Solomon

My English teacher in 10th grade knew how much I love movies and at the time I watched VHS tapes. She gave me 2 that her husband wanted to throw away since they were not going to watch them ever again. One was Disney's George of the Jungle and the other was this, since she also knows that I am religious and love such movies.

I put the tape in(well-the first of 2) and I was intrigued by the 8 minutes of previews. I usually skip those, but this advertised the other movies in the series and a preview for the Jesus one alone.

Then the movie began, and the start of it fit, since he was making out with a woman while Song of Songs is quoted. This fit since he wrote that song(or it was written for him for one of his weddings.)

Fun Fact some people don't know, like a woman at my church yesterday: see 1 Kings 11:3 and you will read that Solomon had 700 wives, and 300 concubines.

Anyways, I liked how it was starting but I did not understand the rest.

I made it into a half hour...twice. It was just lackluster(a word I hardly use, by the way) and it was not really that great. It may be better than what I am saying, but I just didn't see it.

It's just boring. That's all I have to say.

I fist saw a rather abrupt cut of Roger Young's "Solomon" in a bible collection. Still it was so good I was determined to see the full version. Boy was i glad I did! Ben Cross does an absolutely amazing job as the title character, much like in "Jesus" and "Jacob" The film makers aren't afraid to present these legendary people as people! They have loves and fears and aren't so perfect and aloof. Cross is young and a bit arrogant at first, but very loyal to his father David, played beautifully by the great Max von Sydow, and his mother Bathsheba. The early part of the movie has him dealing with his scheming half-brother Adonijah and the general Joab, played by David Suchet. overcoming both he asks God for wisdom to rule his people wisely. Like any of us would be God is impressed and Solomon makes great judgments, never allowing his priests or prophets to rule him.

The legend of his wisdom grows till it reaches the beautiful Queen of Sheba, played with nice understatement by Viveca A. Fox. She journey to Isreal to see the truth of this legend. Here Solomon finds true love at last, but under pressure and unable to convince Sheba to stay in Israel he is left alone and despite still ruling wisely begins to anger the people by allowing freedom of worship. Hmmm. like the U.S.? Upon his death the kingdom is divided again and Israel will never again be a world power as it was under him.

I thought he acting, sets and photography were all first rate. I really like this move, yes it's long, but it's well worth your time, even if biblical epics aren't your usual speed. Well recommended.

Where this video is out of tune: • Rehoboam is born in video AFTER Solomon is crowned--where the math of Scripture indicates he was born PRIOR ("Rehoboam was 41 years old when he became king and reigned 17 years in Jerusalem"); Solomon's reign is described as 40 years. • Rehoboam is described in video as if born to a Jewish mother--when his mother was Ammonitess named Naamah--this also leads to obvious plot-hole later (Zadok's statement that son born to Sheba-queen cannot be heir--when obviously not the case, as Rehoboam was born to Naamah) • A great deal of the video centres on the Queen of Sheba--where Scripture has a few lines; in contrast, much less time is devoted to the construction and dedication of the Temple (to which Scripture devotes entire chapter, as it was the king's crowning-glory) • Jeroboam is shown in rather good light, as being zealous for God and rebuking Solomon when the latter deviated--Scripture does not indicate Jeroboam as godly prior to becoming king of Northern Kingdom, and also indicates that he went further from God than Solomon, even to the point where he could not be turned back to God.

Expensively mounted Biblical production with all star-cast and spectacularly filmed in North Africa . Breathtaking story set in Biblical times with emphasis in lavish costumes and crowds . Justly before his death in ancient Israel King David (Max Von Sidow) has a vision from God saying him that his younger son Solomon (Ben Cross) , should succeed him as king . His other son Adonijah (Ivan Kaye) is mean and promises to achieve the kingdom by whatever way . King David names his younger son, Solomon his heir and -Bathsheba's (Anouk Aimée) son- facing his older son Adonijah. King Solomon acts with wisdom and benevolent and his government is seen as a threat to more tyrannical monarchs in the region and subsequently building the templo of Solomon . But Joab utilizes the ambitious Prince Adonijah in her plots , making life dangerous for Solomon . Later on , Joab (David Suchet) and Adonijah agree schemes and to encounter manners to overthrow Solomon . Meantime , the Queen of Sheba (Vivica Fox) arrives in Jerusalem, supposedly for a friendly meeting , Solomon slowly falls in love with her.

An overblown all-star treatment of the stories in the Old Testament dealing with David , Salomon , Sheba and Adonijah . Lavish spectacle about Solomon and his lover Sheba based on historical events . Ben Cross and Vivica Fox play a sultriest couple , including some sexy scenes , as when they are bathing and swimming get together . There is also a fine support cast such as Max Von Sydow , David Suchet , Ivan Kaye , Umberto Orsini , G.W. Bailey , Michael Culkin , Stefania Rocca ,and Dexter Fletcher as Rehoboam . There's so much visual padding full of armours , weapons, carriages , and crowd scenes . Based on Biblical events with sad final as the kingdom that Solomon received from his father David, and invested with such might and magnificence, is divided between Jeroboam and Rehoboam . Director gives this film the feel of great spectacle , but there is little human touch to any of the deeds . Very good and evocative photography by Raffaele Mertes filmed in Tunez and Morocco . Evocative and impressive musical score by Patrick Williams and Ennio Morricone . Rating : 6 , passable and acceptable.

There is another known rendition in 1959 ¨ Solomon and Sheba ¨(original title) with Yul Brynner , though Tyrone Power died during the shooting in Spain and some shots still show him , he was replaced by Brynner who remade his early scenes, and Gina Lollobrigida , George Sanders , Harry Andrews , Marisa Pavan , John Crawford , Finlay Currie , David Farrar ...

When I first started watching it I gave a review that Ben Cross looked to old to be a child. As I got further into the movie and then God asked him what he wanted then Ben Cross said but lord I am only a child and then asked for wisdom so I have changed my views on this movie. I am enjoying it alot. I usually don't give movies a 9 but I will on this one because it seems to me they put alot into making this with the sets and costumes. I saw the 3 hour version and was amazed at the production.