Purim: The Lot is a thrilling drama film from 2014 that tells the story of one man's mission to save an entire community from destruction. Directed by Michael Tolajian, the movie stars Raleigh Jackson Jones, James V. Roy, Valeriy Garkalin, and Art Hall in pivotal roles. The film takes us back to ancient times, to the land of Babylon during the reign of King Nebuchadnezzar. A young Jewish orphan named Hadassah (played by Erica Brown) is taken in by her kindly cousin Mordechai (James V. Roy). Hadassah is renamed Esther and becomes a beautiful woman who captures the heart of King Ahasuerus (Raleigh Jackson Jones).
Meanwhile, the evil courtier Haman (Valeriy Garkalin) seeks to annihilate the entire Jewish population of the land. He convinces the king to issue a decree that all Jews should be killed on a certain day, using the casting of lots (or "purim") to determine the date.
Esther, with Mordechai's guidance, puts her life on the line to save her people. She risks her own safety to plead with the king, ultimately exposing Haman's sinister plot and saving her fellow Jews from certain death.
The movie is a thrilling depiction of the events leading up to the Jewish holiday of Purim, which celebrates the triumph of good over evil. It captures the courage and determination of the Jewish people in the face of adversity and is a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up for what is right.
The film is beautifully shot, with stunning cinematography that captures the beauty and grandeur of the ancient world. The costumes and set design are also commendable, transporting the audience back to a different time and place.
The acting is also impressive, with each cast member bringing depth and nuance to their roles. Raleigh Jackson Jones is a commanding presence as King Ahasuerus, while James V. Roy plays Mordechai with warmth and conviction. Valeriy Garkalin is suitably menacing as Haman, while Erica Brown captures Esther's strength and courage.
One of the standout aspects of the film is its music. The score, composed by Michael Levine, is a hauntingly beautiful mix of orchestral and Middle Eastern sounds. It adds tension and drama to the story, heightening the emotional impact of each scene.
Overall, Purim: The Lot is a well-crafted and powerful film that tells an important story. It is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, hope and courage can prevail.
Purim: The Lot is a 2012 animated movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 5 minutes.
It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.