Balian of Ibelin

LEGOFREAK · Post by **LEGOFREAK** » Tue May 10, 2005 5:01 am

Interesting enough I right after I saw the movie Kingdom of Heaven I found a book called Arab Historians of the Crusades, which tells of the fall of Jerusalem from Saladins point of view.
Excellent reading.

Jacob C. · Post by **Jacob C.** » Tue May 10, 2005 2:06 pm

Nice!
I always look forward to new Crusader torso designs!
So how did you like the movie?
I'll probably be seeing it in a couple days myself.

The Hordesman · Post by **The Hordesman** » Tue May 10, 2005 2:19 pm

Nice! This may come in handy if the crusades will occur in my story, though not of the same reasons as the real one, but close. Still wondering if Shadowkra will be a crusading land or the land "crusaded"...

I might aswell use yours, Jacob, if You dont mind.

Scnicker · Post by **Scnicker** » Tue May 10, 2005 2:54 pm

I love that torso, btw I've heard that the movie is NOT anti-Islamic. That's rare in a movie

Fry_slayer · Post by **Fry_slayer** » Tue May 10, 2005 3:09 pm

Ah the Master Builder returns....

More designs Pat!! I am watching the movie tommorrow to see if i can be inspired to do something

LEGOFREAK · Post by **LEGOFREAK** » Tue May 10, 2005 5:57 pm

Thanks for the comments, though later on I'll be adding a belt to the torso. I don't know why, but I just forgot.

as far as the movie goes, I really liked it. I have a game (and I know a couple of you have it too) called Stronghold: Crusader, and its like that game come to life.

although a lot gorier. It was an awesome movie, and while there may have been one or two things I would have changed about it, overall its one of the best I have seen.
It wasnt anti-islamic, nor was it anti christian. what was it? anti-war.
I mentioned above that I was reading this book on Arab histories of the crusades, and several key scenes are mentioned in this book. particularly I have noticed many written about by Ibn Al-Athir, (1160-1223) who wrote while these actions were taking place. I won't go into detail because I don't want to ruin the movie, but if you are interested, PM or email me.
On a side note, I picked up the book on sale at a local Barnes and Nobles, so I suggest if you are interested, getting down there and picking one up (for those who have that book store nearby)

and thanks Fry, I am starting to breathe a bit better now, and Chance has made me an offer I can't refuse to get back to work on the Joes... and I want to do a few more from the movie as well, as well as some torsos from the Stronghold games. (anyone want a Duc de Puce shield done?

)

Freak

JPinoy · Post by **JPinoy** » Tue May 10, 2005 8:42 pm

Great MOC. I think that the Lego head that looks most like Orlando Bloom would be Obi Wan (young), just shave off the beard but keep the mustache.

cd536 · Post by **cd536** » Wed May 11, 2005 4:07 am

Excellant movie, I loved it. Freak I'm gonna head over to B&N tommorrow to look for that book

Damien · Post by **Damien** » Wed May 11, 2005 6:24 am

Arab Historians of the Crusades is a great book, I have it as well.

The Torso and Shield design is very cool. Any chance anyone will be making a torso design for the Knights of Jerusalem (the blue surcoat with the gold pattern)?

And indeed - the movie is not anti-Islamic. If anything, it portrays all parties in a very neutral light - except for the Templars, who are, in fact, the "bad guys" of the film.

Excellent movie - more pseudo-historical than historical.. but still excellent and enjoyable.

The Hordesman · Post by **The Hordesman** » Wed May 11, 2005 1:12 pm

Im not sure if Jan Guilllou's books about the Templar Arn is available in the states are anywhere else than here, but Ive heard that they are very historically correct, even though Arn is just a fictional character (or well, loosely based on descriptions of a templar from that age).

Havent seen the movie yet, but I guess I will say the same thing- its good. I love Gladiator!

I like that its not anti-someone (anti-christian is ringing most in my head when I hear the line "crusades in movie") I think our Turkish ally will like it(The turks(ottoman) saved the swedish king for centuries ago, and the alliance pact is untouched!).

Fry_slayer · Post by **Fry_slayer** » Wed May 11, 2005 7:09 pm

Great Show

Any chance anyone will be making a torso design for the Knights of Jerusalem (the blue surcoat with the gold pattern)?

I got itchy after the show.... burrow a spot on ur thread Pat

Damien · Post by **Damien** » Wed May 11, 2005 9:52 pm

Awesome, Fry. You rock.

Im not sure if Jan Guilllou's books about the Templar Arn is available in the states are anywhere else than here, but Ive heard that they are very historically correct, even though Arn is just a fictional character (or well, loosely based on descriptions of a templar from that age).

Well the problem is that both armies had their share of attrocities. The film pushes the idea that the Templars were simply bloodthirsty zealots with no concern for human welfare (even that of other Christians) and only cared about killing and maiming 'infidels.'

I'm not super-opposed to their representation in the film. I just think it was too extreme and they were represented as far too one-dimensional.

I can't wait to get my LEGOs back from my old place so I can slap that Knights of Jerusalem decal on a torso.

LEGOFREAK · Post by **LEGOFREAK** » Thu May 12, 2005 12:13 am

Fry_slayer wrote:Great Show
I got itchy after the show.... burrow a spot on ur thread Pat

SWEEEET.

now I am going to have to steal that chain mail for Balian. flipped upside down and recolored gold it'd make an awesome Saladin scale mail torso also. (obviously without the tunic.

)

The Hordesman · Post by **The Hordesman** » Thu May 12, 2005 11:06 am

Damien- Arn wasnt a "hero" type. He was a zealot as he from birth was taught how to serve god- eye for an eye. In the end when the Pope demanded every Templar to be executed- he was confused and didnt understand why, as he had devoted his life to christianity. Havent read it, but the author spoiled a little.

More crusaders! Nice! I love the designs, Freak and Fry! Going to buy more minifigs...

Luís · Post by **Luís** » Fri May 13, 2005 10:40 pm

Hey, I think I'm reading the same book.
What do you think about the canibals in Maara?