In every biblical story there are, no doubt, important and powerful women who help to shape the outcome of history. None, however, are more famous than Queen Esther. Hers is a story of estrangment, love, loyalty, strength and reconciliation. And it is played out not with a man, but with her people. As a beautiful young orphan, Esther is adopted by her Uncle Mordecai (F. Murray Abraham) who adores her and wins Esther's loyalty. When Xerxes I, King of the Persians is looking for a new wife, Esther is selected as a potentail candidate and sent to the King's Harem. Esther enchants the King with her charm and beauty and he takes her as his new wife. At that time, Mordecai instructs Esther not to reveal herself as a Jewess to the King. But when the King promotes one of his loyal supporters, Haman, to an important post in his ministry it becomes more difficult to keep her secret. Esther learns through Mordecai that Haman has passed a law decreeing Jews of all countries to be killed on a certain day-- Mordecai's own life is threatened. Taking a huge risk, Esther visits the King unannounced, reveals her Jewish identity and exposes Haman's plan. She asks the King--her husband--a pardon for her people. Since Haman's royal decree is irreversible, the King passes another decree allowing Jews to defend themselves--which they do successfully--and an order of execution for the villianous Haman. Esther not only saves her people and her beloved Mordecai from certain death, but she finds her true self in doing so.