- Genre
- History
- Year
- 1959
- Runtime
- 1h33
0
Herod the Great
Ambition, Betrayal, and Power in Ancient Judea
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Synopsis
Herod the Great, released in 1959 and directed by Arnaldo Genoino, portrays the life of the infamous king of Judea. The film follows Herod's rise to power, his ruthless rule, and his paranoia which leads him to commit heinous acts in order to secure his throne. As political intrigues and betrayals unfold, Herod's personal life also takes a dark turn as his relationships with his family and lovers become strained. This historical drama delves into the complexities of power, ambition, and the price of maintaining control in a tumultuous time. Edmund Purdom delivers a compelling performance as the titular character, capturing the conflicted nature of Herod's personality.
Cast
Reviews
Herod the Great receives a mix of reviews from critics, with some praising the film's lavish production design and compelling depiction of the historical period. Variety describes it as 'a visually stunning portrayal of ancient Judea' while noting some pacing issues in the narrative. On the other hand, The New York Times criticizes the film for its melodramatic interpretation of Herod's character, stating that the historical accuracy is sacrificed for dramatic effect. Despite these criticisms, some viewers appreciate the performances of the cast, particularly Purdom's portrayal of Herod. IMDb users give the film a rating of 4.7/10, highlighting the divisive nature of the movie's reception.
