Rated PG for violence, some sensuality and thematic elements.
Directed by Michael O. Sajbel (The Ultimate Gift, The Ride)
Starring Tiffany Dupont, Luke Goss, Omar Sharif, John Rhys-Davies, Peter O'Toole and James Callis
Let me confess two things. First of all I confess I didn’t know the story of Esther as well as I should, but I loved that this movie made me go back and read it (it really is a good story). Secondly, I confess I really wanted to give the movie a “rental” or better score before I even saw it. I wanted to like it, to support it and silence all those who say we can’t make good Christians movies… unfortunately I can’t.
The story begins… wait a minute, instead of me telling you the story line… take some time and read the story of Esther. It is only ten chapters, not to mention, if you do see One Night with the King, you will thank me. Because, the movie does a poor job of clearly and accurately portraying the true story of Esther and like most book-to-screen movies, it just doesn’t measure up… the Book really is much better.
The movie has its fair share of cheesy-over-the-top scenes when the filmmakers clearly tried too hard to be dramatic and it just didn’t work. To make it worse, throughout the film there is a reoccurring cheesy-over-the-top gimmick. Esther’s special childhood necklace that, when held up to a candle, illuminates the entire room like a Star of David disco ball.
There were some things done well. The character, Esther was believable and likeable, the scenery and costumes are amazing and I am encouraged to see they are moving in the right direction. This is the same studio that brought us the Omega Code. Need I say more?
SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
There is nothing offensive that you should be concerned with, I’m just not convinced they will want to see it. Instead, I would encourage you to take the time to read the story as a family.
Conversation Starter
Three Simple Questions (with Answers You May Be Looking for):
- What are some of the messages or themes you observed in this movie?
- How do you suppose we—as serious Christ-followers—should react to this movie?
- How can we move from healthy, Bible-based opinions about this movie to actually living out those opinions?
