re: Kingdom of Heaven on AMC

quote:

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If this is explained in the DC, fair enough. I saw it in theaters and was pissed

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It is explained in the DC. When they come to fetch him they ask him a few things:

German guy: Have you been at war?
Balian: On horse and as an engineer also.
German guy: For whom and against whom did you fight?
Balian: For one lord against another, at a place which cannot be remembered.

It establishes right here that Balian had experience in warfare - thus knows how to use a sword - and is also practiced in cavalry as well as siege warfare. All of which he uses in his defense of Kerak and Jerusalem later on in the film.

FWIW I ended up watching it on AMC ( SlowPro) and enjoyed it. I think I'll definitely check out the Director's Cut too. Thanks for all the comments.