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Made-for-television biopic, directed by Peter Hall, about the famous Biblical character. Jacob (Matthew Modine) and Esau (Sean Bean) are two brothers fighting for their father's affection and inheritance, driven to war, enmity, and eventual reconcilliation. Also featuring performances from Lara Flynn Boyle and Joss Ackland.
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10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
The story of Jacob from the Bible is fairly faithfully retold in no-nonsense terms in this movie directed by Sir Peter Hall.
Matthew Modine plays Jacob, Sean Bean is his brother Esau whose inheritance and blessing he steals. He leaves to avoid his brother's wrath and to seek a wife from Laban. He ends up with more than he bargained for - two wifes and 14 years later, he returns home to face his brother.
Hall was better known for his theatre work - this makes for strong adherence to the source material, but not the most gripping cinematic experience. Having said that, the acting is fine, especially from the women. Lara Flynn Boyle makes an early appearance here as Rachel, Jacob's true love. The rest of the cast has some fine character actors such as Irene Papas and Joss Ackland as Rebekah and Isaac, and the prolific Giancarlo Giannini as Laban. The class extends to the music, written by Ennio Morricone. The central role of Jacob is thin however, Modine failing to exhibit the charisma, inner strength and spiritual life it must be assumed Jacob had.
Sensibly, periods we know little to nothing about are skipped, and the story focuses on the classic elements we know from the Bible. Moments which could be over the top such as wrestling with the angel and Jacob's Ladder, are told or shown in a down to earth way which is appropriate.
The fine acting, authentic feel and appropriate music all make this the best it could be, but cannot hide the fact that this is not the most cinematic story. If you have an interest in the Bible, you will get something out of this, if you are looking for an exciting or enthralling movie, maybe this is not your best starting place. Would have been 4 stars except for Matthew Modine's lack of conviction in the role.
Matthew Modine plays Jacob, Sean Bean is his brother Esau whose inheritance and blessing he steals. He leaves to avoid his brother's wrath and to seek a wife from Laban. He ends up with more than he bargained for - two wifes and 14 years later, he returns home to face his brother.
Hall was better known for his theatre work - this makes for strong adherence to the source material, but not the most gripping cinematic experience. Having said that, the acting is fine, especially from the women. Lara Flynn Boyle makes an early appearance here as Rachel, Jacob's true love. The rest of the cast has some fine character actors such as Irene Papas and Joss Ackland as Rebekah and Isaac, and the prolific Giancarlo Giannini as Laban. The class extends to the music, written by Ennio Morricone. The central role of Jacob is thin however, Modine failing to exhibit the charisma, inner strength and spiritual life it must be assumed Jacob had.
Sensibly, periods we know little to nothing about are skipped, and the story focuses on the classic elements we know from the Bible. Moments which could be over the top such as wrestling with the angel and Jacob's Ladder, are told or shown in a down to earth way which is appropriate.
The fine acting, authentic feel and appropriate music all make this the best it could be, but cannot hide the fact that this is not the most cinematic story. If you have an interest in the Bible, you will get something out of this, if you are looking for an exciting or enthralling movie, maybe this is not your best starting place. Would have been 4 stars except for Matthew Modine's lack of conviction in the role.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
This is not the best film in the Bible series, but it is none the less a fine piece of work. The scene with Jacob's ladder was very atmospheric, and impressive CGI. The indrodution of Jacob's son (Joseph) left me in suspence, therefore I'm looking forward to watching Joseph.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By Gary Selikow
Format:DVD
The film is a faithful retelling of the story of Jacob (played by Matthew Modine) the Patriarch of Israel, and begins with Jacob's wayward brother Esau (Sean Bean), selling his birthright for a bowl of pottage. And Jacob's trickery of Esau out of his blessing by their father Isaac (Joss Ackland) at the urgings of his wise mother Rebecca (played with panache by Irene Papas)
The film really picks up after Jacob has fled to Haran and the tender story of his love for Rachel (heer beauty and intelligence shown magnificently by the pretty Lara Flynn Boyle) and his relationship with his other wife Leah (Juliet Aubrey) who he learns to love too, not blaming her for the deceit of their father Laban (Giancarlo Giannini) the deceiver.
Ends with Jacob's apparent reconciliation with ESau,and the crossing of him and his wives and ten children back into the Promised Land.
Fairly engaging but not gripping-a faithful and education retelling of the narrative.
The film really picks up after Jacob has fled to Haran and the tender story of his love for Rachel (heer beauty and intelligence shown magnificently by the pretty Lara Flynn Boyle) and his relationship with his other wife Leah (Juliet Aubrey) who he learns to love too, not blaming her for the deceit of their father Laban (Giancarlo Giannini) the deceiver.
Ends with Jacob's apparent reconciliation with ESau,and the crossing of him and his wives and ten children back into the Promised Land.
Fairly engaging but not gripping-a faithful and education retelling of the narrative.
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4.0 out of 5 stars
The Bible - Jacob (DVD)
I chose this rating because although the film was well portrayed, as is usual with films, the director used a lot of artistic licence. Read more
Published 18 days ago by Caroline Woods
3.0 out of 5 stars
The DVD is rated as as 12 on the disc.
The DVD case says the film is a PG, but on the disc itself it is shown as a 12 rating! I bought this DVD to show under 12 year olds, so was not able to show it to them. Read more
Published 18 months ago by Bob
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