Jacob

The story of Jacob was one I knew nothing about before I sat down to watch this TV movie, which may be why I found it so engaging to watch. The hour and a half running time flies past as we follow a story involving pride, betrayal and eventual redemption.

JACOB works because it's all about the characters and the emotion. The whole gamut of the human experience is explored here - love, death, pain, suffering, respect - against a canvas of people who aren't merely vessels for story elements but who seem to be alive whether they're on the screen or off it.

And what a cast! Matthew Modine, who I've never liked before, is unrecognisable and all heart as Jacob. Sean Bean is excellent, if seldom used, as his brother Esau. Then we get the supporting players: elder veterans (Joss Ackland, Irene Papas, Giancarlo Giannini) mixed with the then-popular (Lara Flynn Boyle) and the future famous (Christoph Waltz). Their talents help to make this a compelling Biblical adaptation.

Of the few movies I've seen about different Old Testament heroes, I do believe this is my favorite. Morocco looked much like Canaan, Matthew Modine did an excellent turn as the deceiver and conniver Jacob, Sean Bean was excellent as the bitter brother Esau, and Lara Flynn Boyle was a very drawing Rachel. I, a minister, have read the Genesis account of Jacob's life many times, and I was very pleased with the way it was dramatized in this TV movie. I was impressed with the visual effects, especially with the dream Jacob experienced when he saw the ladder go up to Heaven. Additionally, I was taken with the dramatic scene of Jacob fighting with the angel when his thigh was painfully dislocated. When I considered all this movie entailed, i have a positive feeling about it. It was truly an excellent bible drama

Straight out of the Book of Genesis. The story of Jacob that becomes the father of Israel and his brother Esau who fathers the nation of Edom.

Good casting - well acted. I will be honest, I would have enjoyed the film better if Sean Bean played Jacob (but he did play Esau - the reason I watched the movie).

It's a rather slow story - but fine if you like Biblical Tales.

6/10

i found Jacob to be intriguing and a great biblical story of love, first i am not that familiar with most bible story's probably because the religious folk only tell us what they deem most significant IE moses ,jesus etc i had never heard the more personal side of his life and am glad i got to watch this.

however i think Jacob's story should be as told as other more well known biblical figures as it allows us to hear story's other than the thou shall and thou shalt not and all other story's parent's tell there children to frighten them. if you are interested in the bible i would highly recommend you watch this and the cast give a emotional and convincing performance. a beautiful if not tragic love story.

I had to watch 'Jacob' for my freshmen religion class. While it is interesting enough, I don't think anyone would find it a 'fun' movie. I think the movie requires that you have some sort of religious background. The story of Jacob and Esau is interesting, but I don't think it translates well into film. I'll give it a B-.