Jesus of Nazareth
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Movie Reviews of Jesus of Nazareth
Movie Review: Rated #1 Classic Movie for the Christian Religion
Summary: 5 Stars
A stunning epic of the life of Christ, Franco Zeffirelli's "Jesus of Nazareth", 1977, is a "must-see" film for all audiences, not only Christian viewers. The 6 1/2-hr masterpiece is by no means just a summary of the Biblical story, but gives you (the viewer) an in-depth and detailed look into the heart of your own Christian faith. And if you disagree with this faith, are undecided, or in ironic terms "unaware" of Christianity, it is time to let this film (as well as, and not at all forgetting, the Holy Bible) speak to your heart. And a FYI to those of us in our little comfort zone of Christianity...this film also breaks and reaches past the boundaries of our traditional views, including popular opinion that one should keep their distance and not rub shoulders with the ungodly world we live in, lest we might become defiled and sinful. But as the actor Robert Powell (starring Jesus) phrased it: "I did not come for the righteous, but to the sinners, that they may enter the Kingdom of God even before you do."
He also makes it very clear to the Pharisees that their boastful self-righteousness or public religious demonstrations will in no way send them to Heaven and condemn the rest of the commoners and the poor. "Everyone is welcome at my Father's table," he said. It is amazing how the movie captures the importance that one is chosen by the election of God, rather than by meritting Eternal Life through one's own deeds or works.
I recommend "Jesus of Nazareth" to watch with your entire family. With famous stars including: James Earl Jones, (one of the wise men); Anne Bancroft, (Mary Magdalene); Ian Holm, (Zera, chief priest of the Sanhedrin); Christopher Plummer, (King Herod); and Robert Powell as the Nazarene.
This motion picture has captured the imagination of the church world today, and if you haven't yet seen the film in its entirety, please do yourself a favor and get it on VHS or DVD.
Movie Review: Judas was NOT a SCHOLAR - Please NOTE!!!
Summary: 5 Stars
I realize that this movie has been the subject of a great number of reviews and I do not intend to review it, but I am writing this to point out a few technical things that need to be addressed due to the greatness of this film and the TREMENDOUS influence it has on new Christians both in a positive and negative way. One piece of fiction,that is unfortunately taken as the literal truth is that the director wanted to give a reason as to why Judas, played so convincingly by Ian McShane, would turn in Christ, so he involved the Judas character with the Zealots, periodically meeting with them. He presents himself to Christ as a "Scholar" and asks Jesus if he could use a scholar among his apostles. Jesus is shown to be tired and tells him to join the others. Unfortunately, new converts associate this as a "scholars are traitors" idea when McShane loses his faith in Christ as the Messiah. This has caused a very anti-scholarly attitude in some modern, popular Jesus movement type of churches and is just completely wrong and without Biblical basis. In reality, without scholars, our Faith would have no Bible! The other problem point is when Christ is missing from the tomb. The Rabbi implies that "now it begins" in a way that makes you think a conspiracy was laid to steal the body of Christ to create religious fiction. What of the Roman soldiers who guarded the tomb? They are never addressed! Also it should be said that this movie was FIRST shown in Movie houses and was panned by critics severely and I think they are suspect as to their motives and should have been called to account because this film , despite a few flaws is still the best movie on the Life of Christ! Thank God word of mouth brought this film out of potential suppression. It's a great film, just keep in mind that it has some fiction thrown in for entertainment continuity and please don't blame scholars for betraying Christ!Movie Review: Jesus of Nazareth: A Worthy Investment of Time And Money
Summary: 5 Stars
It's hard to say whether Franco Zeffirelli's six hour epic on the life of Christ, called Jesus of Nazareth, is the best film I've ever seen. I've seen hundreds of movies, and when I think of personal favorites, classics like Blade Runner, Alien and The Fugative immediately come to mind. I do know however Jesus of Nazareth is the best movie ever made about the Son of God and that it has an effect on me no other movie ever has. It is an inspiring masterpiece which portraits the Savior with reverence. Robert Powell, who was casted as Jesus, is remarkable. He captures the humility and the majesty of the King of kings, although Mr.Powell may have been too handsome for the role: "He hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him (Isaiah 53:2).
As stated, Jesus of Nazareth is a long and thorough biography, with the events regarding the birth of Jesus taking up two hours alone. It's a movie one can watch year round, if even in sections; at Christmas, Easter, Lent, Pentacost, whatever holy days your faith observes. The movie is beautifully filmed and impeccably depicts the times. The performances are captivating and the ministry of the Savior is meted out in a logical and accurate according to the Bible. It's hard to watch the movie from start to finish - sitting still for two hours is rare for me (I give movies 15 minutes to grab my attention, if I'm not jazzed by then, I'm gone) - yet in several sittings I was able to avoid debilitating bed sores (cue laugh track) and give fully my attention to this wonderful and inspiring film. It's deeply emotional in some parts, in particular the crucifixion scenes, but appropriately so.
Jesus of Nazareth educational, spiritual, entertaining and can be enjoyed over and over again. Classic family entertainment of the highest order.
Movie Review: Still the best telling on the life of Jesus
Summary: 5 Stars
I remember watching this TV-Movie when it first aired over several nights in April during the Easter holiday in 1977. It has lost none of its splendor as the DVD transfer is excellent. In fact, it looks and sounds better than I remembered. The cinematography is still stunning and the score is still so moving and stays with you long after the film is over. It played beautifully in my home theater. Even if you don't own a home theater, the music will still touch your soul as does the rest of this film.
The cast is outstanding and Robert Powell is perfectly cast in the role of Jesus. His looks match many depictions of Jesus, but it's his performance that rings so true and authentic. He is so believable in this challenging role. It would be easy to ham up this role or to be wooden. Powell is neither. He is compelling and brings depth to the role of Jesus that no other actor has even come close to before or since.
Zeffirelli's direction is solid, balanced, sincere, and passionate. He has never been better and does his absolute best to get it all "right." He has a lot of ground to cover in telling Jesus' story and manages to pull it off effectively without us feeling cheated in any way. He wisely chooses to focus on the humanity of Jesus, his miracles, and affect of his life on those around him, and not on the elements that could have created another Biblical spectacle with special effects (Ten Commandments).
While much tamer than Mel Gibson's "The Passion", the crucifixion scene is graphic for it's time and still difficult to watch (keep this in mind with younger children). It is very movingly filmed and an unforgettable sequence in a film filled with memorable moments and performances.
Truly, this is a film not to be missed and deserves a place in your DVD collection.
Movie Review: THE Definative Holiday Movie
Summary: 5 Stars
Every Year At Easter And Christmas I Am Compelled To Pull Out This One.Originally Told Over Three Nights,Jesus Of Nazareth Has Been Traditional Easter Fare For Years.Beginning With The Wonderful News That The Virgin Mary's Much Older Cousin Elizabeth Is With Child In Her Twilight Years,The Baby Will Grow To Be John The Baptizer,Jesus' Herald And Cousin.Then Mary Is Visited By The Angel Gabriel Who Tells Mary She Is With Child As Well,Even Tho She Is As Yet Unmarried,And Is Betrothed To The Carpenter Joseph.Following The Birth In The Manger And The Gifts Of The Magi,We Next See Jesus In HIS Teens,Reading The Torah In "My Father's House".
From There It Fast Forwards To The Temptations Of Satan And The Teachings Of The Messiah,Which Will Reach The Ears Of The Pharisees.Christ Is Led To Pontius Pilate And Herod,Who Will Judge The Savior And Carry Out His Sentence.
There Are Many Religious Movies That Have Been Made-The Greatest Story Ever Told,King Of Kings,The Ten Commandments,The Bible,And Others,But This One Is Still My Favorite By Far.In A Faithful Adaptation Of The Gospels Of Christ,Director Franco Zefferelli Masterly Leads Robert Powell As Christ And An Amazing Ensemble Cast In The Telling Of The Life Of Christ,Even Including Mary Magdalene Finding His Tomb Empty.The Cast Boasts The Incredible Talents Of Anne Bancroft,Ernest Borgnine,Claudia Cardinale,James Farentino,Ian Holm,Olivia Hussey,James Earle Jones,Stacey Keach,Tony LoBianco,James Mason,Ian McShane,Sir Laurence Olivier,Donald Pleasance,Christopher Plummer,Anthony Quinn,Fernando Rey,Rod Steiger,Peter Ustinov,Michael York And Newcomer Yorgo Voyagis,Some In Short Cameos,Yes,But All Welcome Performers In A Warm,Joyful Retelling Of The Life Of Christ.This Is The One To Buy For Those Holidays When You Want To Watch The Lord's Passion.