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 Yes, some of the editing was careless (a bloodless sword being withdrawn from Belshazzar's body), but it is faithful to the story presented in the first six books of Daniel, and most of the performances are well done and sensitive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.

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.

The Book of Daniel may not have an epic budget, but it is well made and supported by a really good cast. The casting of the young and elder Daniel is very effective, with Robert Miano giving an especially affecting performance. The direction is assured, with a script that shows obvious understanding and engagement with the Old Testament, and which takes its time to fully convey Daniel's stories of the four Kings. A very good film that is well worth seeking out.

This account of the life of Daniel traces his encounters in Babylon with 4 Kings. Nebuchadnezzar the Great, Belshazzar the Foolish, Darius the Deceived and Cyrus the Shepherd. It is faithful to scripture and gives insight into the prophecies of Jeremiah and Isaiah as well as words on the lips of Daniel from the Psalms, especially in the Lion's den. Daniel gives us a great model and inspiration to how to live wisely and well in a secular society. His tact, respect and patience are good examples for those who serve in public office. Worth watching at any age and then to dig into the scriptures for the latter chapters of Daniel 7-12 which are not covered in this film.

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.