I was fortunate to come across this film, which I was unaware of. It is immensely accessible and rewarding. I would give it very high marks for Biblical faithfulness and I even gained several insights into the sacred narrative - why the silver was returned to the brothers' sacks the first time, for instance. I liked the way it brought out Joseph's need to test his brothers, and in the process to bring about necessary change within them. I absolutely loved the Psalms 22 reference, which Jesus also echoed from the Cross, when Joseph was thrown into prison: "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me". Isn't that what we all feel in the face of serious injustice? Some liberties were taken. Most were fine or actually added to the narrative, but my reading of Gen 34 does not have Dinah raped, but rather a willing participant, which is what made Levi and Simeon's sin all the more grievous. I felt that the way they played Joseph's "coming out" among his brothers at the end included unnecessary departures.
But aside from those minor qualms, this was an exceptionally rewarding film. The high point of the entire movie was when Pharaoh unexpectedly promotes Joseph. You can almost see the waves of spiritual promotion wash over him, with him barely comprehending what is happening, each wave justifying and triumphing over all the pain that led to this moment, and you feel yourself there with him. This was an unforgettable tribute to the Lord's faithfulness. That and a few other scenes were so well done that they will permanently color the way I now read the text.
Landau as Jacob, Kingsley as Potiphar, the guy who played Pharaoh and the woman who became wife to Joseph (wise as well as beautiful) were superb supports to the title role.
Also, the musical score to this film is notably beautiful and stirring. It never overbears, but sublimely supports the essence of what is going on in the movie.
Catch this gem if you haven't yet.
But aside from those minor qualms, this was an exceptionally rewarding film. The high point of the entire movie was when Pharaoh unexpectedly promotes Joseph. You can almost see the waves of spiritual promotion wash over him, with him barely comprehending what is happening, each wave justifying and triumphing over all the pain that led to this moment, and you feel yourself there with him. This was an unforgettable tribute to the Lord's faithfulness. That and a few other scenes were so well done that they will permanently color the way I now read the text.
Landau as Jacob, Kingsley as Potiphar, the guy who played Pharaoh and the woman who became wife to Joseph (wise as well as beautiful) were superb supports to the title role.
Also, the musical score to this film is notably beautiful and stirring. It never overbears, but sublimely supports the essence of what is going on in the movie.
Catch this gem if you haven't yet.