just by doing just acts, temperate by doing temperate acts, and brave by doing brave acts. ARISTOTLE (384-322 BC)

[@LNS1389]

“It is a Kingdom of Conscience, or nothing”.

[@brucelin3660]

I have watched more than 20 times. I have watched this video for 3 times, so far.

[@hopelessent.1700]

Bruce Lin I watched the film 7 times in every other year. I remember seeing it on DVD when I was 5 and noticing missing moments from the trailer like the little boy whom I always question who it would be. Until I found out at 12 years old that there was a directors cut. And once I saw that version I felt even more content. Wish it won for costume because the period peace film kept itself authentic to the time period...

[@cheeseburgerinparadise7124]

This video? I've listened to it a hundred times, looking forward to 100 more!

[@mrkickass217]

Hopefully, the director's cut. makes the movie 10x more enjoyable.

[@njbrx]

@@mrkickass217 agreed, I watched it this past weekend and loved it

[@hopelessent.1700]

I grew up watching this movie and because of this film I fell in love with history. I think I have watch this film many more times than star wars. Hell I sat through the film twice back to back with commentary from the director. I grew up with this film and I learned Spanish from it... I was that obsessed with knights....

[@daneyraju8433]

Me also bro...i even believe that I was a knight in the past life and i died on a duty which was unfulfilled and was reborn to fulfill it but my time was passed ...now I'm born into a world without chivalry or warriors...just selfish godless people....

[@Daniel-fv1ff]

Obviously you were limited by time but I think a connection to 'no country for Old men' could have been really powerful. "If your rule has led you to this, what use is it?"

[@TheKurtkapan34]

arthur f. holmes looks like a great lecturer. would've loved to join one of his class. sad that he died years ago. great video as always!

[@flappyturtlesnatch]

I'm a little late to this ( 4 years ) but you can get a metric shi... butt load of his lectures here on UA-cam

[@tribudeuno]

Moral absolutism is an inferior means of decision making. In the Tao Te Ching, morality is a couple of rungs down from the Tao, and below goodness, which itself is below the Tao. Morality is evidence of a lack of virtue...
“If you need rules to be kind and just, if you act virtuously, this is a sure sign that virtue is absent”...
Ta Te Ching

[@moveinsilencegs5136]

Now a second comment, I will say yet again, top notch. I'm an orthodox christian and Leo Tolstoy and my church both believe very fully that very thing, that the kingdom of heaven is within you. Your heart. You're awesome with these videos. TOP NOTCH

[@Wyeuca]

This is my favorite movie of all time, and your take on Balian's morality is one of the best things I have heard. Can't wait to watch your other videos in Kingdom of Heaven, been a fan of your channel for some time now!

[@iconicfury]

Excellent video! And yes, this movie may be the most underrated movie ever. (Directors cut ofc)
There are a plethora of ideologically brilliant moments. My personal favourite is "If there is a God, he will understand why I must do this. If not, then he is no God at all, and I have nothing to fear." Morality above religious teaching, even when the later errs.

[@LikeStoriesofOld]

I agree!

[@iconicfury]

If you have the time, there is a line by Tiberias to Balian, (forgive me I don't have the exact quote) where he essentially calls Balian a "white knight" and wonders out loud if Jerusalem can bare the rarity of a white knight.
Any thoughts on this being an unintentional argument against the rigidity of a Maxim? Provides an interesting tangent, watching the impact of Balian's adherence to his Maxims and reaction of other characters to his actions. Just curious if you have any thoughts, thought of it during the video

[@chrisnoctskie5869]

Plethora means a lot. ~Samuel L. Jackson

[@cicerogsuphoesdown7723]

Nazgulth he calls him a ‘perfect’ knight.

[@warbler1984]

@@iconicfury Balian arrives in Jerusalem and meets Tiberias.
Tiberias: what did your father tell you of your obligations?
Balian: That I was to be a good knight.
Tiberias: I pray that the world and Jerusalem can accommodate such a rarity as a perfect knight.

[@Outsidecontext]

When I read Kant at University, there was so much I didn't like and essentially disagreed with - however, his work in the "Groundwork" is excellent. It asks us all to accept that which we can control (ourselves) and lose our illusions on what we can't. It explains honour and duty and the pillars of humankind.

[@MrSegrist]

I thought I would let you know I've exhausted watching your video essays on films I've already seen, thus I am now watching films for the first time so that I may appreciate your other work. That, to me, is one mark of a great critic, the ability to drive and direct an audience to seek out new art. I've owned Kingdom of Heaven on Blu-ray for several years now, but my desire to see your essay motivated me to prioritize the film. As soon as I finished the Director's Cut (Roadshow edition), I went to your channel to watch this video and the addendum.
Keep up the excellent work! I am looking forward to your next installment in the Archetypes series.

[@LikeStoriesofOld]

Thanks! Great to hear you got a chance to check out Kingdom of Heaven!

[@gidonidus]

This is the best video you've ever done, absolutely fantastic. I've watched this dozens of times, even put it on before sleep often. Thanks for breaking this down!

[@ngonzale3]

Beautifully done! I love this film and your video elegantly enhances my experiencing it. Thank you!

[@maning04]

Such an underrated film and still one of my top favorite movies of all time!

[@curiousworld7912]

I believe I've watched this video and your other on 'Kingdom of Heaven' about six times, now. Thank you, so much, for posting and pointing out Kant's moral imperative as Balien's underlying philosophy. You're right - I think this is a sadly underrated film.

[@curiousworld7912]

I think I must have watched this video, and it's second part, about 20 times now. It also pairs so well with your video on 'Hacksaw Ridge'. Thank you, for sharing these moments of thoughtfulness.

[@eoris12]

This video deserves more recognition. Give it time. You do truly good work.

[@ivansanchez3233]

Thank you for what your doing. My mind has been clouded for so long, but thanks to you I begin to see clearly again.
Thank you so much.

[@JarSpiral]

When video is so good that it makes you not want to play video games. Bless you LSOO. Been replaying this both home and work.

[@ouranos0101]

You are amazing. I can't believe it took me this long to find you but your work is light. Keep shining my friend!

[@moveinsilencegs5136]

I don't know why you aren't getting more people, these videos are beyond top notch. I never got far in college, it's like getting what I missed and would have loved to learn. Bravo man.

[@catherinehammond973]

This was a joy to discover; thanks so much for the food for the heart, mind and soul...

[@timothyraymond3368]

Your videos are outstanding, smartly done, and with time will gain a greater audience. Something this good doesn't go unnoticed very long. Thank you!

[@rhasaulan72]

Your channel has become my favorite channel on UA-cam.
Thnk u for the great work!

[@cantuse357]

Amazing video. I'm really impressed with your clear analysis!

[@Kvetinacovic]

The Road to watch all movies mentioned in Like Stories of Old´s videos has began. Even they are not many, but its like - ye I am sure they are great ones! And Kingdom of Heaven is amazing! Building our own Kingdoms within. Thank you!

[@Merkage500]

The most underrated media analysis channel on UA-cam. Subbed and enjoying this content. Just a recommendation, can you please do analysis like this for video games

[@buttkciker101]

See Jacob Geller for the video game analysis.

[@NINAD121]

What a video!!!!! Thank you so much for making such video!!!! Lots of love!!! Each word!! Speaks to my conscience!

[@ragingkingcalm5522]

I edited my comment as my first attempt was underwhelming. This video is beautifully presented and well thought out. I really appreciate the work you put into it and I subscribed right away.

[@vinodvarghese78]

Very interesting video. I came across this now and liked your analysis. Look forward to see more. Cheers!

[@Ray-xr8kr]

Man, best vidéo i've seen past 2 years. Love how you actually explain kant's philosophy with the movies. Moreover if this philosophie is the one i believe in and kingdom of heaven my favorite movie ! ++the music i had chills during the video i don't know why ! thanks

[@voyager7]

Absolutely brilliant. Kant's position on moral philosophy, particularly when compared or contrasted with the structure of the Aristotelian syllogism, is quite powerful. The outcome is contingent or dependent on the maxim and situation, and the situation one can most often not control. It stands to reason then, for anyone concerned about such things, that the establishment and living of principled maxims is everything. Integrity, fidelity, honor, justice, truth....universal principles that, while often disparaged in this age, remain paradigms worth living and dying for.

[@fabrisse7469]

Lovely video about one of my favorite movies. I would say that Imad is also a huge influence on Balian. Seeing the enemy as a man of honor, in spite of his ruse at their first meeting, helps provide perspective and allows Balian to inculcate the other lessons.

[@LikeStoriesofOld]

Definitely! I loved the mutual respect they developed as they film progressed!

[@markangelopinpin2481]

I have watched this film for the 2 times now. At first, I was frustrated Balian didn't follow King Baldwin wishes. However, once I watched it a 2nd time, I have succumbed that he is doing this for his own maxim. Now, I will love this movie forever.

[@zacharyjohnson330]

Great video. Im glad I found this channel. Very high quality content

[@AdrianMark]

Your words are pure wisdom. Thank you so much.

[@vk45de54]

The problem with Balian's logic is that he made the decision for all those knights to be killed at Hattin and although it did not happen, he fully expected Saladin to massacre Jerusalem. In that aspect, he chose to let Guy live at the cost of everyone else's lives.

[@ShadowShroud7]

All those knights and lords who went to Hattin with Guy did so of their own free will. They choose to recognize and follow Guy into war. Some such as Tiberius refused because he recognized the folly of the whole battle plan. Everyone else? They knew what they were getting themselves into when they went to war and when they died, they have no one to blame but themselves.

[@oldrabbit8290]

@@ShadowShroud7 yeah, because feudalism work that way.. i could refuse my lord's order without any consequence whatsoever.. Tiberius can refuse because he's powerful enough, but all the lesser knight and common soldier?
and this is a thing: Balian doesn't consider his soldier as "an end" - ie people who want to live a good, peaceful life, but only as "a mean" for him to preserve his maxim.. that why he led them to suicide charge, and was willing to fight to the last men and women and children - despite their actual opinion in the matter..

[@Doubleranged1]

@@oldrabbit8290 Yes, he clearly acted against his own maxim of: protecting the innocent (idk the exact wording)

[@BOR1688]

I think you are conflating the conclusion with the immediate situation somewhat, none of those events were determined at the time of Balian's decision.

[@captainkirk7513]

@@oldrabbit8290 he asked them if they were with him
and Almaric said yes

[@robbinsmith4806]

So love your explanation of the philosophy. One of my favorite movies that never gets old. Just wish there were more people in the world who thought like Balian -maybe the world would be a better place. I guess all we can be responsible for is ourselves.

[@heavenlyeyes4605]

this is a fantastic video, thank you for great insight, into my favorite film of all time

[@ibnmianal-buna3176]

Ridley Scott is truly one of the greatest directors and storytellers in all of film history.

[@Loner-Wolf]

I agree he has made great films but some have been right stinkers....Alien covenant, I mean what a pile of shit. Prometheus wasnt any better.

[@PrincipeCharro]

@@Loner-Wolf Prometheus was awesome, what are you talking about? it's the film that made me want to watch the rest of the Alien films

[@Loner-Wolf]

It's a matter of opinion friend. If you enjoyed it that is good. I hated it.

[@jdv2020]

What an incredibly clear explanation of Kantian philosophy. Thank you

[@captainfantastardo]

Brilliantly presented, hit me in such a way that I’ll be taking away some food for my thoughts.

[@Thegaarfild]

wonderfull analysis.
Continue the great work!
Greetings from Brazil

[@ashleyromero8941]

Very beautiful. I very much needed to hear this.

[@keviny.9596]

Thanks for this. Highly recommend this channel. Smart guy.

[@mawortz]

I have seen this movie like five times already, really good I'm always coming back to it.

[@zeholandajunior]

Thanks for the Portuguese subtitles. Congratulations for the video. From northeast Brazil.

[@mcpheonixx]

I just discovered your video's and I have to say they are very well done.
I think you could consider me a Kantian in that I follow a set of " maxims ". I have discovered that in following a hard and set rule, you do not allow yourself the flexibility to allow the best outcome. The best example being Baleans refusal to marry Sabilla. I have also discovered you can be very virtuous and flexible at the same time.
Anyway, you have earned yourself a subscriber, well done sir.

[@empty7116]

Years later, I still love this video.

[@zedekwinsit]

Thank you so much for this!

[@ambiencehustler9515]

This is such a well done video. You've definitely earned a subscriber! Keep up the great work!

[@lyaworski333]

Yes! I love this analysis, I felt this was the real lesson behind the plot. I have had a similar experience in my own life with different ‘father’ figures.

[@s1lentsound]

Very informative, well put together appreciated.

[@hkoreja]

the only channel on youtube which provides best essays on movies

[@justinwilson3653]

Glad you mentioned the hospitaller lines, I've always liked that quote.

[@bodiesatva]

Dit blijft een van mijn favoriete video's die je gemaakt hebt.

[@corybrown8196]

I love these. Good on ya for elevating humanity

[@fdhugo1]

Wow, best Video I've seen in a long time, Thank you

[@Ennio444]

Nice man. Subscribed.
KoH is a great film, visually stunning and narratively complex for its characters and themes. It's not perfect, but very few films really are.

[@jamesward1210]

I hope you see this, because it is truly a shame that more people haven't seen this video. It such an in depth philosophical essay that I feel is heavily empowered by your rhetorical style. Truly, a wonderful explanation of Kant's philosophies using this film as the means to those ends. ;)

[@LikeStoriesofOld]

Hey, thanks! Always nice to get comments on my first video :)

[@carsonmoore4662]

This is the best video I have ever seen. Thank you.

[@dason5408]

It's official. This channel is my new favorite on UA-cam !

[@LikeStoriesofOld]

Woohoo!

[@DSTH323]

Love the Dr. Arthur Holmes excerpts. I hope more people find his philosophy series on UA-cam.

[@haj1126]

This LSOO guy whom I just met has changed my point of view to this movie and whole world, permanently.

[@ty2u]

Very well made. Thought provoking.

[@hitandruncommentor]

One of my favorite movies, thanks for the vid guys

[@radhi8063]

Wowww what a piece of art, Thank you!

[@john0815]

Thank you for this wonderful explanation

[@rickloginname]

I keep on coming to this - it hits me at the core.

[@frans3950]

excellent video well done, keep up the good work.

[@chrisproudlove1280]

Thank you for explaining a movie that has been a secret favourite for me.

[@tambot10]

These essays should have been shown to us on our Moral Philosophy class during college. I think this is a better way to deconstruct and relay the words that Kant is saying.

[@jamesdunne9833]

I am loving your videos. Keep going.

[@BrotherHoodofTheDogxix]

Beautifully done.

[@elifaletgutierrez9141]

Wonderful video, thanks!

[@daniel_netzel]

Firstly, I really enjoyed the video. But I disagree with your point. Balian does plenty of killing in the film, he's not following those maxims, not only does he kill many times in self defense, but he kills out of revenge at the start of the film. This is actually why I side with Sybilla in the film, I think there can be justification for evil done for the greater good. Of course, these are philosophical points, they're meant to be discussed, there are no hard lines in the sand on any philosophical principle of what's true or what isn't, which is part of why I find it so interesting. Anyways, good job on the video, I hope you find success with it! My latest video discusses philosophy and went over like a wet noodle, so hopefully yours finds more open minded viewers :P

[@LikeStoriesofOld]

Thanks for commenting! I pretty much ignored the fact that Balian kills people because of the historical setting (even the good priest kills :P) and because whether or not killing is wrong was never really a discussion point in the film. Obviously Kant would say murder is wrong (especially out of anger/revenge like Balian did in the introduction, but that happened before he started his journey so I'll leave that aside for now), but he also speaks of having a duty to yourself which some have interpreted as a duty for self-preservation which would justify killing in defense. And Balian really only does kill out of the defense of either himself or the people he swore to protect. Still, Kant's philosophy pretty much goes directly against our more common utilitarian ideas (a focus on the best outcomes, the greater good) which is what I find so fascinating about it, and I can't think of many movies that discuss it like Kingdom of Heaven does :)

[@daniel_netzel]

I guess you're right, it's more pointing out the hypocrisy of even the good characters of the film than disproving your point. Oh yeah, Kingdom of Heaven is one of the best films of all time, soooo good. The director's cut though ;)

[@hexistenz]

Film Radar I find this whole conversation to be very interesting.
Though I would respectfully disagree with you, Film Radar.
In my view, it's not hypocrisy, it's just human fallibility.
We're, all of us, fallible. We DO get carried away by our desires, our deep inner reactions.
The point I believe LOOS, and therefore Kant, make, is that it's through our experience, whether it be 'successful' or not, that we're able to formulate our own maxims.
In other words, we learn through experience, falling down and then getting back up.
Sometimes the falling down, such as in the scene you're talking about, includes murder, revenge, ...
There's no perfection, anywhere. There's just the intention towards perfectibility. The intention to do better the next time around.

[@daneiten1]

Outstanding video. I would say though that I don’t believe that leaving out Balins murder of his brother, if I understood it right, at the beginning of the movie is correct either. This is the cathartic act that moves this man to find the Kingdom of Heaven, to atone for his sins. He finds it within himself while sitting upon the Rock. Here, in my opinion, is where he establishes his philosophy, by combining the maxims of his father’s knighting oaths and his ideals of a Kingdom of Conscious.

[@nuhashahmed7692]

Well in the beginning balian was lost! He didn't have a maxim/moral rule to live by! It was Half way through the movie when his father decided to knight him did he find a maxim to live by! This a story of redemption for balian, The murder he committed was not within the maxim! He would find his maxim later!

[@ShaheedMajid]

You're videos are great. Thank you 🙏

[@jairustheadventurer3935]

To me, I can see this heavily in Christianity. God wants people to choose him of their own good will. He doesn't want them pressured into it.

[@StarboyXL9]

And yet Hell exists as punishment for not choosing Him. If that isn't blackmail I don't know what is. Creating a universe that has eternal consequences for your actions and then claim "hey no pressure?"
Give me a break. He's nothing more than an omnipotent tyrant who delights in cruelty.

[@botrjezbotrjez3428]

@@StarboyXL9 why would someone who rejects God, want to be with him in heaven for all eternity ?

[@prudencegrahame1519]

Bullshit !!

[@ubiquitouspanda4466]

@@botrjezbotrjez3428 What's type of question is that? If it's between eternal hellfire and damnation vs hanging out with someone you don't like, what would you pick?

[@mistah6898]

At its best description hell is not actually that bad for righteous heathens. If you imagine hell as anything like Dante Alighieri did in the Inferno then the circle where righteous men like Salah ud-Deen or Plato end up is not a circle of physical punishment.
That said, even then they still suffer. Because suffering is separation, and there is no greater separation than that which man creates between himself and the divine

[@brettmason4866]

Amazing work - keep it up.

[@curiousworld7912]

Nicely done!

[@Numenor76]

i never had great internal battles about what is wrong and what isn't. It feels so ease to make sense of what is the right thing to do and what is immoral. I still read Kant and philosophy with awe to the depths a humans mind can achieve. This movie is surely underrated and it was brilliantly directed imo. Dialogues and monologues can make an essay themselves and extend the movie in a TV series lasting years. Yet, even when something like this is achieved by Hollywood (or in the fringes of Hollywood), it is something that makes me uniquely happy for our kind. The other movie i adored as much is "The Thin Red Line", brilliant.

[@stevemcgee99]

VERY well done. Thank you.

[@EricCEric123]

Beautifully crafted video

[@wonderingphoton9116]

Similar scene occurs in The Green Mile when Paul (Hanks) discusses with Coffey as he faces the moral dilemma to give a authorization to "roll on two" . He says " On the day of my judgment, when I stand before God, and He asks me why did I kill one of his true miracles, what am I gonna say? That it was my job? My job?"

[@arainbowinthedark2]

Well explained sir!!!

[@wonderingphoton9116]

Excellent channel LSOO.

[@Hundguth]

Only 4:47 in, and blast it, LSOO Lore-Master, you made a movie I thought was "meh" re-watchable. Well done. Very well done. I guess I wasn't paying close attention. On another note, I've seen Nick Hodges of History Buffs' review at least five times now. Think I'll give it a little rest hahaha

[@AlanHirschenhoferII]

Beautiful video, thank you...

[@luisfelipecorrea4219]

After so many years, it still is my favorite movie