 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
One Night with the King
- Review Date: January 29, 2007
- PG
- Genre: Drama
- 2006
Common Sense Media says
Brave heroine risks it all in biblical epic.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this is a well-crafted epic that remains true to the biblical story of Esther. Some characters plot, scheme, kill, and steal, but there's not much sexual content, and the violence is limited to some stabbings (very little blood is shown). Overall the movie is definitely family-friendly -- hence our green "on" rating despite a little bit of iffy material.
What's the story?
Esther begins life as Hadassah, growing up in Susa, the capitol of Persia, under the watchful eye of her uncle, Mordecai (John Rhys-Davies), a scribe in the royal palace. Orphaned at a young age when her parents are murdered, Hadassah dreams of returning to Israel, the homeland of the Jewish people. When Haman the Agagite (James Callis), a descendant of one of the Jews' mortal enemies and the man responsible for Hadassah's parents' deaths, sets in motion the queen's banishment for her stance against a looming war with Greece, King Xerxes (Luke Goss) is desperate to avenge his father's battles. On the verge of departing for war, Xerxes' princes press upon him the importance of leaving a queen behind to keep the people together. Many young girls -- including Hadassah -- are rounded up and taken into the palace to prepare for their presentation to the king. Mordecai warns Hadassah to keep her Jewish identity a secret, so she changes her name to Esther and immediately makes an impression on Hagai (Tommy Lister), the king's aide assigned to oversee the girls. Instead of plotting and scheming to attract the king's attention, Esther stirs the king's passion by being herself -- a smart, savvy, independent girl. When a plot to poison the king is discovered, Esther quickly finds herself embroiled in the dangerous world of politics.
Is it any good?
It's easy to forget that the Bible is filled with intrigue, romance, and adventure. ONE NIGHT WITH THE KING reminds us of that by telling the story of Esther, the young Jewish orphan who started out as a lowly peasant but eventually became queen of Persia. Not too many bona-fide epics get made anymore, but this one definitely fits into that category. Shot on location in the exotic ancient Mogul palaces of Rajasthan, India, One Night With the King features beautiful cinematography and lavish costumes. Dupont is superb as Esther, holding her own among screen legends like Peter O'Toole (as Samuel the prophet) and Omar Sharif (as Prince Memucan).
Esther is a good example of what it means to be courageous and stand true to your beliefs, and the film is a beautiful, heart-wrenching love story intermixed with adventure, intrigue, and -- ultimately -- the bravery of a lone girl standing up against a tyrannical plot. At its core, One Night With the King explores hatred, racism, revenge, and courage -- things that, sadly, are still worldwide problem centuries later.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about how a queen was chosen in biblical times (from a harem of girls, trained in how to behave for the king). Families can also discuss how courageous Esther was to risk her own life to save her people. Why did she have to keep her Jewish identity a secret, and how does destiny play into this story? Why was Haman determined to kill Esther's parents and destroy the Jews? Why did he feel that war was necessary? Families can also talk about the difference between using power for evil and for good.
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
Good mostly
This movie was good in some areas and bad in others. I did not like that they added a whole "necklace" thing to the movie. It is not what happened. But I liked that it portrayed what Ester did to save the jews."If I pereish I perish". I love it!(:
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Enjoyed it
I went to see this film with my wife and 16 year old daughter. It was a real pleasure to see. I avoid most movies out there because they are depressing or have questionable values or messages. I found One Night with the King to be a positive, enjoyable experience for myself and my family.
Was this review useful?
|
|
April 9, 2008
AGE
Awesome movie
I saw the movie last night for the second time, and I enjoyed it just as much! It was funny, had a little bit of suspense, and had some pretty good acting. I was glad to see that this movie did not compromise the historical account found in the Bible, in fact it helped shed even more light on the story of Esther. I especially liked the part where Esther is speaking to Hagai when the candidates are picking out what decorations they wanted to wear for their "one night", and she said that she would rather bring something that the King's heart delights rather than something she would think he liked. That has really spoken to my spirit about how we should approach God. I totally recommend that people should see this movie, especially if you enjoy the story in the Bible like I do.
Was this review useful?
|
|
April 9, 2008
AGE
It was so much more than I expected
I LOVED this movie. I had high hopes for this Biblical epic of one of my favorite heros Queen Esther. But to be honest, I expected to be a bit disapointed. Boy was I wrong. Not only was it a great epic for the entire family to enjoy, but it was also a warm and fuzzy, very romantic "chic flick" that left me sighing afterwards. I kept thinking about the movie for days--now that's a good movie experience! Rush out and see it.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Good for ages 9 year and older
Good movie but not historicly correct.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Poor Script
The photography and costumes were lush. But the screenplay was difficult to follow. Most kids won't be interested whether Esther is the concubine chosen to be queen and that is a major portion of the movie. The motivation of the king and queen's behavior is barely dealt with. Why doesn't Esther tell the king she didn't have an affair?
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
excellent family film
This is a great example of how a movie can be kept clean and remain interesting and fun. Not entirely biblically accurate but a good effort to retell one of the greatest love stories of history. Older kids (especially teen girls) will enjoy this with their parents. Highly recommended.
Was this review useful?
|
|
| Topics: | history |
| Studio: | Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment |
| Director: | Michael O. Sajbel |
| Cast: | Omar Sharif, Peter O'Toole, Tiffany Dupont |
| Genre: | Drama |
| Run time: | 123 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | October 12, 2006 |
| DVD release date: | January 30, 2007 |
| MPAA rating: | PG |
| MPAA explanation: | violence, some sensuality and thematic elements. |
Review It
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
Already seen it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
