Jesus of Nazareth
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Movie Reviews of Jesus of Nazareth
Movie Review: Our Savior as you've never seen him before...
Summary: 5 Stars
The life of Jesus Christ has ispired filmmakers for decades, giving audiences everything from animation (The Mircale Worker), to big-budget extravaganzas (The Passion of the Christ). But one epic, made for TV mini-series from 1977 stands out among all other Jesus films as the greatest, most timeless portrayal of the life of Christ ever made. Of course I'm talking about Franco Zeffirelli's "Jesus of Nazareth."
This film excels in so many areas it is difficult to decide where to begin. In my opinion, what made this film for me was Robert Powell. He is just absolutely amazing. Also, the film does a fantastic job of portaying both the divine and human sides of Jesus, and unlike other films (like the ridiculous "Last Temptation of Christ") Jesus clearly understands who He is and what He came to do. The rest of the cast also excels and delivers superb performances. Along with superb acting, the film also showcases superb locations. Most of the scenes were actually shot in the land of Judea, which gives it a very realistic quality that no other movie can match. And speaking of realistic qualities, the script is mostly taken directly from the four Gospels. It is so refreshing to be able to watch this film knowing that what you're hearing and seeing accurately stands up to Scripture. The soundtrack is also wonderfully composed.
Probably my favorite part of this film would have to be seeing the crowd's reactions (both positive and negative ones) to Jesus' words and miracles. For me, this really brings the Gospels stories to life and makes me think about my own personal reactions to Christ's love and compassion. I also love that the Jesus in this film is not weak or unconfident. This film most accurately portrays the Biblical and historical Jesus because Robert Powell speaks with power and authority. He displays holy anger in the temple, Spirit-filled rage towards the hypocritical Jewish leaders, and loving compassion towards the repentant victim hanging next to Him on a cross. As I said earlier, Powell's portayal of Jesus is very realistic, believable, and accurate.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, this film covers all the events in the Gospels, from the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary to the appearances of the Risen Christ to the Apostles. You get it all here. These are just a few reasons why "Jesus of Nazareth" is such an amazing film. I would encourage anybody who has not yet seen this movie to do so as soon as possible. I have seen almost all the films concerning the life of Christ, but this one is by far the best. I can honestly say that after watching it, your life will not be the same.
Movie Review: A Masterpiece!
Summary: 5 Stars
This is without a doubt the best movie ever made on the life of Jesus Christ. Of all the movies and miniseries that have been done on Jesus this one stands tall above all others. The film was done specifically for television as a miniseries special event in 1977. This is also the only movie on the life of Jesus that boosted an international cast of actors such as Anthony Quinn, Laurence Olivier, Anne Bancroft, Michael York, Rod Steiger, Christopher Plummer and Stacy Keach among others. Robert Powell, the actor who plays Jesus as an adult gives a brilliant and mesmerizing performance. Is hard not think of him as what the real Jesus Of Nazareth would of look like. According to paintings on books and museams he resembles what the "real" Jesus would of looked like truly an amazing comparison when you think about it.
Everything on this film is done on a grand scale. Director Franco Zeffirelli left no stone unturned and directed what has been hailed by critics around the world as not only the finest film ever made on Jesus but a spellbinding work that is highly considered to be a masterpiece on filmmaking. On this epic film which runs an astounding 382 minutes (six and a half hours) you get all of the ingredients that make a remarkable motion picture. The acting is superb, the entire cast did an outstanding job with their characters. They not only played their characters remarkably well they live and breathe life into their roles. They became the character that they were playing. If you care about excellence in acting you cannot afford to miss this magnificent production (now available on DVD.) The script which was co-written by Zeffirelli can also be considered a brilliant piece of screenwriting and of course it all falls under Zeffirelli's masterful direction.
I'm not a religious person per say but if you really want to see the greatest film ever made on the life of Jesus look no further because this one is it. You don't have to be religious to enjoy this incredible movie, it is so extraordinarily well done that it speaks to you and it will touch and move you deeply. I highly recommended and is perfect viewing for the entire family although the crucifixion scene is obviously hard to watch (nothing like The Passion Of The Christ though) it is still well suited for children to watch. This miniseries is beyond great as I said before it is a masterpiece that you should owe it yourself to see it atleast once. Although it's so great and completely thorough according to religious scholars that you will watch it more than likely every Easter.
Movie Review: ABSOLUTELY BEST JESUS MOVIE EVER
Summary: 5 Stars
You needn't be a member of any organized religion, not even a "Christian", to enjoy this best-by-far of all Jesus Christ movies.
I cannot be as articulate as many of the reviewers of this 2-DVD masterpiece but I can surely opine on it. Filmed in 1976-77 as a TV mini-series and aired on Palm and Easter Sundays, 1977; Franco Zeffirelli (of the fantastically successful 1968 "Romeo and Juliet" adaptation) created surely the greatest of any Jesus Christ movies.
It is obvious that great care was taken to create as faithful and loving adaptation of the Biblical stories of Jesus Christ. What inspired Zeffirelli to do this, when he did would be something of an interesting story in itself.
The look of the movie, the actors cast, the way it was presented all show the emormous attention to detail and work that went into what is truly a monumental project.
Saving the best for last, the casting of Robert Powell as Jesus Christ is the "crowning glory"; or to use other clichés; "inspired", "God-sent", "sent from heaven". I could not imagine anyone else playing Jesus Christ, but don't take my word on this. See the DVD. Exactly how this unknown actor got the role would also be an interesting story.
Other reviewers have noted a few things omitted but hardly a "sin" given the six and a half hours it runs. This obviously, then, is not something for one night or even two nights, but for a week or more, a few chapters a night, savoring it like the finest of wines; and very probably learning more about this part of the Bible than all the Sunday schools you ever attened.
Now, my prayer, if you will, is that Mr. Zeffirelli will find it in his heart, if you will, to release a "Director's Cut" with deleted parts and scenes restored, if any exist which brings me to a point I wanted to expound upon more. The look of the movie, given probably not the largest of budgets and with 1976 technology is fantastic, utterly credible. I'm thinking that Franco, using a little modern technology but without "messing" with the basic look, could create a Director's or Extended version, a la the first "Star Wars" movies.
I literally pray that Mr. Zeffirelli reads this review along with the other positive ones on this site. He needs to know, that in his arena of art and creativity, he has done something as great as Michelangelo, another Italian, if you will; for Franco Zeffirelli has added significant information about why He was here.
Movie Review: THE DEFINITIVE FILM ON THE LIFE OF CHRIST!
Summary: 5 Stars
After more than two decades, JESUS OF NAZARETH remains the greatest motion picture on the life of Jesus Christ -unsurpassed and second-to-none. Beautifully directed by Franco Zeffirelli (best known for his 1968 version of Romeo and Juliet) and featuring a constellation of the greatest international actors: Sir Lawrence Olivier, Rod Steiger, Anne Bancroft, Ernest Borgnine, James Earl Jones, Anthony Quinn (among others, oh my!), this six-hour magnum opus has given flesh and humanity to the people and events of the Gospel narratives like no other movie before or since.The film begins with the events prior to the Anunciation and Nativity, through the life of Christ, leading up to the Crucifixion and Resurrection, from Joseph's betrothal to Mary (played by Olivia Hussey, best known for her role as Juliet in the aforementioned film.) to the Empty Tomb on Easter Sunday. First-rate production allows us to observe with great detail the customs and daily life in first-century Judaea. The backdrop of Roman oppression and Jewish discontent is masterfully shown and successfully correlated to Jesus' ministry, in particular the political maneuvering of the cunning Herod (wondrously played by Peter Ustinov) and its effects on messianic expectation. Many persons mentioned only in passing or alluded to in the gospels such as Caiaphas and Pontius Pilate are portrayed with great credibility, allowing us to understand the historical figures' motives and intentions more fully.
Among the numerous superlative performances, surely the most notable is that of Robert Powell in his role as the Nazarene, whose performance subtly captures the humanity of the Son of God, neither adding human weakness where none is present (vis-a-vis The Last Temptation of Christ), nor resorting to docetic immutability (Greatest Story Ever Told). Indeed, one senses that Jesus is fully aware of who He is in this film.
In terms of scope, detail and production, this film is a must-see, setting a standard of excellence which unfortunately has not been met since. JESUS OF NAZARETH makes for great viewing not only for the seasoned Christian but for seekers and those interested in an intelligent approach to the life of Christ. SUPERB.
Movie Review: Beautiful and aweinspiring
Summary: 5 Stars
This movie on Jesus's life, even after all these years, is the most sensitive, best and most captivating portrayal of Jesus from any film or media. The 'Passion of Christ' never compares even a tiny fraction to this movie. But Jesus of Nazareth has an energy that no other portrayal of Jesus has managed to convey. I remember seeing it for the first time during easter as a child, and being mesmerized by it. Returning to school so many other children had been curious and loved the movie, instead of ridiculing it like children often do with anything that is not viewed as 'hip'.
Robert Powell's portrayal of Jesus is to perfection. He is quiet and mysterious, intense and refined, aweinspiring and does indeed come across as a mystic with greater wisdom. From Powell's acting there is something extraordinary with Jesus from any normal person at his time and his character carries the movie with beauty. In other productions on Jesus the character simply is too much "ordinary joe" to convince the audience, but not this film. Powell had conveyed in an interview that he made hardly any money from the movie at all and it had grabbed the emotions of the cast so much that they refused advertising offers for large money that followed under the concept of the movie.
The story offers so many lessons to the viewer. One of the most beautiful scenes is when Mary Magdalena rushes in to wash Jesus's feet with her hair. Everyone is in judgement of her, everyone looks down at her and doesn't want Jesus to be seen with her at all. Yet many may themselves have been her client. To everyone's horror Jesus takes her in with complete acceptance and blesses her.
Christian or non-christan - even atheists - will find something compelling with this beautiful film. In the end when Jesus has been crucifide, you feel sorrow and truly wonder at the utter stupidity of mankind. You feel that egotism and lack of feeling in men is the cause of all the irresponsible decisions that shape our world. And it is a marvel that even today christianity continues to live in its own dogma and narrow world, exactly like those who condemned Jesus in his own age out of sheer ignorance.