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| King David | 
 enlarge | Director: Bruce Beresford
Actors: Richard Gere, Edward Woodward, Alice Krige, Denis Quilley, Niall Buggy
Studio: Paramount
Category: DVD
List Price: $14.98
Buy New: $7.94
You Save: $7.04 (47%)
New (28) Used (7) from $7.94
Avg. Customer Rating:  46 reviews
Sales Rank: 68262
Format: Color, Dolby, Dubbed, Dvd-video, Special Edition, Subtitled, Widescreen, Ntsc
Languages: English (Original Language), English (Subtitled), French (Dubbed)
Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Number Of Items: 2
Running Time: 114
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1
Dimensions (in): 7.5 x 5.4 x 0.7
MPN: PARD138014D
UPC: 097361380148
EAN: 0097361380148
ASIN: B0019GO5AK
Theatrical Release Date: 1985
Release Date: August 5, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Condition: BRAND NEW, Factory Sealed items direct from the Studios. 30 Day Satisfaction Guarantee. Quick International Airmail!
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Product Description
Studio: Paramount Home Video Release Date: 08/05/2008 Run time: 113 minutes Rating: Pg13
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| Customer Reviews: Read 41 more reviews...
 Richard Gere's King David October 13, 2008
This movie has some excellent scenes but departs from the Bible account in many places. Richard Gere plays a very somber David. I think David probably laughed and cried a lot if the Psalms are any indication. Worth watching. Read the book for the real story.
Good video September 30, 2008
The acting was good, the settings very good. The apex of the drama was Nathan's confrontation of David regarding his sin with Bathsheba, a superb depiction of David's conviction and contrition for his sin. The main disappointment of the movie was frequent departure from the biblical narrative...for what reason?? The biblical account was much better than the compromised dramatization. A good example was the dramatization of Absolom's murder of Amnon. Why not stick with the actual biblical account rather than fabricating a less interesting substitute plot?
 King David, Bible September 23, 2008
I don't care what they say about this movie. I loved it. The movie's bases on the book of Samuel, that's in the Bible. It's pretty accurate too. I'm a Richard Gere fan, also.
 splendid June 15, 2008
isn't richard gere a hunk in here, the story is nicely portreted, nice bible story if you read the bible.
the others are wonderfull too.
Good but lacks the oomph & detail to make it great June 7, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
David is hands-down my favorite Biblical character (aside from JC himself, of Course). I never tire of reading and studying the events of his life -- the trials & perseverances, the agonies & ecstasies, the successes and failures (man, that sounds hokey, huh?).
Well, 1985's "King David," starring Richard Gere in the titular role, essentially covers IT ALL. That's right, you'll see all the following events covered in the picture:
-- Samuel's choosing of David as successor to King Saul
-- Israel's battles with the Philistines
-- The challenge of the hulk Goliath and David's victory with a sling shot
-- David playing his harp to soothe Saul's torment
-- Saul's increasing jealousy and hatred of David
-- David & Jonathan's brotherly love
-- David's wandering in the wilderness with his men, fleeing Saul
-- David's stealing Saul's spear while he sleeps in a cave, sparing him
-- Saul's suicide
-- David dancing in his skivvies when the Ark is brought into Jerusalem
-- Michal's love and, later, hatred of David (as he dances before the LORD)
-- David secretly ogling hottie Bathsheba bathing from his palace roof and the ensuing adultery
-- David's murder of Uriah (Bathsheba's husband) and Nathan's rebuke
-- Amnon's rape of his half-sister Tamar
-- Absalom's justified slaying of half-brother Amnon
-- Absalom's stealing of the Israelite's hearts
-- Absalom's death and David's grieving
WHAT WORKS:
-- The film is very worthwhile if you desire to see these numerous events depicted before your very eyes.
-- The cast, sets, costumes, locations and filmmaking are all of the highest order for 1985.
-- Edward Woodward is excellent as the jealous and bitter King Saul, even though he lacks Saul's heighth (as he was a whole head taller than any other Israelite).
-- Most aspects of the David/Goliath challenge are great; for instance, the troops shown on two separate hills.
-- Alice Krige is truly beautiful as Bathsheba. Along the same lines, the woman who plays Michal is very good and possesses a very unique beauty.
WHAT DOESN'T WORK:
-- Despite the numerous events covered in David's life, the film only runs 1 hour and 51 minutes before the closing credits. Let's face it, there's at least 3 hours of material here. Condensing it down to less than 2 hours prevents the viewer from being captivated by the myriad characters and events. The viewer is left struggling to connect with the people and their stories.
-- Despite the numerous events flying by, the film has a bit of a lazy vibe. There's very little spectacle like "The Ten Commandments" or "Ben-Hur."
-- David was a very passionate man -- a "man after God's own heart." Gere is fine for this role (the Bible explicitly states that David was a ruddy and handsome man) but he plays the character a bit overly righteous, pensive and noble, hence, David never fully comes alive to the viewer. Please notice I said "a bit" and "never FULLY comes alive." In other words, Gere is quite decent in the role. In fact, the failures may be the writers' fault.
-- When the boy David takes on Goliath there's zero passion and righteous ferocity as is in the Biblical account (e.g. "Who is this uncircumcized Philistine who would defy the armies of the living God?!!"). Plus the film doesn't show the serious trash-talking that went back and forth between the two. The fight's just too low key.
Although the gist of the story is accurate there are inaccuracies that some could nitpick, e.g. Goliath challenged David and the Israelites himself, he didn't speak through another man; David picked up stones before going out to fight the giant, not while fighting him; Absalom waited a long time before slaying Amnon, he didn't do it immediately; etc. Changes like these aren't that big of a deal and won't ruin your viewing experience unless you're completely [...] about it (sorry for my crudeness).
One reviewer criticized the film for showing Bathsheba at fault for seducing David. Actually, they both share fault equally. Everyone in Jerusalem knew the king stayed home while the troops were out fighting, so Bathsheba was likely fully aware that the king could catch a real nice tantalizing glimpse of her while she was bathing. Besides, even though David was the king, she could have said 'no' when the proposition of adultery later presented itself. In other words, she was both into it and into David.
FINAL ANALYSIS: I've seen "King David" 3 times now and enjoy it every time. It's a very worthwhile and well-done film account of David's life. Unfortunately the picture cuts off way more than it can chew in a mere 1 hour and 51 minutes, leaving the viewer detached from the characters and events, in particular those who know little about the biblical account.
Don't listen to those who absurdly rate the film less than 3/5 Stars. They're way off. Depending on your tastes, this is at least a 3/5 Star film. It's good (I give it a Grade of "B"), it just lacks the oomph and detail to make it great.
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