'One Night with the King' is a well done movie and highly recommended for those who love the story of Esther. Not only does it show the love shared between the king and queen, but also the customs of the time and the constant threats against the Persian ruler's life. A poisoning attempt was over heard by Mordecai and passed on saving Ahasuerus from certain death.
The protrayal of Esther is well done and shows the heart of the young woman as shown in the Bible. She wins favor with the eunuchs, is favored with a special robe when she goes to the king, and wins the crown of Persia.
Now, much of what goes on the film is lost on the Western audience as the customs are not really understood. For instance, the comment that the women would be allowed to keep their jewelry. It is one of the few things that Eastern women are permitted to own. No doubt they were traded for special favors or items.
Also, the time of purification where the women who were to go into the king spent learning the manners of the court and being bathed so that their skin was soft and scented and therefore pleasurable to the king.
One thing that is not mentioned but shown is the King's quick temper. Historically, this is noted. His anger cost many their lives. This made Esther's position very dangerous and she knew it. This little known fact magnifies the courage of a woman destined to save her people for certain death.
There are many more events shown in the film that help the Western mind understand the culture.
Final word. See the film.
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