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The biblical story of Esther, the Jewish woman who saved her people when they faced annihilation, is told in this production featuring British actress Louise Lombard in the title role and F. Murray Abraham as Mordecai, Esther's cousin and foster father. As a girl living under Persian rule, Esther was essentially kidnapped and taken into the harem of the king, Xerxes. The king, taken by her beauty, made her his queen, and as dramatized in the film, she found herself involved in a delicate balancing act between the ruling Persians and her own Jewish people. While this is a fairly elaborate production with a solid supporting cast, it proceeds at a relaxed pace and never quite takes off dramatically. But it does provide a solid telling of Esther's story, and if considered as something of a docudrama, it's successful. The story is clearly told of how the king's chief minister, Haman, had hoped to see the Jews annihilated, but thanks to Esther's intercession the Jews were able to defend themselves and destroy their enemies (events which are celebrated at the Jewish Feast of Purim). The production does provide much of the period flavor of ancient life, and the major facets of the story and portrayals of the characters coincide with biblical accounts. --Robert J. McNamara
Customer Reviews
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By Alejandra Vernon
TOP 1000 REVIEWER
Format:VHS Tape
Of all the Bible sories, I find the The Book of Esther does not flow as easily as others, but nevertheless, this film based on the story is interesting; it is faithful to scripture, with a few additions to fill out the plot.
Queen Esther is beautifully cast with English actress Louise Lombard (seen in 2004's "Hidalgo"), and Oscar-winner F. Murray Abraham excellent as her cousin and guardian Mordecai.
King Ahasuerus (historically known as Xerxes) is a character I find hard to like; he appears to be an indecisive and capricious man, who puts all his trust in the evil Haman (well played by German actor Jurgen Prochnow). It is Esther who courageously stands up to Haman when he tries to annihilate all the Jews of the land.
Queen Esther is beautifully cast with English actress Louise Lombard (seen in 2004's "Hidalgo"), and Oscar-winner F. Murray Abraham excellent as her cousin and guardian Mordecai.
King Ahasuerus (historically known as Xerxes) is a character I find hard to like; he appears to be an indecisive and capricious man, who puts all his trust in the evil Haman (well played by German actor Jurgen Prochnow). It is Esther who courageously stands up to Haman when he tries to annihilate all the Jews of the land.
The main addition to the story is the inclusion of Ezra as a friend of Mordechai. Ezra was the scribe and priest who led a remnant of the Jewish captives back to Jerusalem, but this would come twenty years later, under the reign of King Artaxerxes, in 457 B.C. Having Ezra in the story also emphasizes the importance of God, whereas in the Book of Esther, no mention of God is made.
Directed by Raffaele Mertes (who was the cinematographer for most of the other films in this television series), it has a good score by Carlo Siliotto, lovely cinematography by Giovanni Galasso in the exotic area of Quarzazate, Morocco, with the use of a wonderful color palette in the costumes, using rich earth tones and shades of teal and olive greens.
The story of Esther is the basis for the Jewish Festival of Purim, which is a grand time for children; it's a time to dress up in costumes and masks, eat sweets, and best of all, twirl one's gragger (noisemaker) whenever Haman's name is mentioned in the reading of the story.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:VHS Tape
Esther shines as a light in a dark place, and the story follows closely the biblical account in a beautiful way. Esther is portrayed radiantly, as is her uncle Mordecai, played with intensity by F. Murray Abraham. History has shown what the consequences of her actions were - "how God has allowed you to live in such a time like this." It's a wake-up call for us all.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:VHS Tape
With so much tasteless stuff comming out of hollywood these days this movie was a refreashing change. I enjoyed the fact that it remained with the biblical storey of Esther...ever so much portraying the king as a flake. Great movie and well done just like Jacob, David, Abraham and the rest of those movies that have been recently produced. Louise Lombard was perfect for the part of the biblical Jewish Queen Esther.
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4.6 out of 5 stars
Most recent customer reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great movie
This movie appears to be very close to the bible's account. I thought the movie was done well and is well worth it.
Published 13 days ago by Jeff Schwartzel
3.0 out of 5 stars
Esther is one of my favorite book of the bible
I wasn't that impressed with this video. It's been a while since I watched it now but I just recall it wasn't quite what I expected
Published 21 days ago by Suzanne Boulanger
4.0 out of 5 stars
I Like it
It was a good movie & it was true to the biblical story. I would highly recomend this DVD to everyone!
Published 1 month ago by Ed Selent
1.0 out of 5 stars
Stupid movie.
Stupid acting, the only people who would like this film are protestants, because they like anything misrepresented. (In which is why protestants are divided among them selfs.)
Published on Mar 7 2004 by Review Stuff
5.0 out of 5 stars
Biblically accurate and tastefully done
I thought this was a very watchable version of Esther's story. There is no nudity, foul language, or graphic violence. Read more
Published on Mar 5 2004 by "goldencat5"
5.0 out of 5 stars
A must see for all Christians!
I highly recommend this movie.
Published on Feb 26 2004
5.0 out of 5 stars
Another Terrific Turner Bible Movie
All the Turner bible movies are terrific. Like I always say, it's some of the only television/video "you can watch with your mom in the room. Read more
Published on Jan 30 2004 by B. Lapadat
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good but production low-budget?
Enjoyed this biblical account of Queen Esther and her influence over and protection of the nation of Israel. Read more
Published on Jan 18 2004
4.0 out of 5 stars
A Good Adaptation
This film is part of the Trimark Home Video Bible series. It is refreshing to know that new movies about the Bible are still being made.
This movie is from the book of Esther. Read more
Published on May 1 2002 by Jeffrey Leeper
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great quality movie
With so much bad stuff comming out of hollywood, this movie was a great refreashing change. I enjoyed the fact that it stuck the the biblical storey of Esther evr so much... Read more
Published on Feb 15 2002
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