Kingdom of Heaven

In 1184 France, blacksmith Balian is haunted by the recent suicide of his wife. This grief colors his interactions and decisions, leaving him emotionally vulnerable.

A group of Crusaders arrives in Balian's village, one of whom introduces himself as Balian's father, Baron Godfrey of Ibelin. Godfrey urges Balian to join him on a journey to Jerusalem, but Balian declines, wanting to remain in his grief.

Balian's half-brother, the town priest, reveals a ghastly truth about the treatment of Balian's wife following her suicide. In anger and despair, Balian confronts his brother and kills him in a fit of rage.

After the confrontation, Balian retrieves a cherished cross belonging to his deceased wife and flees the village, seeking a path toward forgiveness. He is driven by the hope of redeeming both his wife's memory and his troubled past.

As Balian seeks to reunite with Godfrey, tension arises when Godfrey's treacherous nephew attempts to arrest them both. Despite the danger, Godfrey remains loyal to Balian and confronts his nephew.

In a pivotal confrontation, Godfrey kills his nephew but sustains a fatal arrow wound in the process. His injuries mark a turning point in Balian's journey, as he now bears the weight of his mentor's legacy.

In Messina, Godfrey knights Balian, entrusting him with the responsibility of protecting the King of Jerusalem and ensuring peace in the region. This moment signifies a new chapter in Balian's life as a warrior.

As Balian sets sail for Jerusalem, a storm wrecks his ship, leaving him as the lone survivor alongside a terrified horse. Struggling to adapt, he encounters a Muslim cavalier, leading to a fateful confrontation.

Upon reaching Jerusalem, Balian's actions earn him notoriety among the Saracens. He grapples with the complexities of his newfound fame and the responsibilities that come with it in a politically charged environment.

As Balian navigates the political intrigue of Jerusalem, his relationship with Princess Sibylla deepens. Their mutual affection grows amidst the complexities of their respective roles in the conflict.

Tensions rise when Guy and Raynald orchestrate a brutal attack on a Muslim trade caravan, inciting retaliation from Saladin's forces. Balian is caught in the middle of escalating violence in the region.

Determined to protect the oppressed villagers seeking refuge in Kerak, Balian bravely faces Saladin’s overwhelming forces. This act of valor earns him respect, despite being captured in the process.

King Baldwin IV’s health deteriorates as he confronts the brutality of Raynald's actions. The power struggle escalates, leading to dire consequences for Jerusalem's fragile peace.

After a grueling three-day battle against Saladin's forces, Balian successfully negotiates the surrender of Jerusalem, ensuring the safety of its inhabitants. This moment crystallizes his evolution from blacksmith to leader.

In the aftermath, Sibylla renounces her claim, and Balian returns to his roots as a blacksmith in France. Their uncertain future hints at adventure and challenges as they ride together toward a new life.