KJV: The Making of the King James Bible is a historical drama film from 2011 that explores the creation of the King James Version of the Bible. The movie is directed by Norman Stone and stars Cal Hunter as King James I of England. The film is set in the early 17th century when the English church is in a state of crisis as rival factions argue over the translation of the Bible.
The movie focuses on the political and religious context in which the King James Version was created. The first scene shows King James I arriving at the Hampton Court Palace to resolve a dispute between the Puritan and Anglican factions. The Puritans want a new translation of the Bible, while the Anglicans believe that the existing translations are sufficient. King James I sides with the Puritans and decides to authorize a new translation of the Bible.
The movie then follows the process of creating the King James Version, from the selection of translators to the final publication of the Bible. The translation process is shown as a collaborative effort, with teams of scholars working together to create a version of the Bible that is both accurate and accessible to readers.
The movie also shows the challenges the translators faced during the translation process, including linguistic differences between the various teams and the task of translating ancient languages into modern English. The film depicts the importance of language and the power of translation to shape religious and cultural discourse.
Throughout the film, the political and religious tensions that surrounded the creation of the King James Version are also highlighted. The King James Version was seen as a political tool, intended to establish the authority of the monarchy and the Church of England. The movie depicts the negotiations and power struggles that took place behind the scenes, as well as the role of individual translators in shaping the final product.
One of the most interesting aspects of the movie is that it presents a nuanced portrayal of the translators themselves. Rather than being portrayed as one-dimensional figures, the translators are shown as complex individuals with their own beliefs and agendas. The film delves into the personal lives of the translators, exploring their relationships, fears, and struggles.
Overall, KJV: The Making of the King James Bible is an engaging and informative film that offers a fascinating glimpse into one of the most significant works of literature in the English language. The movie presents a compelling blend of political intrigue, religious conflict, and linguistic analysis that will appeal to history buffs and anyone interested in the art of translation.
KJV: The Making of the King James Bible is a 2011 documentary with a runtime of 46 minutes.
It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.6.
