The Book of Daniel

I watch all Bible based movies available to me, half fall far short of my hopes for accuracy. This little low-budget gem won me over, so I purchased it for my library. Yes, there are some cheesy scenes looking out over Babylon, but they're few and short lived. Yes, some of the editing was careless (a bloodless sword being withdrawn from Belshazzar's body), but it is faithful to the story presented in the first six books of Daniel, and most of the performances are well done and sensitive to the characters.

I find Bongiorno's younger Daniel as wonderful to watch as Miano's elder Daniel. Saxon's Nebuchadnezzar is a very nuanced performance (and my favorite of the four kings covered). If the magicians, enchanters, and sorcerers seem a bit campy, go grab a Coke from the fridge, and they'll be gone when you return.

I give this production a ten for its effort, an eight for execution.

NONE of this praise can translate to the horrible effort of PureFlix "Book of Esther", one of the worst Bible movies I've seen. That should have had a sword run clean through it. It nearly made me break out in hives for all it's egregious failures on every level.

PureFlix movies can range from the great effort of Daniel, and Ruth, to the dregs of "Esther" and the mediocre "Blink of an Eye". I suggest viewing free before considering purchase. We all have different expectations for worthy viewing.

If it wasn't for Rolf Saxon, i wouldn't have gotten the DVD for it. I'm not a biblical enthusiast or even knowledgeable about Daniel and his story as a prophet. The cast is first rate with Rolf Saxon as King Nebud; Lance Hendricksen as Cyrus; Leo Gallagher as the astrologer and other actors. The film was directed by a woman, rare these days. She seems knowledgeable about her subject and the film. First, there is a lot of dialogue on par with a Shakespearean drama. If you're not into biblical movies, you may not appreciate it as much. I enjoyed the features especially the bloopers and behind the scenes as well.

A superb retelling on the life of Daniel. Considering the budget/restrictions making a low budget film, this movie shines. Excellent acting from Robert Miano, Lance Henrickson and Andrew Bongiorno carry the piece. First time director Zelinski does a good job.The writing is rock solid and very impressive. When you consider this piece, think about the garbage Hollywood spews forth today. Expensive with pretty pictures and ugly stories. This is the complete opposite. I wish Hollywood would go back to making movies rather than political propaganda films. I want to be moved emotionally when I go to see a movie. I want to laugh or cry or remember, not be indoctrinated. this movie reminded me of what a film can be. I highly recommend it.

Some of the reviewers for this movie seem to be prejudiced against a biblical movie production. Well, we live in such times where it is popular to dislike anything to do with the creator of the universe. But just like Daniel told the truth to the kings he served, this movie tells the truth better than any Hollywood production ever made. (even "The Ten Commandments" with Charlton Heston.) The is the new #1 Hollywood biblical production. Filmed with excellent and prominent actors and actresses, celebrities and performers. A "Must See" for believers and non-believers alike. This biblical story stands on it's own, even on a tight budget. Bible stories do not require expensive special effects to convey the message. Bravo!!!

like many Christian movies, it is not a show but an invitation. an invitation to discover the roots of your/neighbor faith. an invitation to discover, again, the Bible not only as religious book but as answer to common problems. and basic virtue of this adaptation is the delicate measure, the force of images, the wise acting who gives soul to a story who represents more than a story. it is easy to remember the usual note, almost pathetic of religious films. in this case the things are different and the secret is result of performance of each actor who reflects in his character art to build map of spiritual grow-up. not a great film. only necessary. as invitation to see reality more than a game.