Joseph (1995)

Film Background
"Joseph" is a 1995 Biblical television movie, likewise referred to as "The Bible: Joseph", in the Turner Network Television's series 'The Bible.' Directed by Roger Young, the movie stars Ben Kingsley, Paul Mercurio, and Martin Landau. The movie script by Lionel Chetwynd retells the tale of Joseph from the Book of Genesis in the Bible.

Plot Overview
Joseph, played by Paul Mercurio, is the preferred child of Jacob (Martin Landau). He is talented a stunning multi-colored coat signifying Jacob's preference for him, much to the chagrin of his eleven bros. Envious and feeling slighted, his siblings plot against him. They offer him to desert merchants, who in turn offer him into slavery in Egypt. They trick their daddy, convincing him that Joseph was devoured by a wild animal.

In Egypt, Joseph is bought by Potipar (Ben Kingsley), a high-ranking authorities. Due to his capability to analyze dreams, Joseph gains Potipar's favor and is given a high position in his household. However, when Potipar's spouse makes undesirable advances towards him and Joseph rebuffs her, she wrongly implicates him of rape. This accusation lands Joseph in jail.

Joseph's Rise to Power
While in jail, Joseph's knack for analyzing dreams brings in the attention of the Pharaoh. He successfully interprets Pharaoh's troubling dream, predicting seven years of abundance followed by 7 years of scarcity. Impressed with Joseph's knowledge and intelligence, the Pharaoh pardons him from prison, appointing him as the Prime Minister of Egypt, entrusting him with the obligation of storing food in preparation for the upcoming starvation.

Reunion with Family
When the forecasted scarcity hits, it extends beyond Egypt to their homeland. Joseph's bros, uninformed of Joseph's fate after offering him into slavery years earlier, travel to Egypt in hope of buying food. They do not recognize Joseph however he understands who they are. After a sophisticated test to see if his bros have altered, Joseph exposes his identity. The emotional reunion occurs when Joseph forgives his siblings for their previous atrocities.

Jacob's Arrival in Egypt
Joseph welcomes his whole household, including his dad Jacob, to live in Egypt under his defense. The film ends with Jacob's cheerful reunion with his beloved kid Joseph and his awe at his boy's amazing rise to power in Egypt.

Analysis
"Joseph" is a legendary Biblical drama that successfully translates the beloved story from scripture to screen. With strong efficiencies from the cast, especially Paul Mercurio's portrayal of Joseph, the movie brings to life the styles of familial conflict, determination, forgiveness, and redemption. It skillfully balances the raw feeling of the tale while maintaining a respectful and faithful adjustment of the Biblical narrative. It masterfully shows Joseph's journey from being a spoiled preferred child to a humbled servant, and ultimately to a wise and powerful ruler, providing viewers with a sense of the historical and cultural context of the Bible's tales.

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