The movie was nominated for a Golden Raspberry award at the 6th annual ceremony in 1985. Richard Gere was nominated for Worst Actor but did not win. Surprisingly, with the film's critical and commercial failure, the picture was not nominated for any more Razzies such as Worst Picture or Worst Director.
Second of three films that actor Edward Woodward made with director Bruce Beresford. The movies include Breaker Morant (1980), King David (1985) and Mister Johnson (1990). All three pictures had two-word titles and were all made in around five year intervals.
Shown in the confrontation with Goliath, David using a sling strikes Goliath on the bridge of the nose and the rock glances off. According to the Bible, David struck Goliath on his forehead and the stone sank into his forehead and Goliath fell on his face to the ground. (1 Sam. 17:49)
The "Star of David" on the shields and military standards is inaccurate. The symbol only came into common usage as a religious/national symbol many decades later. (Some believe during the middle ages)
Assuming that this symbol represents David, as the name suggests, this would not be an Israelite symbol until the time of David's Kingship. This is out of place during the reign of King Saul.
Unlike the film, according to the Bible King Saul was "more handsome than any of the sons of Israel" and being very tall he "stood head and shoulders above any of the people". (1 Sam.9:2)
Absalom: ...It makes no difference how good a man's case is. He will receive no audience with the king unless he can bribe his way into the king's presence; and even if he does, that will not help his cause; for the king's judgment means nothing without the approval of Uriah's widow, Bathsheba. If only I were make a judge in the land, I would see that everyone who brought a petition received justice!
Saul: ...Hear how Jonathan warbles in praise of the cuckoo bird, David, who has fed from my table and now lies with my daughter... David has robbed me of my God, my people, even my children. What else can he take but my crown...? So long as David lives, neither I nor Jonathan nor the throne shall be safe... Samuel anointed him in my place! David! The boy I trusted and loved as my own son.