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Rating:  - "In Our Country Madmen Are Held To Be Sacred" ~ Madman, Poet And King
Synopsis: *See Hebrew Scriptures.
Critique: The '85 Biblical drama `King David' was a film with a lot of potential that unfortunately goes for the most part unrealized. Much like a tapestry, a film is comprised of many parts (cast, crew, production values, script, soundtrack, etc.) that must be meticulously woven into one flowing, indivisible garment if the director's vision is to be realized and the film successful with its target audience. So, where did this film fall short of my expectations?
Negatives:
1- While I'm usually a fan of Richard Gere I found his portrayal of David to be lackluster and totally unmotivated. I'm guessing he was attempting to appear righteous and contemplative but it comes across as bored and disinterested.
2- The editing is choppy and moves too abruptly. I found this lack of continuity to be disconcerting causing me to frequently lose focus and eventually interest in the ongoing storyline.
3- The intermittent narration used to fill in the missing pieces of the story and pertinent scripture verses gave the film a Sunday School feel that I didn't care for.
4- I think what bothered me the most was the total lack of passion in this production. There were no peak experiences, what I like to call "I'm Spartacus" moments that would set the film apart from others within the Biblical/religious genre.
Positives:
1- Excellent performance by Edward Woodward in the role of King Saul.
2- A surprisingly insightful ongoing monologue from David to God provides a unique look at the thought processes of this legendary Biblical figure.
Rating: If you like Biblically based films you'll probably enjoy this one well enough, but overall `King David' could have been much better; -3 1/2 Stars-.
Rating:  - If I could give it negative stars I would
David was a man after God's own heart. He loved the Lord, fought valiantly to win back Israel's land, and wrote hundreds of Psalms. David's unshakable faith, trust, and love for God are what come to mind for anyone who has read the Bible and knows of King David. Yet David committed adultery then murder to cover it up. And God forgave Him and blessed David mightily. David's life teaches many lessons: trusting in the mercy of God being at the center of it.
This movie misses that point entirely. There is so little captured from David's heart, his love for God and God's infinite mercy toward David in this movie that I regret ever having watched it. :( There was so much "poetic license" used that what is an incredible story of faith, trust, hope, love, and mercy is lost.
I suggest the Gospel of John instead.
Rating: - Follows the Tanach, But Topically
This movie is nice, but not much more than that. As a religious Jews, I can say that while the story line is pretty on, you won't get a sense of the majesty, nobility, and intense spirituality that were hallmarks of the real King David, author of the Psalms.
Plus, if you care about the images flashing before your eyes, you will be accosted by two scenes of totally gratuitous nudity which I would say are not appropriate for children, and not likely pleasing to religious adults.
Richard Gere is an okay David. Again, I don't think he had a sense of how great his character was. The scene with Goliath is worth viewing.
Rating: - 3.5 Stars for Corny Acting But A Memorable Film
Given the age of this film it is not bad. I am not a Biblical historian, but it seems to take some Bible-stories about King David and mix them with some intelligent guesses about what those days may have been like. It was an enjoyable film; and it adapts a religious story without the controversial methods of the "Mel Gibson" approach....
Rating:  - Excellent Movie
this is great movie and almost accurate to the bible version. I rate it 5 star in my book.
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