The 2004 movie version starring Al Pacino as the Merchant has some amazing acting.

I am reminded of the 1952 movie Ivanhoe (featuring Robert Taylor and Elizabeth Taylor) which takes place during the reign of Richard the Lionhearted. He is held for ransom on the continent by a rival king as he makes his way back from the Third crusade (1189-1192). In the movie (and presumably the book on which it is based which I have not read), the knight Ivanhoe goes to the jewish community for help in raising the ransom. ElizabethTaylor plays the jewish daughter Rebecca of a leader of the community. She falls in love with Ivanhoe (Robert Taylor) who actually is in love with some Rowena.

Rebecca is accused of witchcraft and Ivanhoe defends her in mortal combat against De Bois-Guilbert (George Sanders). Before the combat, Guilbert, who is in love with Rebecca, says he will give up everything- title, lands, his and be disgraced for marrying a Jew - if she would turn to him but she refuses.

Guilbert is struck down by Ivanhoe and ss he lies dying, Bois-Guilbert tells Rebecca that it is he, Guilbert, who loves her, not Ivanhoe. Rebecca acknowledges this to Rowena who had been jealous at first.

Classic