House of David

I was throughly surprised by the 'House of David'. I gave it a reluctant try, figuring that it would be low-budget and cheesy. It was most certainly neither.

The cinematography, locations, direction and acting, were all first rate.

Michael Iskander (David) shines in a breakout role.

Some people have voiced problems with this series because it takes liberties with the Biblical stories, but this is not a documentary, and the disclaimer begins each episode that whilst there is every attempt at authenticity, creative liberties have been taken for storytelling purposes.

I look very much forward to Season 2!

This could have been an epic series by jus few changes done. Instead of making a melodramatic soap opera ending with the battle between David and Goliath, this alone should have been given an entire episode. The greatest king who ever lived deserved it. David should have walked the field of battle like he had the entire army of God's angels behind him and not showing any fear although he was a man. He was anointed by God, after all. Also, he wasn't supposed to be touched by Goliath in any way, he was guarded by God. Too bad, to much family drama shown and less history or the portrayal of David.

Why did they pick an actor who looks nothing like the biblical description of David! There's definitely plenty of liberties taken from the biblical text. The mother quoting psalms that weren't even written yet to David in episode 2. I could go on and on. While there's moments that it goes back to the biblical text, there's also outright made up things that did not happen to David. I don't want to post spoilers, but it's distracting to see Goliath attack David in the first episode when that also did not happen. There's plenty of real deep drama in the Biblical text for there to be any need to make up so much BS. We have multiple books from that time period, why not write from 1&2 Samuel, 1&2 kings, psalms, 1& 2 Chornicles, there's endless story line there.

One reviewer gave it a low review because they said they were trying too hard to make it like Game of Thrones. CLEARLY this person has never read the Old Testament because Game of Thrones pales in comparison to the fighting over kingdoms in that part of the Bible. This show does a fantastic job bringing that era in history to life.

As this show goes, I found it as accurate as it could be, considering the Bible is "aerodynamic", seeing as it is very good at getting to the point and not going too in detail with things that ultimately don't matter. So they had to do what they had to do to fill in the blanks with this show, the same way they did with The Chosen, but I feel like it's better done, and more Biblically accurate, that that show. I'd absolutely recommend if you're interested in seeing the Bible fleshed out before your eyes.

Stunning work . Epic drama in a good way. Not my religion but it doesn't make it less enjoyable. Would be a pity if people are reviewing for or against on religious grounds, it will put people off and do the show a disservice I think. Really liked the filming and the colours of everything . Lots of high quality actors that don't overplay. Storyline is great for someone that is only familiar with the basic David and Goliath story. Only complaint I have is the cutting between child David and adult David bit jarring as they look nothing alike. Thoroughly enjoyed the rest so I'll forgive it 9 3/4 stars so far.