The Context For years, the 2002 Egyptian film Al-Faris (The Knight) was considered a cult classic in the Arab world for its mature storytelling about Saladin. In 2017, the same creative team released The Knights, aiming to revive that legacy. It was a big deal for Arab cinema—a high-budget (by local standards) 2D animated feature intended to rival international productions.
The Story The film is set during the Crusades and follows a group of young Egyptian knights. While Saladin is not the sole protagonist (as he was in the 2002 film), his presence looms large as the wise leader. The story focuses on:
Why the Story is Interesting
Alternative Note: If you were referring to the Malaysian film Saladin: The Animated Series (which was later compiled into feature-length formats and circulated globally around that time), the interesting story there lies in its unique visual style. It was one of the first major 3D animated series to focus entirely on Saladin's youth, imagining him not just as a Sultan, but as a dashing, adventurous young hero akin to a swashbuckler, blending historical fact with anime-style action.
Which version were you looking into? I can provide more specific details on the characters or historical accuracy if you like
While there is no major global feature film titled " " released specifically in 2017, the year saw a significant resurgence of interest in his legacy through various media and the cult following of Ridley Scott's Kingdom of Heaven
(2005), which is often discussed in 2017 forums for its portrayal of the leader.
However, if you are looking for a "Saladin" production from that era, you might be referring to one of the following: Saladin: The Animated Series (2014–2017)
This series, which concluded its main run around 2017, was a joint production between Malaysia and Qatar. It focuses on the early life of Saladin before he became Sultan.
Plot: The story follows a young, adventurous Saladin and his friends as they travel across the medieval world. It blends historical facts with fictional adventures.
Style: High-quality 3D animation aimed at a global audience, emphasizing values like courage and justice.
Availability: You can find trailers and clips on Muslim Kids TV or YouTube. 2. The 2017 "Kingdom of Heaven" Discussion In 2017, Ridley Scott’s Kingdom of Heaven
(2005) saw a spike in renewed interest on platforms like Reddit due to political parallels and the popularity of the Director’s Cut.
Saladin's Role: Played by Ghassan Massoud, this portrayal is widely considered the most iconic version of Saladin in Western cinema.
Themes: It depicts him as a merciful and noble leader who honors his word, particularly during the Siege of Jerusalem in 1187. Saladin the Victorious (Restoration & Streaming) The classic 1963 Egyptian epic Saladin the Victorious
(El-Nasser Salah Ed-Din) was restored and made available on major streaming platforms like Netflix and Prime Video around the 2017–2020 period.
Legacy: Directed by Youssef Chahine, it is a staple of Arab cinema and frames Saladin as a symbol of Pan-Arab unity.
Historical Accuracy: While it captures the spirit of the Third Crusade, it is heavily influenced by the political ideology of the 1960s. 4. Recent TV Series (2023–2025) saladin film 2017
If you are looking for the most recent live-action adaptation, the Turkish-Pakistani series Kudüs Fatihi Selahaddin Eyyubi (Saladin: The Conqueror of Jerusalem) began in 2023.
Plot: It focuses on his battles against the Crusaders and his mission to unite Islamic territories. Cast: Stars Ugur Günes as the titular lead.
Directors Cut (2005) is a excellent historical epic from Ridley Scott.
In 2017, historical cinema and the legacy of the Crusades intersected with the release of the animated feature Saladin: The Animated Movie. This project aimed to bring the story of Salah ad-Din Yusuf ibn Ayyub to a modern, global audience, blending historical reverence with accessible storytelling. Reimagining a Legend
The 2017 film stands out as a significant cultural milestone in Islamic-themed media. While many Western depictions of the Crusades focus on European perspectives, this production centered on the Kurdish leader known for his chivalry, strategic brilliance, and the recapture of Jerusalem in 1187. The film was designed to serve as both an action-packed epic and an educational tool, highlighting the virtues of justice and mercy that Saladin famously embodied. Production and Visual Style
The film was a collaborative effort involving MDEC (Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation) and international partners. It served as a spiritual successor and expansion of the high-quality Saladin: The Animated Series.
Animation Technique: Utilized 3D CGI to recreate 12th-century landscapes.
Visual Scope: Featured sweeping desert vistas and detailed medieval fortifications.
Character Design: Focused on expressing Saladin's dual nature as a fierce warrior and a thoughtful diplomat. Plot and Historical Themes
Set during the height of the Third Crusade, the movie follows a young Saladin as he rises through the ranks to unify the Muslim world. It navigates the complex political landscape of the era, showcasing his interactions with rivals and allies alike.
The Siege of Jerusalem: A pivotal moment showcasing Saladin's tactical mind.
Chivalry: Explores the legendary respect between Saladin and King Richard the Lionheart.
Unity: Highlights his efforts to bring disparate factions together for a common cause. Cultural Impact and Legacy
The release of "Saladin" in 2017 contributed to a growing movement of diverse storytelling in animation. By providing a hero-centric narrative from an Eastern perspective, it offered a counter-narrative to traditional Hollywood tropes. It remains a notable example of how digital media can be used to preserve and promote historical heritage for younger generations.
🚩 Core Message: True power lies in wisdom and compassion, not just the sword.
You're referring to the 2017 film "Saladin" also known as "The Conqueror" or "Salah al-Din al-Ayyubi" in Arabic!
Here are some interesting reviews for the film: Report: Saladin (film, 2017) The Film: The Knights:
Positive Reviews:
Critical Reviews:
Cultural Significance:
Awards and Reception:
Keep in mind that opinions on films are subjective, and reviews can vary widely depending on individual perspectives and cultural contexts.
Would you like to know more about the film, its production, or Saladin's historical significance?
featuring the Ayyubid dynasty. Another notable 2017 release was the French-Canadian animated film
, which featured a character named Saladin. Read more about the director's vision for the Saladin project at MyRepublica
Academic papers or theses published in 2017 that discuss in the context of film or his cultural legacy include:
From Kurdish Sultan to Pan-Arab Champion and Muslim Hero: Published in The Journal of Popular Culture in February 2017, this article by Omar Sayfo explores the evolution of the Saladin myth in popular Arab culture, including his depiction in cinema and television.
Inventing Saladin: The Role of the Saladin Legend in European Culture and Identity: This master's thesis by Brian Christopher David (James Madison University, Spring 2017) analyzes how the legend of Saladin has been constructed in European culture, often reflecting contemporary political agendas and ideals of chivalry.
Kingdom of Heaven and its Ideological Message: A paper by Yiou Liu published in CINEJ Cinema Journal (Vol 6.1, 2017) that examines the 2005 film Kingdom of Heaven and its portrayal of Saladin as a symbol of secular authority and American-style ideology.
Remembering Saladin: The Crusades and the Politics of Heresy in Persian Historiography: An article published in the Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society in November 2017 focusing on his legacy within Persian historical memory.
Additionally, in January 2017, news reports highlighted a "proof-of-concept" teaser for a proposed new film titled
, created by Pakistani filmmaker Umar Agha, which aimed to reach a production standard similar to Game of Thrones. AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more
The search results for a movie specifically titled " " released in 2017 are limited, though there were significant scholarly and cultural discussions around Saladin's cinematic legacy that year. A notable publication in February 2017 analyzed his portrayal across Arab popular culture, from early Egyptian theater to modern cinema and television.
If you are thinking of a major production featuring Saladin, it is possible you are recalling " Kingdom of Heaven A New Generation: It follows Rashed and his
" (2005), which remains the most prominent Western film depiction of the leader. It saw a resurgence in discussion and streaming popularity around late 2025 and 2026. ⚔️ The Chivalry of Saladin: Beyond the Battlefield
While history remembers him as the conqueror of Jerusalem, cinema has often painted Salah ad-Din al-Ayyubi as more than just a general. Whether it’s the 1963 Egyptian epic Saladin the Victorious or Ridley Scott’s Kingdom of Heaven
, his portrayal often emphasizes Islamic tolerance and chivalry. Why his cinematic image matters:
A Symbol of Unity: In early Egyptian cinema, Saladin was often used to parallel Pan-Arabist ideologies
, representing a leader who could unite diverse communities against external forces. The "Respectful Rival": Many films, like Kingdom of Heaven
, focus on his strategic rivalry and mutual respect with figures like King Baldwin IV, humanizing both sides of a complex religious conflict.
Legacy vs. Myth: While modern media often depicts him as a "peace-loving victim," historians note that the real Saladin was a brutal and strategic military ruler of his time, proving that his "myth" is just as powerful as his history.
What’s your favorite portrayal of this historical icon? Let us know in the comments! 👇
#Saladin #KingdomOfHeaven #HistoryInFilm #EpicCinema #MiddleAges
Here lies the most common point of confusion. If you search for “Saladin film 2017” on YouTube or IMDb, you will find two entirely different things—neither of which is the failed UAE-Qatari epic.
Even though the 2017 film never saw the light of day, examining its intended script provides a fascinating lens into how modern storytellers approach Saladin. Based on leaked script pages and interviews with pre-production consultants, here is how the film would have depicted key historical moments compared to the facts.
| Historical Event | What Really Happened (1187-1193) | How the Lost 2017 Film Planned to Portray It | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | The Battle of Hattin | Saladin’s army trapped Crusader forces by cutting off their water supply, leading to a decisive Muslim victory. | A 25-minute CGI-heavy sequence emphasizing relentless heat and thirst; a slow-motion shot of Saladin raising the sword of Nur ad-Din. | | Capture of Jerusalem | Saladin famously refused to massacre civilians, allowing them to ransom themselves (or leaving the poor to go free). | A dramatic, tearful scene where Saladin tells his generals, "Jerusalem is not a prize; it is a trust." | | Meeting with Richard I | The two never met face-to-face, but exchanged gifts and letters. Richard proposed his sister marry Saladin’s brother (a deal that fell through). | The script fictionalized a tent meeting, giving Saladin a rousing speech about coexistence—a clear anachronism for political message. | | Saladin’s Death | He gave away his fortune to the poor; his shroud was his only possession. | A slow, mournful finale with voiceover from his son, al-Afdal. |
The film would have downplayed Saladin’s political ruthlessness (his conflicts with fellow Muslims, his assassination of political rivals) in favor of a saintly, unifying figure.
The UAE-Qatar partnership began to fracture due to political tensions. In June 2017, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, and Egypt severed diplomatic ties with Qatar, accusing it of supporting extremism. This geopolitical crisis froze assets and halted cross-border film financing. Suddenly, millions of dollars earmarked for battles scenes and sets were inaccessible.
Istanbul, 2017 – In an era where the lines between entertainment and geopolitical identity blur with every frame, a towering figure from the Crusades rode back onto the silver screen. But this time, he wasn’t speaking English-accented Arabic, nor was he a supporting character in a Richard the Lionheart drama. He was the star.
The film was simply called Saladin (or Kudüs Fatihi Selahaddin Eyyubi in Turkish). Conceived as Turkey’s answer to Braveheart and Kingdom of Heaven, the 2017 production was more than a historical epic; it was a statement of cultural and political resurgence.
"Saladin in 2017 Film: The Sultan and the Saint as Interfaith Diplomacy Narrative"