Godspell
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Movie Reviews of Godspell
Movie Review: BUY THIS MOVE+ONE FOR A FRIEND!
Summary: 5 Stars
Godspell is something like a deceptively whimsical "Sesame Street" style synopsis and presentation of the very real, hard hitting, teachings and ministry of Our Lord Jesus Christ. The music and acting are both enchanting and thoroughly enjoyable.
Watch this movie a few times -- carefully -- and you'll have more than an elementary grasp of the essential teachings of Christ and the foundation of His Church. That is, apart from the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, Scribes (called lawyers here), and what was ungodly and godly, common Judaism.
I very highly recommend Godspell to anyone over age 15. Kids will find it funny and amusing, whereas it is hoped that older, more thoughtful and open minded people, should come away from this amazing movie both disturbed and greatly exhilarated.
FYI, Godspell was filmed (partly) atop one of the yet-unfinished World Trade Center towers. (Just before their completion, whilst filming Godspell: circa 1972-73.)
May this movie plant a holy seed within you, to grow into something beautiful -- and bear much good fruit.
Movie Review: godspell dvd
Summary: 5 Stars
we love this movie and I knew that i would be able to find it on amazon! thanks!Movie Review: fun musical exploring Biblical passages and the story of Christ
Summary: 5 Stars
Godspell retains its energetic force decades after its cinematic release. Godspell tells the story of Jesus and his followers--only with a highly creative twist. Instead of the action taking place in the Middle East thousands of years ago, the backdrop scenes are from the then modern day (1970s) Manhattan. Jesus' followers and even Jesus himself are dressed as hippies; and although the costumes are dated the emotional impact and the artistic quality never suffer. Godspell takes its subject matter and infuses it with a flawlessly beautiful score by Stephen Schwartz; and the actors work so hard to make the story come alive. They succeed.
The action begins with John Haskell playing John the Baptist crossing a bridge into Manhattan; and soon he beckons to people to meet him in Central Park for a group baptism. Jesus first appears in the Central Park baptism scene; and from the word go Victor Garber plays Jesus as an energetic, enthusiastic young man who loves God with all his heart. John the Baptist and the other people form a group with Jesus as their leader. As a group Jesus and his followers, who are now dressed as hippies, re-enact several parables and passages from the Bible.
During the numerous scenes that ensue we get some of the most wonderful, delightfully arranged musical numbers I've ever witnessed on screen. Robin Lamont's "Day By Day" moves me with its beauty; the simplistic lyrics coupled with a beautiful, folk music style arrangement stand out as a musical highlight of this film. Lynne Thigpen performs a marvelous rendition of "O Bless the Lord My Soul" with all her heart; Lynne's acting as a follower of Christ remains convincing and impressive throughout Godspell. In addition, Joanne Jonas turns in a great performance as a follower of Jesus who helps to highlight Jesus' disdain of comparatively superficial things that materialistic people crave. Excellent!
Look also for an excellent Last Supper scene in which Jesus hands out the bread and wine after blessing it using traditional Hebrew prayers to bless bread and wine. The Last Supper scene is very tastefully done.
Of course, Jesus' ministry ends tragically with his betrayal by Judas, who is also played by David Haskell. I agree with the reviewer who writes that it's good that David Haskell plays both John the Baptist and Judas--it does indeed demonstrate how there's good and bad in every human being. Jesus is crucified in a Manhattan junkyard while his followers weep for him; and the next day they carry Jesus' body through the empty streets of Manhattan while singing upbeat numbers from the score. This would appear to imply that Jesus will be resurrected.
Choreography doesn't get any better than this: the numerous musical numbers are carefully staged and the timing amongst all the cast members remains flawless throughout the movie. It is a bit eerie to see them dancing on the top of the former World Trade Center; but they dance there so ably it's truly remarkable. Cinematography also shines with the panoramic views of Manhattan with streets both crowded and empty; and all the characters are well framed within the picture frame to create an even stronger impact on viewers.
Overall, I highly recommend Godspell as a prime example of how artistic creativity can take a story thousands of years old and breathe new life into it as if it were actually happening in the here and now. The acting by Victor Garber and company leaves nothing to be desired; and the musical numbers reflect extreme attention to detail and great thoughtfulness. It's not a movie for very young children, primarily because of the crucifixion scene; but otherwise there's no reason not to see this movie and enjoy it over and over again.
Movie Review: Very inspirational
Summary: 5 Stars
Love this musical that has been adapted from the Gospel of Matthew in such blessed way. Truly shows the power of the Holy Spirit to move in a way to touch all God's children. Thank you :)Movie Review: Godspell
Summary: 4 Stars
I bought this movie because I love the interesting rendition of the Gospel acording to Matthew, and the music is outstanding. I realize it is over 30 years old, but it still has a wonderful message. The scene when they are singing and dancing on top of the World Trade Center is extremely moving considering what that building now represents to us all as Americans. It brought me to tears.