Another unsophisticated review by an untamed Christian who loves great movies.
Starring:
Introducing Tiffany Dupont is Queen Esther
Luke Goss is King Xerxes
Also Starring
Peter O’Toole, as Samuel, the Prophet
Omar Sharif, as Prince Memucan
Tommy Lister Jr., as Hagai
James Callis, as Hamen (aka Dr. Basheer)
John Rhys-Davies, as Mordecai (aka Gimley)
John Noble, as Prince Admantha (aka Borameer’s dad)
Jonah Lotan, as Jesse
Go see “One Night with the King”
This movie is epic and beautiful. Based on Tommy Tenney's best-selling book, “Hadassah,” and the author actually helped with a consistent vision for the film. (Although Stephan Blinn gets the screenplay credits.) It’s a full 2 hours and 3 minutes so drink your pop slowly. Rated PG, there’s nothing offensive.
Their was a time when a major actor might take part in a big budget film with a direct biblical theme, like the ten commandments with Charlton Heston, but those days had long disappeared. They were replaced by a number of nice-tries at evangelical-themed movies, and the occasional genius which is produced almost by accident from secular Hollywood. Then along came the Mel Gibson and the 20 million dollar, “Passion of the Christ.”
The bar has been set high and there is new hope among would-be Christian film makers that it can and should be done. Almost more to the point it could make money. Let’s face it—Hollywood wants a return on investment. If you want a good film be prepared to have it make someone money.
What sets this movie apart from the other, low-budget attempts?
Tons! This is a major budget film. Filmed partly on location in 3000 year old fort in India, this movie is as authentic as humanly possible. The director of photography, Stephen Bernstein, has been a part of over 90 movies, including “Like Water for Chocolate.”
There are some other neat trivia facts that helped make this movie unique and special. Rather than a “cattle call” to pick extras, Tommy Tenney asked 300 pastor’s wives from many denominations to come to India with a couple friends each. Tenney’s wife Jeannie wrote and performed a song for the film.
Larger Story
Yes its true there is no thinly-veiled, Christian overtones to this film—this is the real deal. This is a movie, which is in no small way, by, for, and about Christian themes. At the same time the story of Esther is Jewish more than “Christian.” It is about a threat to the Children of Israel and their eventual deliverance by God through the work of a few faithful.
This film is so epic and so well orchestrated that it speaks to many more issues than I can list here. I actually watched this film on opening day, but didn’t write this review until now because I was hoping to make time to see it again before writing it up.
My true, honest recommendation is that you go see this film in the theatre with friends and discuss it afterwards. When it comes out on video, buy it and watch it again. A few months after that see it again. I’m 100% sure that you will get more out of it each time.
Ok, I’ll give you this much of a teaser, if Esther beat out somewhere between 400 and 1400 other women to be picked by the King she had something besides a pretty face. True beauty, favor and grace, are all over the larger story.
Regarding Movies and Christianity:
The reality is that some Christians grew up in an old school tradition. They believe they know how the word of God can be presented, effectively and appropriately. They truth is that the word of God is a collection of stories. It was that, long before the Greeks made it about masterful oration. Can Hollywood mess up the story? Sure. Can they mess it up so badly that God can’t use it? I don’t think so. The best option is to support Christians who are doing their best to make these films.
Holly McClure has been involved in radio, TV, and film for nearly twenty years. In an interview with Steve Schulz of “the Elijah List,” Holly is quoted as saying, “This is the witnessing tool of the twenty-first century…movies are the pulpit of the world, whether it is a bad message, a good message, an unholy message, or a holy message…this is what people are learning by and gleaning from. Even though a movie may not be overtly Christian, the message or the word (is there), the Holy Spirit will use that to transform hearts and minds and lives…”
God was able to reach Paul on the road, no tent, no preacher, not even an alter call. The point of “One Night with the King” is that one moment of favor can overcome a lifetime of what you think your life is about. God can and will reach people through this movie.
