Esther: Queen of Persia

Found nowhere else in ancient literature or history other than the Bible, Queen Esther is a beloved, haunting, and mysterious figure, and even her inclusion in the good book remained controversial up to Martin Luther's day. Taken to live as part of the king of Persia's harem after the Great Diaspora in 587 B.C., the beautiful Jewish orphan was ultimately chosen as the king's queen and enjoyed all the privilege afforded royalty. However, when Haman, the king's chief official, concocted a scheme to kill all the Jews in the kingdom, the Bible-icious Esther summoned her courage, foresight, and sense of sacrifice to save her people from this first case of genocide in recorded history, and assured herself a place in the hearts of oppressed peoples throughout time. Part of Lifetime's Intimate Portrait series and narrated by Sela Ward, this video incorporates artwork illustrating the time period and principal characters, interviews with Biblical scholars, narrative provided in part by the Book of Esther itself, and effectively mysterious, gauzy reenactments. The tone of the program beautifully captures the haunting, enigmatic story of this "symbol of personal and feminine power," and, as such, is highly recommended. [Note: The title on the video is actually Esther: Queen of Persia.] Other recent entries in the Intimate Portraits series include: Mae West, Dr. Susan Love, Bella Abzug, Jessica Savitch and Lauren Hutton. Aud: J, H, C, P. (K. Glaser)