Before anything else, I must say that I've read the Biblical book of Esther but NOT the book "Haddassah" by Tommy Tenney and Mark Andrew Olsen on which this film is based.With that said, I'll treat this film as just another love story and not an interpretation of the Biblical story of Esther, which does vary from this film quite a bit.The story revolves around Haddassah (Tiffany Dupont), the lovely, wholesome Jewish daughter of Mordecai (the always wonderful John Rhys-Davies), a scribe for King Xerxes (Luke Goss).Early in the film, Xerxes "removes" his queen from power through the meddling of Prince Admantha (John Noble) and Haman (wickedly fun James Callis), both of which have their own delusions of grandeur in mind.Soon after, Xerxes goes on a quest to find a new queen to replace is "removed" one.Women throughout all the kingdom are taken to the king's palace and treated to all the wonders and niceties one would expect from the King of Persia.Eventually Xerxes falls for Haddassah (who's changed her name to the less Jewish-sounding Esther, for protection).While the two are falling for each other, Admantha and Haman are both putting their own plans for taking the kingdom into motion.One of those plans involves the destruction of all Jews in the kingdom.With both men attempting to convince Xerxes of their own plans, Esther has to stop the destruction of her people.If you're familiar with the Bible's version of "Esther," you already know how this tale ends.
Were liberties taken with the story? Yes, many in fact.Does it destroy the story of Esther?Absolutely not.This is a very good film with a wonderful cast.Unlike others, I failed to see the poor acting of the performers in this movie.Dupont did an excellent job of portraying Esther as a kindhearted and very loving person.John Rhys-Davies was fun as Mordecai, both proud and protective.Callis was probably my favorite of the bunch, portraying the double-crossing and vengeful Haman with vigor.Tommy "Tiny" Lister played Hegai, the Royal Eunuch in a loving manner.I feel that he loved Esther like a sister as much as Xerxes loved her as a wife.
I found no problem with the sound quality.I understood every word very clearly.Secondly, the visuals, especially the CGI created palace, were wonderful.The colors in this film hearkened back to the days of the old technicolor bright, popping colors that have long faded from many memories.
Overall, I highly recommend this film as a wonderful love story.Are there better films out there that are Biblically based?You bet.But as far as love stories go, this is one of the best in the last ten years.
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Product Description:
One Night with the King is a sweeping epic about Hadassah, the young Jewish girl who becomes the Biblical Esther, Queen of Persia.
Despite her position, Hadassah's life is in danger, as the state has decreed that all Jews will be put to death. Defying warnings to remain silent, however, Hadassah struggles to save her people, evens as she seeks to win the heart of the king, in this exciting and inspiring story about destiny.
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