Why so much hype?

Please don't spend money on this.

How sad is this?

The performances transcend the film's tropes, grounding it in characters that feel more complete than this subgenre often produces.

The Book of Daniel dramatizes the Biblical record of the same name, and does so very well. Built primarily around the story of the Hebrew people's captivity in Babylon and under several different kings, the movie uses the narrative of its title character to portray how even when all seems lost, God is still with His own. The film is fundamentally quite well done, very well-written and refreshingly respectful of its Scriptural source, but as this is clearly a low budget production there are inevitably some cinematic weaknesses. There are no earth-shattering special effects and the overall sweep is somewhat limited. Quality of acting varies, though fortunately both of the actors portraying Daniel--Andrew Bongiorno as the "young" Daniel and Robert Miano as the "old" version of the same--are outstanding and capture the essence of the Biblical character excellently. Conversely, much of the rest of the cast seems a bit cobbled together, with a lot of bizarre American-English accents thrown into the supposedly Middle Eastern setting. Lance Henriksen is the most recognizable "name" actor in the cast, and while there's no doubt Henriksen is an outstanding performer it's questionable if he's the best choice to play the Persian King Cyrus, who holds a great respect for Daniel and fulfills Biblical prophecy by allowing the Hebrews to return to their homeland. It's also a bit disappointing the movie never explores the more Apocalyptic prophecies in the latter portions of the Biblical book, though including them would certainly have meant expanding the scope of the film considerably. But these are small criticisms, and overall The Book of Daniel is an inspiring and often moving cinematic portrayal of one of the most fascinating figures of the Old Testament. And the movie's overarching message--that God will always take care of His people, no matter how hostile or wicked the world around us seems to be-- remains a relevant one today and for all time.

This being a new movie, I had doubts about it, but after watching, I had to give this the full 10 stars. Biblically accurate, and well done. I found it hugely inspiring. For any one who is a devoted follower, you will find yourself wanting to persevere as Daniel did, and to live as he did, being loyal to all of commitments, but placing nothing before God, nor ever breaking God's laws. I cannot imagine anyone giving this movie a bad review. Of course, if one is contemptuous, and desires sensuality, or vulgar language, this is not a movie that one would enjoy.This is a movie, I will watch over, and over again. Thanks Chuck Konzelman, Cary Solomon, and Anna Zielinski. Well done!

For those who wish to see biblical movies this is a real treat. The story is well done even if some of the acting is flawed, e.g. One of the wise men of Babylon looks and talks like the comedian Galager smashing watermelons. I view this movie in the context of available biblical movies if you come from the perspective of the spoiled movie watching public of today and have little knowledge of the bible then the movie is poor. But for us who watch every biblical movie its not "One Knight with the King" or Charlton Heston's the "Ten Commandments" but it is second tier and one of the most enjoyable bible movies off all time. Enjoy all who have bible knowledge and have seen all the biblical movies. You'll appreciate this one greatly.

A superb retelling on the life of Daniel. Considering the budget/restrictions making a low budget film, this movie shines. Excellent acting from Robert Miano, Lance Henrickson and Andrew Bongiorno carry the piece. First time director Zelinski does a good job.The writing is rock solid and very impressive. When you consider this piece, think about the garbage Hollywood spews forth today. Expensive with pretty pictures and ugly stories. This is the complete opposite. I wish Hollywood would go back to making movies rather than political propaganda films. I want to be moved emotionally when I go to see a movie. I want to laugh or cry or remember, not be indoctrinated. this movie reminded me of what a film can be. I highly recommend it.