Solomon

From SPARK

One-sentence summary

A movie of the life of Solomon with some good representations of Scripture but also added material that has no Biblical basis (172 min.).

Description

From DVD Cover

“Defeating his older brother, Solomon is crowned King of Israel and rules the land with love, peace and respect. While visiting the city, Solomon meets the beautiful Queen of Sheba and falls in love at first sight. When the time comes for her to return to her homeland, Solomon is unable to convince her to stay. Bereft of her beauty and companionship, he falls into a deep depression, departing from his once idyllic world of peace and luxury while his kingdom threatens to collapse.”

Considerations

The end of David’s life and the struggle between Adonijah and Solomon for the kingship accurately portrays the biblical account for the most part. Solomon’s early desire to follow God is clearly seen. Several examples of his wisdom are taken directly from scripture. The film shows how Solomon’s love for women and tolerance for their gods leads him away from following the Lord. His aging and mid-life depression, which resulted in the writing of Ecclesiastes, is well done. In general, the clothing and scenery seem to be culturally appropriate.

Limitations

Bathsheba is portrayed as being the one in control of the kingdom at the end of David’s life and early in Solomon’s reign, which is questionable. Adonijah is killed while holding on to the horns of the incense altar, yet scripture does not mention that the incense altar was taken form Gibeon to Jerusalem. The bedroom scenes are too graphic, especially with the Queen of Sheba. There is no basis in scripture for the love story between Solomon and the Queen of Sheba or that they married and she bore him a son. The film indicates that Solomon goes into a deep depression after the Queen of Sheba leaves following an attempt by Solomon to have her child made heir to the throne. The scenery is not very representative of the area around Jerusalem.

Guidelines for Use

Where to Obtain

Link to Producer or Source Organization

Trimark Home Video, 2644 30th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90405

Cost

All 4 movies from The Bible Series can be purchased for $30 from Amazon.com

Producer/Owners

Author/Artist/Producer

LUBE s.r.l 1997

Current copyright owner

Trimark Home Video

Other Information

Reviewed by

VMS Staff: Vernon W.

Date

April 2007