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Joseph
1995 185 min Germany, Italy, United States of America PG-13 0+
★7.6
Adventure, Drama, TV Movie
Director: Roger Young
Trailers
Description
Joseph, favored son of Jacob and great-grandson of Abraham, is sold into slavery by his jealous brothers. Rising to become prime minister of Egypt. Joseph governed the country during a seven year famine, during which his brothers visit Egypt seeking grain, only to encounter their brother, presumed long dead.
Budget:
$10M
Starring
Ben Kingsley
Actor
Paul Mercurio
Actor
Martin Landau
Actor
Awards
Emmy Awards 1995
— Best Miniseries
Emmy Awards 1995
— Best Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or TV Movie
Key opinion
This 1995 television miniseries is widely regarded as a visually striking and technically accomplished biblical adaptation. While many viewers find the production deeply moving and faithful, others criticize it for being a somewhat dry, overly literal retelling that lacks bold authorial reinterpretation.
| Score | Ennio Morricone’s musical score provides a distinguished and high-quality foundation for the production. | |
| Production | The film succeeds as a visually appealing and professionally crafted television production that earned critical recognition, including an Emmy for Best Miniseries. | |
| Acting | Performances are highly varied; while supporting actors like Martin Landau and those playing Potiphar receive praise for their charisma, the lead role of Joseph is criticized by some for being a shallow, one-dimensional figure. | |
| Adaptation | The narrative approach is divisive: proponents appreciate the faithful, seamless adherence to the biblical source, while critics argue this reliance on text makes the film feel like an uninspired, overly cautious summary devoid of fresh perspective. | |
| Screenplay | The inclusion of secondary sub-plots, such as those involving Dinah and Pharez, is a point of contention, viewed by some as enriching the historical context and by others as unnecessary narrative clutter. |