King David

King David

Year: 1985

Runtime: 114 mins

Language: English

Director: Bruce Beresford

ActionAdventureDramaHistoryEpic history and literature

The story of the man. This is a movie about the life of Israel’s king David.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – King David (1985)

Explore the full timeline and setting of King David (1985). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

c. 1000 BCE

The narrative spans the late 11th to 10th century BCE, tracing Saul's decline and David's ascent to kingship. It covers military campaigns, exile, and political maneuvering that shape Israel's future. The period culminates in the dynastic transition from David to Solomon, framed by battles and moral reckonings.

Location

Ancient Israel, Philistine territories

Set in ancient Israel around 1000 B.C., the film traverses deserts, fortresses, and sacred sites as the kingdom shifts from Saul to David. It portrays the geopolitical backdrop of wars with the Philistines and the internal power struggles within a royal court. The Ark of the Covenant and prophetic oversight frame the landscape, blending divine mandate with human ambition.

🗺️ Ancient setting 🏛️ Biblical epic 🛡️ War-torn lands

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:02

Main Characters – King David (1985)

Meet the key characters of King David (1985), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

David

A shepherd-turned-king who rises to lead Israel with courage in battle and a complex moral arc. He becomes a beloved ruler yet struggles with vanity, impulsive choices, and conflicting loyalties to prophets and family. His actions—including the Bathsheba affair and Uriah's death—drive the central crises and questions of leadership.

🗡️ Warrior 👑 Leader 🙏 Faithful 💔 Flawed

Saul

The first king of Israel, whose initial valor gives way to paranoia as David's popularity grows. His decisions ignite pursuit and conflict, culminating in a tragic clash of destinies with his successor. The relationship with Jonathan adds a heartbreaking dimension to the royal tragedy.

🗡️ Warrior 👑 King 💔 Jealous 🧭 Paranoid

Michal

Saul's daughter and David's wife, whose loyalty to family and faith is tested by David's public zeal and private grief. She challenges the king's display before the Ark, revealing tensions between tradition, devotion, and personal expression.

❤️ Lover 👑 Royalty 🗡️ Conflict

Bathsheba

A pivotal figure in David's moral crisis, whose petition and marriage to David trigger a cascade of consequences, including Uriah's death. Her presence links personal desire to political upheaval, testing divine justice and royal legitimacy.

💔 Catalyst 👑 Royalty 🕊️ Covenant

Absalom

David's son who leads a rebellion, torn between filial love and a claim to power. His uprising forces a brutal test of loyalty and justice, ending in his death and a deep rift within the royal family.

🗡️ Rebel 👑 Heir 💔 Family

Nathan

The prophet who confronts David over Uriah's death, acting as a moral counterweight to royal ambition. His admonitions shape David's repentance and influence the kingdom's future, including the eventual succession of Solomon.

📜 Prophet 🙏 Moral compass 🧭 Guidance

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:02

Major Themes – King David (1985)

Explore the central themes of King David (1985), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

👑 Kingship

The film centers on the rise of David and the burdens of leadership. It shows how charisma and battlefield success can cement a leader's popularity while inviting political threats. The narrative questions divine mandate versus personal ambition, emphasizing the need for humility and accountability in power.

🙏 Prophecy

Prophets guide David's choices and confront him when he strays. Nathan's warnings highlight the moral stakes of power, especially after Bathsheba and Uriah's deaths. The film frames prophecy as a call to justice and reform rather than mere prediction.

💔 Betrayal

Betrayal threads through David's inner circle and family, from Saul's jealousy to Absalom's rebellion. Loyalties are tested as political necessity clashes with kinship. The consequences ripple through the kingdom, altering its course.

⚔️ War

War with the Philistines and internal strife shape the plot and David's legitimacy. Battles decide alliances, test resolve, and reveal the cost of leadership. The film presents war as both heroic and costly, shaping the fate of a nation.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:02

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Unlock the Full Story of King David

Don't stop at just watching — explore King David in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what King David is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

King David Summary

Read a complete plot summary of King David, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

King David Summary

King David Timeline

Track the full timeline of King David with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

King David Timeline

More About King David

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