Israeli Second Temple drama ‘Legend of Destruction’ now available in the US

The story follows Ben Batich, voiced by Oscar Isaac, an idealistic young man who joins the zealots rebelling against Rome, driven by anger at corruption and inequality.

Gidi Dar’s Legend of Destruction, the movie that depicts the Jewish revolt against Rome and the destruction of the Second Temple through images, is now available for digital purchase in the US on platforms including Apple TV, Google Play, and Prime Video.

The English-language version features Oscar Isaac, Evangeline Lilly, Elliott Gould, Billy Zane, and Marilu Henner. It was directed by Dar, who has made such acclaimed films as Ushpizin and Eddie King, and it was written by Dar and Shuli Rand.

The two have collaborated frequently, and their upcoming film, The Wedding Entertainer (The Tale of Moishe Badhan), had its world premiere at the Tribeca Festival this year.

Legend of Destruction brings ancient Jerusalem to life through 1,500 original paintings by David Polonsky (who also worked on Waltz with Bashir) and Michael Faust.

The story follows Ben Batich, voiced by Isaac, an idealistic young man who joins the zealots rebelling against Rome, driven by anger at corruption and inequality. As the revolt that began in 66 CE descends into civil war, his pursuit of justice turns into fanaticism, helping the Romans to destroy the temple and retake control of Jerusalem.

Lilly voiced Queen Berenice, Gould played Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakkai, Zane portrayed rebel leader Bar Giora, and Henner voiced Batich’s mother.

Film draws on The Jewish War, Talmudic legends, and historical research

Drawing on Josephus’s The Jewish War, Talmudic legends, and historical research, the film explored how a divided society can bring about its own downfall.

“By stripping away the illusion of 24 frames per second, we invite the viewer’s mind to fill in the gaps, creating not just motion, but emotional depth,” Dar said of its unusual visual approach.

Isaac said he quickly stopped noticing that the images were still paintings: “I felt like I was watching Gladiator.”

Lilly described the film as “a warning signal for the modern world.”