Joseph (1995) User Reviews

An Accurate and Enriching Bible Film

[erosegem · 9/10 · 17 April 2007]

This film is far from the epic scale of DeMille's "The Ten Commandments" but its startling accuracy pays homage to the text of Genesis and it is full of drama, bitterness, provocative character, and spiritual development. The film takes time to address Jacob's family background without taking away from the protagonist's ongoing journey.

Since my school classes covered the story of Joseph with Old Testament commentaries, I am impressed with the remarkable precision in the film from a Jewish perspective. They include Joseph's meeting with a "man" (i.e. angel), his title as "Tzapaneth Paneah", and the incident of Judah and his daughter-in-law Tamar. While some of the brothers dispute with their father Jacob, it is Judah who redeems himself from his errors.

The casting is well-credited with Ben Kingsley (superb as ever) as Potiphar. Paul Mercurio as Joseph is a quiet and righteous man who restrains himself in the face of fear and temptation.

The simple backgrounds and sets work well and while this is not an elaborate film, it is a great biblical one. Whether others are watching this film for educational, spiritual, or personal reasons, I hope they enjoy it as much as I did.

Touching Triumph of Forgiveness and Compassion

[marcin_kukuczka · 8/10 · 14 September 2009]

They throw him into a well and sell him into slavery; yet, he makes them rich masters and forgives them all the misery and hatred... that would be called 'simpleton's naiveness' in a world where luck takes over all respected values and where power reigns over goodness. Many people would mock such naiveness nowadays and throughout history when a strong hand has been far more appreciated than a good heart. Is there still anything that can persuade us to believe in 'subtle reign of goodness' 'subtle reign of heart'?

Yes! That is the story of Joseph from the Book of Genesis, the story of a young boy sold into slavery by his envious brothers who overcomes particular hardship and injustice in order to be placed one day over the Pharaoh's house, his people and his entire kingdom, in order to become "Zapaneth Paneah" – a 'saviour' for Egypt and all surrounding lands; finally, in order to embrace his brothers in tears of pardoning.

Although the story of Joseph was, for a long time, quite neglected in cinema, the new biblical project in the 1990s could not skip this significant tale after ABRAHAM with Richard Harris and JACOB with Matthew Modine. I was quite skeptical about this movie in the mid-1990s taking into consideration some critics' opinions. The director, Roger Young, is known for taking liberties with historical content and, as he was not known in my country at that time, some critics spread negative viewpoints about the production before its TV premiere in Poland. Nevertheless, what we saw during the 1996 Easter time was far beyond our expectations. Again, critics disappointed us terribly...

The entire movie is faithful to the Bible to such extend that there are hardly any changes, even minor ones, which makes it one of the most accurate productions ever. Yet, it is not a sort of sheer continuous narrative in accordance with the Bible but a very innovative execution of the captivating, mesmerizing content. The story in most part of the film's first half is told 'in media res.' We get the insight into an Egyptian slave market and a slave boy of Canaan who opens his mouth only in prayer bought by a rich master Potiphar (Ben Kingsley). Although things begin to improve for both, a woman steps in... Joseph (Paul Mercurio) tells his dramatic story to his master just after the unfair accusations have been made up by Potiphar's wife (Lesley Ann Warren) and... everything gets so vivid, combined with emotions and personal suggestions. Thanks to that, Potiphar is more aware of Joseph's innocence. In a memorable scene, his wife asks him sarcastically: "What is more important to you? His God or my good name?" his thrilling answer sounds "Truth" ... At the same time, Joseph shouts desperately "Lord, my God why have you forsaken me?" Events to come truly prove that his God was with him...

However, besides the story that has overwhelmed lots of different people for centuries, "Joseph" offers much more. When the story itself does not suffice for many (that is the case with all biblical material) what we want, as viewers, is something that will remain in our memories, that will leave us breathless, something awesome within the perfectly familiar walls of our knowledge and experience. Something like that may be provided only by certain artistic merits. "Joseph" as a movie offers us all of them including lovely cinematography, memorable sets and very good camera work. While watching the movie for the second time, I paid particular attention to camera work, to single images and I was mesmerized by some moments which are both symbolically and visually significant.

The cast... Paul Mercurio in the lead portrays a man of integrity, a man of forgiveness, a man who has truly seen the evils of rape and vengeance and, consequently, appears to be "endowed with a spirit of God" as poetically described in the script, or, more realistically, very reliable to all the people around, even to such greatness itself like the Pharaoh himself. He is boyish for women, upright for masters, gentle for brothers and faithful to his values. All these unique features of Joseph are beautifully portrayed by Paul Mercurio. The supporting cast include great stars of cinema as well as unknown actors who do equally fine jobs in their roles. Ben Kingsley as Potiphar focuses on patience, Martin Landau as Jacob emphasizes father's love, Stefano Dionisi as Pharaoh highlights confusion of a ruler and Vincenzo Nicoli as, perhaps, Joseph's most wicked brother, Simeon, stresses integral aspect of jealousy and hatred. A mention must be made of beautiful Monica Bellucci as Pharaoh's wife. But a nice contrast is highlighted by two women: Valeria Cavalli as Asenath: a subtle, beautiful woman pleasing to Joseph and Lesley Ann Warren as wicked, lustful and cruel Potiphar's wife.

In short, for me, Joseph has been a biblical experience on screen, a movie that touched me to tears, a motion picture that addressed my heart. Whenever I am depressed, sad or tired of earthly vanity, it is one of the films that takes me into a consoling reality. Timeless story of a gentle heart that brings all worldly revenge, cruelty and jealousy to their knees, which never stops saying "Forgiveness is greater than vengeance; compassion more powerful than anger"

Biblical adaptation is all heart

[Leofwine_draca · 7/10 · 14 February 2012]

Joseph is an excellent dramatisation of the Biblical story. It's a tale best known in popular culture today as the basis for the Lloyd Webber musical, but I found it refreshing to sit down and watch a thorough and accurate account of the story as it was in the Bible, and without all the glitzy silliness that Webber brought to the table.

The production values and script are as great as ever for this series, with the Moroccan locations perfectly standing in for Canaan and Egypt (the depiction of the famine in particular is terrifyingly realised). What stands out most, though, is the calibre of the cast in this one.

Ben Kingsley far and away steals the show as the complicated Potiphar; he's a man you could easily hate when he first shows up, but there's much more to him than that. Kingsley isn't the only winner here. Martin Landau, as the ancient elder Jacob, is also outstanding, adding real heart to the production. Lesley Ann Warren is sexy and delicious as Potiphar's scheming wife. Paul Mercurio (STRICTLY BALLROOM) makes a charismatic Joseph, even if he didn't entirely lose his Aussie accent, and it makes you wonder what happened to him.

I was deeply touched by this film

[candleinheart · 10/10 · 12 June 2003]

I happened to catch the TV movie Joseph a few weeks ago. Didn't see the beginning but it captured my attention immediately. I am a senior and usually 'fade' around 10 PM, but this movie had me alert and involved until over at 11 or midnight! The realism, the scenery, the accuracy; it was great! Martin Landau was the best I have ever seen him as the Patriarch Father. I absolutely LOVED the Pharaoh portrayed by Stephen Landisi. He was perfect. But Paul Mercurio gets 10 stars in this role. He was superb!!! Throughout he portrays the slave role with quiet dignity; his faith and belief in God absolutely marvelous, convincing, pure. The scene where he reveals himself as Joseph, not as second in command of all Egypt, to his brothers tearfully, poignantly is one of the best acting scenes I have seen in years. How refreshing the movie was, so revealing of human frailties, evil; so full of compassion, forgiveness. Mr. Mercurio has emotional depths there to hopefully portray many powerfully moving roles in the future. Bravo! THE BEST movie I've seen in years. I bought it and have since viewed it three times. My two sons loved it, my sister (a savvy New York theater goer) loved it, and now my future daughter- in-law is to see it with son who wants to see it a second time. It moved me deeply. Mercurio is wonderful. Isn't this the epitome of great film? To bring history alive?To touch hearts and lift the spirit?

The best film of a Bible story I have ever seen

[DavidT-5 · 10/10 · 3 October 1999]

The film was the most faithful Bible adaptation I have seen. It kept faithful to the Bible with intelligent in-filling of Biblical gaps of plot and character. The drama was maintained with real depth and passion to the characters

A great story from the Bible!

[gazineo-1 · 6/10 · 17 November 2004]

The story of Joseph and his brothers is one of the most impressing and rich of significance stories amongst the many others great legends from the Bible. Even the Nobel Prize winner - German author Thomas Mann - wrote a novel called 'Joseph and his Brothers' giving his personal interpretation of this intense, gripping and compassionate episode of the Bible. However, the cinema never pays much attention to this story. In fact, anyone can easily remember movies like 'The Ten Commandments' which tells the adventure of Moses in his search for the Promised Land or 'Sanson and Dellila'. But the drama of the betrayed Joseph, his suffer among the Egyptians and his conquer of power and fortune, was never at the first line of consideration by the producers of Hollywood. This movie, produced in Italy, bring to us this entranced story with an average success. The movie is a bit overlong (180 min) but never boring; the sets and costumes are accurate and the movie has a great photograph. Martin Landau gives a convinced performance as Jacob, Ben Kingsley is correct as Potifar but Paul Mercurio is very bad as Joseph. Maybe another actor with more intensity could give more strenght and energy to the movie. Anyway, if you find this one in a DVD/VHS rent store and if you like Biblical movies, don't lose this one. It's really worthwhile.

"Gripping, powerful, and faithful to Scripture!"

[jerry-90 · 10/10 · 31 January 1999]

As a teacher of ancient history with an earned doctorate in Biblical theology, I must compliment the producers of 'Joseph' for doing the impossible: staying faithfully true to Biblical text, and holding the attention of young and old alike for three hours.

'Joseph' captures the power, pathos, and splendor of the greatest of Bible characterizations--Joseph, the hated brother, becomes not only lord over his entire family, but the second most powerful man in the ancient world. Ben Kingsley, as he did in 'Moses', and Martin Landau (as Jacob) steal the show, but Paul Mercurio does an admirable job as the main character. Vincenzo Nicoli is outstanding as the vengeful brother Simeon, and, as the last to confront the powerful Joseph--now his savior, Nicoli does nothing less than reduce us to tears.

The film is also true to the many nuances of Egyptian and Hebrew history, which most audiences would neither notice, nor care to notice; yet, such nuances prove highly effective! To note the Egyptians' penchant for cleanliness, and to depict Joseph's famous coat as not necessarily 'many colored' shows the expert research which went into this film.

Although some explicit (though historically accurate) sexual scenes must be screened from the very young, this film captures not only the drama and climactic ascension to a powerful emotional conclusion, but also the characterization of moral goodness so extant in Joseph. I watched 'Joseph' with my middle school students, and as they busily synthesized their thirty or so 'characteristics of a role model' into an essay, one of them asked why there were no such heroes today. The question at once revealed not only the impression this film made, but also the perceptive dearth of role-models in our modern society.

Though including a few anachronistic liberties (such as Joseph's "My God, my God..." paraphrase of Christ's cry from the cross, 'Joseph' is a winner! It is THE best of the TNT series, of which only 'Jacob' was a flop. Kudos for the direction, musical score, and casting directors; they are well-deserving of the awards which this film has earned. To quote Potifer: "...what matters most is the truth", and 'Joseph' delivers it with Biblical reverance and Hollywood expertise. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

This movie showed very accurately the story of Joseph and all of his trials and unfair mistreatment. This movie did so artfully give the "you-are-there" feeling.

[daviddaphneredding · 27 August 2011]

As a minister, I liked this movie which caused the Bible to "come alive". Canaan and Egypt were well-depicted, and the acting was excellent. Martin Landau was very convincing as the aging and often angry Jacob, Ben Kingsley was the one to be chosen for Potipher, Lesley Ann Warren definitely let the viewer(s) see very clearly what a beautiful, sultry, and wicked wife Potipher had. Paul Mercurio portrayed Joseph a godly man who, in turn, was terribly mistreated by his brothers, Potipher's wife, and Egyptian taskmasters. Needless to say, it was inspiring to see Joseph "come out on top" in this story. The movie did follow the Biblical story line very closely. The TV movie was very impressive.

Biblical and attractive tale about the favored son of the Patriarch Jacob, being well directed by Roger Young

[ma-cortes · 7/10 · 22 September 2019]

Competently made Biblical production dealing with revelant epic deeds narrated in the Old Testament. It is a luxuriously mounted production that gives a feeling of religious spectacle. Biblic story of Joseph: Paul Mercurio, and his 10 envious siblings. Covering Jacob, who long time ago was blessed as successor by Isaac posing as Esau, his sons and especially Joseph. He was sold to slavery by his jealous brothers Reuben, Zebulon, Simeon, Judah .. They had a real jealousy of his skills and of being their father's favorite. As they take him, seize, tear off his coat and throw him into a dry well. The following day, he is given to traders on their way to Egypt . At a popular market, Joseph is sold as a slave to Pothipar, the Pharaoh Prime Minister : Ben Kingsley . His prophetic abilities and highly productive work win his master's trust and he is appointed as a major servant. One day, he is seduced Pothiphar's tempting wife : Lesley Ann Warren , but Joseph rejects her . The scorned woman seeks vengeance and acussing him of violation. He is imprisionated and at the jail prophetizes the future of two locked powerful men who served the Pharaoh . Later on, he is called by Pharaoh himself : Stefano Dionisi , to interpret his twisted dreams . As Joseph describes the famous dream of seven thin cows that eat seven fat cows. Then Joseph predicts the dream in which 7 years of plentiful harvest, Egypt will suffer 7 years famine .Later on, Pharaoh Ramses I appoints Joseph as the main Chancellor.

Biblical history miniseries formed by two long episodes , shot in enough budget imitating the American Colossal, but made in Italian style. This Old Testament story is decently told , taking parts here and there of the notorious historical happenings . It contains great production design, spectacular scenes and famous as well as charming actors. The movie gives engaging messages about fraternity, compassion, forgiveness, love, brotherhood and redemption. Paul Mercurio gives an acceptable acting as the good son whose ruthless brothers become increasily resentful of their dad's preference of Joseph, carring out a merciless revenge . Martin Landau gives a good interpretation as Jacob who married Rachel well played by Alice Krige .Support cast is frankly fine, such as Dominique Sanda, Ben Kingsley, Warren Clarke, Lesley Ann Warren, Renato Scarpa, Peter Eyre, Oliver Cotton, Arthur Brass, and Monica Bellucci as Pharaoh's wife, among others.

It packs an impressive and rousing musical score by Marco Frisina supervised by Ennio Morricone. And a colorful, brilliant cinematography by Raffaele de Mertes, shot on location in Morocco. The picture was compellingly directed by Roger Young. Roger is a good artisan, usually filming for TV and occassionally for big screen. He has shot various miniseries which have been a joy of his long career. He filmed several episodes of the prestigious Bible series, such as Jesus, Moses, Paulus of Tarso, Salomon, Barrabbas and Joseph. Rating 7/10. Better than average. Well worth seeing.

This story has been previously adapted as follows : Joseph and hid Bethren 1961 by Luciano Ricci, Irving Rapper with Geoffrey Horne as Joseph, Finlay Currie, Robert Morley, Terence Hill, Belinda Lee, Helmut Schneider. In the beginning 2000 by Kevin Connor with Eddie Cibrian as Joseph, Christopher Lee as Pharaoh Ramses, Steven Berkoff as Puthiphar, Amanda Donohue as his wife.

Biblically accurate

[ken-342 · 10/10 · 10 January 2001]

One of an excellent series of movies that depect events as described in the Bible. This one (as are the others) is very accurate and a pleasure to watch for any student of the Bible. Further, it has a top notch cast, Kingsley, Landau, Warren. This is one film that members of my family return to again and again.

Star--studded biblical story

[Cristi_Ciopron · 7/10 · 27 July 2008]

Movies like this one almost constitute an Italian TV genre.They are modest budgeted biblical stories,made interesting by ,of course,the quality of the source,and by the cast as well.Joseph (1995) (TV)is not Italian;it's directed by Roger Young,written by Lionel Chetwynd (the author of Peter Hall's Jacob ,as well) and finely,maybe sumptuously, incredibly subtly performed by artists like Ben Kingsley,Martin Landau ,Lesley Ann Warren,Dominique Sanda, Alice Krige and Valeria Cavalli.The Italian element is nonetheless present--the cast includes Monica Bellucci and other Italian actors in small roles;the score is Italian,and many members of the crew.

Joseph (1995) (TV) revealed to me Kingsley's non--negligible talent and instantly turned me into a fan of his;I remember I have found something about him in an old almanac, and I was gathering every information available about this unbelievably subtle and endearing actor.His role showed a finesse that it is not so uncommon in some TV productions (I think mostly about Volonte in the TV Charterhouse;or about some roles in the LA PIOVRA series--performed by giants of the screen).In Europe,such finesse is appreciated in the TV movies.

As an artist, Kingsley is, much like Landau, uneven; GANDHI is an execrable movie. Even if generally crushed by too bad scripts (and/or by crap roles), Kingsley is nonetheless uneven himself. Often uninspired, maybe bored, even inept. Yet he could have had his share with the best; as I remarked him in this Biblical story, it seemed to me he was one of the supplest and imaginative and delicate—that gleam of tenderness and kindness of his ….As a weird ,peculiar looking Egyptian, he gives a gentlemanly performance. He puts and gives some real understanding of a life context. I have never found again this beauty of performance; was he an one—shot actor?

I liked this film alot

[camibear7 · 9/10 · 10 May 2002]

Godly principles shown in this story of Joseph. We all know the story of Joseph being favored of his father and given a coat of many colors. Then the jealousy of his brothers who ultimately sold him into slavery. A true story of how God made provision for Joseph's family during the famine so they would not starve. It will encourage you in your Faith in God. The whole story can be read in the Bible starting in Genesis 30. God did and does Provide for His own. Great film. I liked the cast. Sets were great. It made the whole story come to life.

joseph 1995

[hamzaarifshuja · 7/10 · 24 June 2023]

The classic television movie JOSEPH has been remastered in a wonderful way. It's a compelling movie based on Scriptural accounts about a boy, sold into slavery, who must rely on a God in whom no one around him believes. The main character, Joseph, must choose amid insurmountable trials whether to stay true to the God of his father and obey what he knows is true or fall into the sin of those whom he now has to serve.

JOSEPH begins at a slave auction where the harshness with which slaves are treated is shown. Here the story begins as a wealthy man named Potiphar buys a Canaanite slave known as Joseph. Having never worked a day in his life, Joseph goes to live as a slave in Potiphar's house. However, because of his faithfulness to God and his master's kindness, Joseph rises in the ranks and becomes the overseer of Potiphar's house. Due to the sinfulness of Potiphar's wife and Joseph's righteous response, however, Joseph's character is called into question.

Potiphar interrogates him and leads Joseph to explain why he would never disobey God or disrespect his master. In his explanation, Joseph tells of his life before becoming a slave. He tells Potiphar how he was Jacob the Canaanite's son, the first son of his father's second wife Rachel. Then he explains how he had a sister, from his father's first wife, and how she was defiled, leading him to vow he would never disrespect a woman.

Joseph tells Potiphar how Joseph was special in his father's eyes, and as he grew older, his older brothers began to despise him. Eventually, this animosity comes to a breaking point. While he was checking his brother's shepherding progress, the brothers plotted to get rid of him. They threw him in a well. Then, when morning came, they sold their brother into slavery for silver. After Potiphar heard this, he knew that Joseph was innocent, but because of propriety he had to send Joseph to jail, which was a mercy because, at the time, the penalty demanded was death.

Joseph is imprisoned for seven years, but during this time the Lord used him to show His goodness and elevate Joseph's position inside the prison. Because of his status in the prison and the knowledge revealed to him from God, Joseph is able to interpret the dreams of two of Pharaoh's prisoners. Both interpretations come to pass, and the Lord uses them when the Pharaoh himself has a dream no one can interpret. One of the prisoners, who is now back in the palace, tells Pharaoh of how a man in the prison interpreted his dream, and it came to pass. Pharaoh calls on Joseph, and the Lord grants Joseph the ability to interpret Pharaoh's dream. The Pharaoh, seeing the power of Joseph's God and the truth He speaks, elevates Joseph to second in command over all of Egypt, with only himself being greater. Joseph thrives yet again through the Lord's great providence and leads Egypt into its most prosperous time.

When the second half of Joseph's interpretation, a seven year famine, comes to pass, he is able to aid not only all of those in Egypt but also those across the land. Joseph's brothers also come to find grain in the famine. However, when they see their brother, they don't recognize him. Joseph sends them back home for their youngest brother to test them and see if they have changed. When they return with their youngest brother and fight to keep him safe, Joseph finally reveals himself and forgives his brothers for all they did, for he can see that the Lord used his brothers' sins to save nations. Joseph then calls his people to live with him in Egypt and is able to see his father again after many years. Throughout Joseph's story, it becomes clear that it was through Joseph's trials that God fulfilled His plans and remained faithful to Joseph and his family, until the end.

Best "Joseph" ever!

[margaretwestlake · 12 March 2008]

Every time this 1995 version of Joseph's profound story is on TV again, I watch it. I'm mesmerized by the beautiful Soul of Joseph as depicted by the really likable Paul Mercurio. He brings Joseph's kind and courageous spirit to life.

Also excellent is Ben Kingsley, Martin Landau, Leslie A. Warren. This film is thoughtful, beautifully photographed and directed. For me it is essential viewing for audiences who want accurate Biblical stories, as well as for those who simply like well-produced movies.

Joseph truly has a character to aspire to as followers of the deeper nature of humanity, and his characterization is both believable and amazing in this rendition. Because it isn't certain who really made this story work, I have to give everyone in the production credit.

Entertaining and fun

[joshualieder · 8/10 · 2 December 2001]

Very accessible Bible film. The leads are great. I take exception to the Christlike "My God...why have you forsaken me" (which would have been more fitting in a film about David) Joseph utters when thrown into prison though. Major blunder that one - but still well meaning.

Mercurio was perfect for the role and Kingsley is always exceptional. What a shame this film and others like it are not out on DVD. Pardon my saying so, but thats a sin!

Beyond awesome

[Paul1149 · 10/10 · 11 August 2014]

I was fortunate to come across this film, which I was unaware of. It is immensely accessible and rewarding. I would give it very high marks for Biblical faithfulness and I even gained several insights into the sacred narrative - why the silver was returned to the brothers' sacks the first time, for instance. I liked the way it brought out Joseph's need to test his brothers, and in the process to bring about necessary change within them. I absolutely loved the Psalms 22 reference, which Jesus also echoed from the Cross, when Joseph was thrown into prison: "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me". Isn't that what we all feel in the face of serious injustice? Some liberties were taken. Most were fine or actually added to the narrative, but my reading of Gen 34 does not have Dinah raped, but rather a willing participant, which is what made Levi and Simeon's sin all the more grievous. I felt that the way they played Joseph's "coming out" among his brothers at the end included unnecessary departures.

But aside from those minor qualms, this was an exceptionally rewarding film. The high point of the entire movie was when Pharaoh unexpectedly promotes Joseph. You can almost see the waves of spiritual promotion wash over him, with him barely comprehending what is happening, each wave justifying and triumphing over all the pain that led to this moment, and you feel yourself there with him. This was an unforgettable tribute to the Lord's faithfulness. That and a few other scenes were so well done that they will permanently color the way I now read the text.

Landau as Jacob, Kingsley as Potiphar, the guy who played Pharaoh and the woman who became wife to Joseph (wise as well as beautiful) were superb supports to the title role.

Also, the musical score to this film is notably beautiful and stirring. It never overbears, but sublimely supports the essence of what is going on in the movie.

Catch this gem if you haven't yet.

A Quality Telling

[joshuahbehrens · 7/10 · 16 September 2023]

A little background information. I grew up in a hyper religious family. Church every week was as normal as attending school, probably more so since my early years (all the way up until high school) were attending a private Christian academy.

While I still hold on to my beliefs, I have an intense dislike for the modern church as an entity.

So I have experience with these stories. This is one of the best examples of Biblical history being translated into entertainment. While I'm sure there has been some exaggeration in the original text (we're all human of course) this follows that guideline almost to the letter.

Plus, it's just a good story. A man, fallen from favor and devoted to his own religious/moral compass rising again. And then being the better person by embracing those who actually caused his downfall?

That's a classic tale of 'rising above' and one that should be held up as an example (even if I struggle with being that noble myself).

Really wish we got more quality interpretations of biblical history. While I understand the undertones because the modern church is almost always garbage, I still feel the life lessons from these histories could help us be better human beings.

Even for an atheist, a first-class entertainment.

[musicman37 · 9/10 · 23 July 2017]

When I first viewed "Joseph" on cable network TNT, I did so only because of my "infatuation" with Paul Mercurio, but found the movie to be a story of rape, betrayal, jealousy, vengeance, and ultimately a tale of redemption and forgiveness (hey, just like the "Good Book" itself). A gripping story anyone can find likable.

But the story would not have been so greatly told without top-notch performances. Paul Mercurio portrays Joseph, whose witness to these sins allows him to grow into a man of unquestionable moral value, along with the ability to forgive even the most grievous actions toward him (witness how he treats Adnan, played by Warren Clark, the foreman who at first abuses him, then helps when it comes out that the man cannot read).

Ben Kingsley portrays Potiphar, chief of Pharoah's palace guard. He plays the role with a certain humor, though ultimately confused when he gives Joseph run of his house, only to find Joseph accused of betraying that trust. His decision how to handle this shows a man with great strength of character.

Martin Landau gives his usual bravura performance as Jacob, head of the tribe of children of Israel. Jacob is flawed, perhaps naively causing the resentment felt toward Joseph by his brothers, but he is thoroughly justified in the actions he takes after the behavior of his sons.

The only misstep in casting, IMO, is that of Lesley Ann Warren as Potiphar's wife. Her giggly style of acting is just a little out of step with the fine actors in the other roles.

This is a biblical epic even an atheist can enjoy. Very well done.

Very Accurate

[denod50 · 8/10 · 19 July 2021]

When I first saw this adaptation in the early nineties, I was very pleased indeed at how great care was taken to stick closely to the narrative in the scriptures. Only one event was taken out of order. When Joseph revealed himself he openly forgave them, this happened after the death of Jacob when his body was taken to Canaan for burial, his brothers expressed fear that Joseph would take his vengeance once Jacob had died. That's when he made the statements made right after he revealed himself in the show. It didn't take away from the enjoyment of the show. However I believe budgetary issues might have prevented the land and houses of Egypt not being painted and more colorful. The Egyptians were well known to be colorful. They painted everything they built almost. Great presentation. All the acting were spot on. Great production.

the best in the bible series

[theromanempire-1 · 10/10 · 23 April 2020]

From the 21 films in this series this is the best one. if u love the bible films u should be getting all the films minor the boring genesis book which is not worth it. all the others have their value. others are better others not so great but all are worth your time. in my book this film is the best of them all. even better than the great Abraham film. there's story...emotion...plot.....great performances and in the end u understand the greatness of forgiveness. the story of joseph son of the patriarch Jacob in all it's glory. how he was sold by his brothers...how he became the 2nd most important man in Egypt and in the end how he forgave his brothers. it's all in this epic movie.

below are the titles u should own from this series. the most well done films the top 10 of the 21 films and yes unfortunately moses is not included in this list as the movie in this series about him was not done the way it should. choose to watch the epic heston 1956 film than the moses version from this series.

THE TOP 10 FROM THE 1993-2001 FILM SERIES IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER OF THE EVENTS........(Around from 1,800 bc - 96 AD....................from Abraham era to the reign of the emperor Domitian that is...)

ABRAHAM

JACOB

JOSEPH

SAMSON

DAVID

SOLOMON

JEREMIAH

JESUS

SAINT PAUL

THE APOCALYPSE

beautiful

[Kirpianuscus · 24 December 2015]

convincing. one of films who gives a beautiful, touching story in the right manner, with wise precision. the story of Joseph is presented with grace and respect. and that is a good thing. the bad one - Potiphar by Ben Kingsley remains across the film, the real lead character. motif, maybe, the small courage of Paul Mercurio to give more substance to his character words and gestures, to be, in fact, Joseph. the presence of Martin Landau is another support for film. the film is a good surprise for the art to be more than a religious movie. for message. for the photograph. for the translation of Bible word in powerful images. and each of them is brick for a beautiful job.

Classic Biblical Mini Series.

[meaninglesssoul · 9/10 · 9 March 2024]

I remember watching this when it first came out. While I am not the most religious. This is a beautiful story related to the power of faith and perseverance. I am currently re-watching it now and decided it deserved a rating. They really do not make classics like this any more.

This was the second Ben Kingsley appearance after Moses. The writing of this was clear and from start to finish it was easy to follow along. While I cant say how accurate it is in regards to the biblical story. This adaptation would be fitting for believers and non believers. A masterpiece. Rated G and suitable for all ages.

The story of Joseph and his brothers comes to life on the screen!

[rcollins20 · 10/10 · 18 January 2022]

Filmed in Morocco, this mini series is truly awesome, with fantastic cinematography and some truly powerful acting, it should be a must watch for any fan of Bible stories. Paul Mercurio (Neighbours, Promised) stars as Joseph, while Martin Landau completely sets the screen on fire with his visceral and emotional portrayal of Joseph's father Jacob (renamed Israel in Genesis 32:29). Ben Kingsley is also extremely impressive as Potiphar, the captain of Pharaoh's guard. So Torah open a bag of chips, pour yourself a sanctified soda and enjoy the epic story of Joseph.

admirable work

[Vincentiu · 22 December 2014]

accuracy and a great cast. wise manner to present a classic story and carefully recreation of atmosphere . an episode of Bible who escapes from religious movies clichés for a real admirable style to introduce the viewer in a world well-known who becomes new at whole. the levels of story, the faith of Joseph, the nuances of performances, the image, locations, music all, each gives soul to events in a special manner. it is an universal story, one of mankind cultural history and that soul who becomes present in each scene transforms the Joseph adventure in a touching discovery. result - a historical movie more than biblical. but more useful for its pure virtue of admirable work of a brilliant artistic team.