Xerxes Movie Analysis

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In addition to his attitude toward the war, Xerxes’s overall personality and character are depicted differently in the film compared to historical documents. When Xerxe’s decides to search the land for a new queen, he appoint leaders of each providence to chose the most beautiful women in each to come join him at the palace. After receiving months of beauty treatments, Xerxes would choose his bride. In the film, however, Esther and the other selected are kidnapped from there home during the night this scene is slight heart wrenching as Ester is torn from the safety of her home and family. This scene also implies the idea that Xerxes and his officials are ruthless, violent men seeking to capture worthy candidates for their own gain. Identifying …show more content…

The New Testament Bible tells us the Esther approached the throne of Xerxes peacefully, though we can infer that, on the inside, she was terrified of her fate. However, the King is immediately pleased with her present and extended his staff to her, allowing her to present her request(NIV). The Greek Translations of the book of Esther, which as also considered historical accounts, offers a different narration of this scene. According to the Anchor Bible, Esther’s approach to the without his request king angers him significantly(page). Recognizing Xerxes’s rage, Esther immediately turns pale and is terrified(Anchor Bible page). However, God calms Xerxes’s rage and the king immediately begins to reassure Esther that she is not gong to die and that he is attuned to hearing her request. This account is probably most similar to that depicted in the film. Just before the King is about to appoint Haman as the ruler of Persia while he is away at war, Esther boldly opens the door to the throne room and begins to approach the king. With a crowd of official watching, Esther makes her way to King Xerxes, who’s expression is anything but pleased. Right before a guard publicly executes Esther on the spot, King Xerxes halts the mans sword and lower his staff to her. This dramatic scene is embellished with expert …show more content…

In fact, the movie focuses more on what Esther did to save her kingdom, while some might say that Biblical tex focuses more on Haman’s rise to power and plot to kill the Jews. Esther is portrayed as a true hero, which is the way most Christians think of her too. Despite the fact that she could loose her life, Esther takes it upon herself to stand as a barrier between higher authority and her people. Even though the film adds several minor characters to the plot line, I believe it is most important that the main characters are still present. The filmmakers interpretation of the appearance of the palace, including Xerxes throne room and bedroom, and their interpretation of the personality of each the characters are also different than one might infer from Biblical text. Despite these differences, the main storyline and the message to the viewers is still preserved. However, my suggestion to other wanting to learn more about the story of Esther is that they use the film One Night Withe the King as a supplement to historical documents. Because there are some differences have an understanding of each gives viewers a true interpretation of the storyline and the also have the chance to see it come to life in the context of the film. However, the film certainly embellishes the storyline with more drama than what can be found in biblical

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