La stella dei re

Also know as, La Estrella de Belen(The Star of Bethlehem), the story is a very original interpretation of the biblical Three Kings(aka Three Wise Men) and their quest to locate the baby Jesus. This authentic looking historical drama was well paced, had excellent casting, and the scenic locations were gorgeous. The characterizations were really the key ingredients to the movie. Each actor chosen truly seemed to be the perfect selection for the role they played. Balthzaar, much to the viewer's surprise, was portrayed as a ruthless, vicious military leader; Melchior was an old, near blind priest/astrologer; Gaspar was a vengeful young man. Along for the ride was an orphan boy named Nabu, a mute named Abraham, and Balthazaar's(at first disguised) daughter. The journey went from Babylonia to Damascus, then Jerusalem. Melchior started out on the quest and picked up the odd assortment of characters along the way. Some elements of the story, of course, remained the same.