The Bible - Abraham [1994] [DVD]

Very good

Joseph Sargent, director of countless TV episodes and movies of everything from `Star Trek' and `Gunsmoke' to the movie `Jaws: The Revenge', does an admirable job of telling the story of Abraham here over 3 hours. It certainly has an authentic feel to it, but critically it scores plaudits for portraying Abraham in such a human, down to earth and easy to understand way.Richard Harris heads a starry cast, making us really believe in the reality of a man who became the father of nations. All the key moments are shown, through from deciding to leave Haran for Egypt, through to the births of his sons Ishmael and Isaac, and the final altar scene with Isaac. This is an apt place to end, for the underlying theme shown is that of sacrifice and loving God above all. When sacrificing, Isaac is reminded by his father to `pick the lamb you love the most, for in this way you are showing God you put him before all'. It is this underlying understanding of the seemingly old fashioned concept of burnt sacrifice that is all too relevant to us today.For a TV movie, the production values are not bad, and mostly on location - the only let down moment being the destruction of Sodom which is only glimpsed and what we do glimpse is poorly done.However, the restrained way in which the other key events are shown are very realistic, and the cast all add significant gravitas to proceedings. Other key performers are Maximillian Schell as the Pharaoh - surprisingly effective, and Barbara Hershey as Sara, Abrahams wife.Recommended not just for those already familiar with the story, but as a good summary for those discovering the story for the first time.

There are obvious difficulties when re-telling such a remarkable life, how do you fit it all in to a 3-hour visualization, what do you include, what do you leave out, it is also to be expected that film makers will take artistic liberty where the original text is silent. Then there is the problem of the viewers expectation, if it’s a Biblical re-telling we generally expect a grand sweeping epic, but the days of big movie Cecil B De-Mille Biblical epics are long gone!That all aside I have to admit this re-telling was not unrecognisable from the Biblical narrative of Genesis. Richard Harris gives a pretty good rendering of a very human Abraham, an Abraham with doubts, fears and concerns. Barbara Hershey as Sarah also has a feel of authenticity. Hagar, is very believable and it’s not difficult to feel her pain. Unfortunately some of the background, scenery and extras make this feel like a TV movie – which is exactly what it is. This can be overlooked but where I felt this was let down was in the obvious ‘epic’ Biblical moments, God telling Abraham to journey to a land unknown, Abraham’s anxiety sending Hagar and Ishmael away and a very ‘flat’ final scene when Abraham is about to lose the son of promise. Had there been more pathos in these scenes it would have lifted this from a 3 to a 4 star. Overall, though not too shabby, given it is a TV movie.Jeremiah, Joseph, Moses and Daniel from the same series make for better viewing.

One of the better productions of the Bible based TV movies. The extraordinary talents of the actors really gave life to this ancient tale.Well worth the time to endulge in the era, background, costumes and a certain amount of artistic licence.Good work.

I have chosen this rating beause this film was involving. One could put yourself into this film and see which character you would be in it. Richard Harris' acting was superb, as always, and the, though all not widely known, were very good actors.I liked everything about the movie, it was true to the bible, ok it wandered a little, but all in all true to Abraham's calling and his answer to the Lord. Very worthwhile watching, will recommend this to friends but don't know if many would buy it. You really have to be interested in these kind of films to purchase them. It opened up the story of Abraham to me, in film you visualise more (well I do) and it opens up your understanding. I understand more by seeing than by reading. You see the whole picture in film. A great DVD.

Great film to see telly you the story of gods people

Excellent quality dvd.Brilliantly portrayed by Richard Harris as Abraham. We have most of the excellent Bible series.

What a classic! Brilliant acting by Richard Harris. There Is only one fault I can find and that is! The review written on the back cover! Two not three of the World's religions can look back to Abraham. Mohammed was the founder and Father of Islam. Two great people groups look to Abraham as their Father! They arr Jews and Arabs.