Esther's glory: Biblical epic to hit theaters

YNet ^ | Sept. 19, 2006

[Alouette]

Screen legends Peter O’Toole, Omar Sharif in all-star cast of One Night With The King

Every Jewish child knows who Queen Esther was, now it's time for entire world to know: On October 13, Gener8Xion Entertainment’s One Night With the King opens in over 850 theatres in select cities across the United States.

Starring silver screen legends Peter O’Toole and Omar Sharif, along with the renowned John Rhys-Davies (Lord of the Rings trilogy), Luke Goss (Blade II, ZigZag), John Noble (Lord of the Rings: Return of the King), Tommy ‘Tiny’ Lister (Next Friday), James Callis (Bridget Jones Diary, Battlestar Galactica), Jonah Lotan (24, The Jacket) and Hollywood new-comer Tiffany Dupont, this impressive motion picture chronicles the amazing life of Esther, one of the Bible’s most beloved and courageous heroes.

Based on the best-selling novel Hadassah: One Night With The King by Tommy Tenney and Mark Andrew Olsen, this dramatic big-screen adaptation chronicles a young woman’s rise from peasant to princess, her courageous role in the redemption of her people from destruction and death, and her winning of the love of the most powerful man in the kingdom - by seeking his heart rather than the riches of his kingdom.

“One Night With The King is a story of divine destiny,” explained the film’s producer Matthew Crouch, Chairman and CEO of Gener8Xion Entertainment. “Hadassah was a poor, unknown peasant girl, an orphan, an outcast from a distant land, who went on to become queen of a powerful empire. Her poignant story proves that anyone, no matter their circumstances, can rise to greatness when guided by the hand of destiny.”

“The lush color and vigorous landscape seen throughout the movie can only be captured in a classic old-world setting, ripe with millennia of history,” noted Crouch. “One Night With The King is rich with mystical allure, suspense, intrigue, and political intrigue within unparalleled drama. It’s an unforgettable love story set in a world of adventure and it appeals to people of all faiths.”

One Night With The King was produced by Matthew and Laurie Crouch, and directed by Michael O. Sajbel. The screenplay was written by Stephan Blinn. Also produced by Richard J. Cook, Stephen Blinn and Lawrence Mortorff. Director of photography for the film was Steven Bernstein, A.S.C.

Gener8Xion Entertainment first won the acclaim of audiences and critics alike with 1999 runaway hit The Omega Code, named that year’s top limited release motion picture by Hollywood’s Daily Variety.

[I'm ALL Right!]

Luther was great. I have heard of this one, I haven't seen it yet.

There is another one coming out which I have screened. It's very good, and appropriate for kids as well. Check it out. It hits theaters at the end of this month.

FACING THE GIANTS

[unionblue83]

Here's the ad quote: Omar Sharif cigarettes.

"The taste of my cigarettes is soft and sensual, just like my romantic life."

[Red Badger]

Omar was a Hollywood Hearthrob back in his young days, sorta like Brad Pitt is today.........

[I'm ALL Right!]

[ichabod1]

Sharif works a lot in the ME so he kind of disappears. Thinking of him makes me think of Julie Christie. What a world class hottie she was. Lara.

[zerosix]

Me too, especially when Mordecai tells Esther (regarding her ability to save her own people, the Jews), "For such a time as this, you were born."

As a Christian, I love telling others this story. It is not about the usual femi-nazi psychobabble, it is about a religious, devout young woman, placed in a position at a specific time to save her own people, by God.

[ichabod1]

Hey! It's time for the High Holy Days. They snuck up on me. Happy Rosh Hashanah, early.

[zerosix]

Well, we can always ask our Messanic Jewish friends to enlighten us.

Thanks for the head's up on your preferred date of release.

[madison10]

Next thing, we need a movie about Jael and Sisera.

What? A tent stake through his head? WAAYY too gory for the PC among us, but what a kick-butt way to treat the enemies of Israel. ;) Jael was smart and brave. Glass of milk indeed.

[hoagy62]

From what I've seen (trailers, cuts on TBN), this is going to be excellent!

John Rhys-Davies is great as Mordecai. He plays it exactly like it should be. The guy that plays Baltar on "Battlestar Galactica" is the actor who portrays Haman..and he is utterly evil! John Noble (Lord Denethor in "Lord of the Rings") plays a Persian prince/lord.

The scenery is exquisite, and the storyline follows the Book of Esther fairly closely. The film is not technically from Esther, but from a book by Tommy Tenney, "One Night with the King" (the film's title).

Sadly, although the film is going to be quite good (unlike the other films Matt Crouch has produced), it'll go nowhere...because Hollywood won't support it. Even though it's a strong Jewish story, the elite of Hollywood will have nothing to to with it because it was made by a Christian.

I would recommend everyone to see this film...not because it's by a Christian filmmaker, but because this honestly looks like a fantastic movie!

[montag813]

When will the heartwarming story of Muhammed and his 9-year old bride be released?

[infowarrior]

Another 50s/early 60s movie about the biblical Ruth and Naomi starring Stuart Whitman as Boaz was good, much better than the Joan Collins movie. This movie of Ruth provided an insight into the ancient Jewish law and tradition.

I've seen that one... IIRC, Sophia Loren played Ruth. It was quite good, and as you said, provided much insight into Jewish law and tradition...

the infowarrior

[lilylangtree]

Elana Eden not Sophia Loren. See http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0054343/

[BaBaStooey]

[BibChr]

Pingtika l'23.

[Ancesthntr]

O'Toole plays the Prophet Samuel.

[Ancesthntr]

" Gawd, I thought O'Toole was long dead. Did a search and he's still kicking "

He played King Priam in "Troy" only 2 years ago.

[Eagle Eye]

Hmmmph....thought it was a film about the nephilim.

[Lurking Libertarian]

Yes, that's [#23] an old (but still funny) line-- it's basically the summary of almost every Jewish holiday!

[Red Badger]

Samuel lived in the time of Saul and David, not during the Persian era...........