Summaries

In the mid-16th Century, a long running conflict between two of the most powerful world religions is building up to a climactic battle in the Mediterranean for the very soul of Europe. Facing each other are two highly trained forces. The knights of the Order of St. John, a small but formidable Christian military Order. And the Muslim Janissaries, the fearsome crack troops of the Sultan. The historic events are told through the eyes of a young Ottoman conscript and his future arch-rival, a novice Christian knight. From an early age, both are trained to fight in the name of God, and Allah.—Sebastian Peiter

Facing each other are two highly trained forces. The knights of the Order of St. John, a small but formidable Christian military Order and the Muslim Janissaries, the fearsome crack troops of the Sultan. The historic events are told through the eyes of two fictional but historically accurate characters: Alexius is a 14-year-old who finds himself pressganged into the Sultan's army in Greece. He is converted to Islam, changes his name to Hasan, before being trained in Constantinople as an elite Janissary soldier. Hasan's soon to be arch-rival Raymonde is a 15-year-old French noble, sent to the Order of St. John in Malta by his ambitious parents to become a wealthy knight and seafarer. They will both meet in battle, trained to fight in the name of God, and Allah. The 2-hours drama-led documentary is supported by historic re-enactment on original locations, and a full-size replica galleon. Spectacular CGI and gripping drama make up 70% of the film. Eps 1 looks at the build-up of the Great Siege of Malta in 1565. Eps 2 focuses on the dramatic battle for Fort St. Elmo.—Sebastian Peiter

Details

Keywords
  • siege
  • malta
  • tv special
  • ottoman
  • janissary
Genres
  • Adventure
  • History
  • Documentary
Release date Dec 17, 2020
Countries of origin United Kingdom Malta
Filming locations Malta
Production companies ZDF/Arte Urban Canyons Parker Films

Box office

Budget $600000

Tech specs

Runtime 1h 30m
Color Color
Aspect ratio

Synopsis

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