Approved for 12+

Saul and David (1965)

From the Old Testament, The First Book of Samuel; this beautifully filmed story of David's life with King Saul has all the power and sensitivity of the Biblical account. King Saul, requesting a conqueror to slay the Philistine giant Goliath, is amused when the child-servant of God, David of Bethlehem, answers his request. With the faith in God, David slays the giant and wins the love and admiration of Israel and the King. David becomes a great warrior for the King's army. Even though King Saul comes to admire David, the King starts to slowly lose faith in God. With the spirit of God departed from Saul, David is anointed King of Israel, thus begins a love-hate relationship between Saul and David. As the blessings of God fall upon David and he is exalted, Saul's fury rises against him in this epic tale.
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Negative Rating
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SexLanguageViolenceDrugsNudityOther
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Positive Rating
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FaithIntegrity

Dove Review

This is a story of war and faith which Bible lovers will enjoy, although it is a bit on the violent side due to several war scenes. However, they are tame compared to today’s films (this was made years ago) but still depicts scenes of war and bloodshed. No open wounds are seen but people are shot with arrows, stabbed and speared.

The movie features the famous story of David defeating the giant Goliath with a stone slung from his slingshot. Although blood is seen on Goliath’s head, it frankly has a bright red color and doesn’t look real. Blood is seen too on David’s sword after cutting off the giant’s head (not seen but intimated). David becomes famous in the land among his own Hebrew people and he plays a harp for Saul which soothes him when he is tormented by an evil spirit. The movie does depict David being wounded by a spear from Saul but the Bible actually says the spear was thrown but doesn’t specify David was wounded. For the most part, the film is biblical in its story of Saul and David and of David’s friendship with Saul’s son, Jonathan.

The film features strong themes of friendship, loyalty, and triumphing over hardships to reach God’s plan for one’s life. Due to the war scenes, and some bloodshed, we are recommending the film for ages twelve plus with a warning that it might be a bit strong for those who shy away from many battle scenes. This biblical film will bring the story of David to life for many viewers and we are pleased to present it our Dove “Faith Friendly” Seal for twelve plus.

Dove Rating Details

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Faith

None

0
Integrity

Several war scenes which include some blood; wheels on chariots have swords and people are cut when it is ridden by them; several arrows shot in backs and in chests of others; sword battles and stabbings with some blood; a giant is hit with a stone in the forehead and blood gushes out; a young man's bloody sword is seen after cutting off the giant's head (not seen, just the sword); man seen bleeding through robe; man tells other man to go ahead and cut his own throat; bird is killed by a slingshot; spear seen in man's chest; man has a little blood on arm and mouth.

1
Sex

Women admire David and he notices.

0
Language

None

2
Violence

Several war scenes which include some blood; wheels on chariots have swords and people are cut when it is ridden by them; several arrows shot in backs and in chests of others; sword battles and stabbings with some blood; a giant is hit with a stone in the forehead and blood gushes out; a young man's bloody sword is seen after cutting off the giant's head (not seen, just the sword); man seen bleeding through robe; man tells other man to go ahead and cut his own throat; bird is killed by a slingshot; spear seen in man's chest; man has a little blood on arm and mouth.

1
Drugs

Drinking of wine in a few scenes.

1
Nudity

Shirtless men.

1
Other

Betrayal by a leader and his jealous intentions to kill a man used by God.; the topic of war and the heartache it brings.

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