Peter & Paul DVD
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Movie Reviews of Peter & Paul DVD
Movie Review: PETER &PAUL AND THE CHRISTIAN REVOLUTION
Summary: 5 Stars
It is so good, It tells the story as it happened in the Bible.Very good actingMovie Review: PAUL! ... and peter
Summary: 4 Stars
I thoroughly enjoyed this movie in spite all of its flaws. The film is well acted, beautifully shot, and moving. However, I was disappointed in its portrayal of Peter--and I agree with another reviewer that this film has a definite pro-Protestant bias, as evidenced by its exultation of Protestant hero Paul and its lukewarm treatment of the man whom Catholics call the first Pope. The film should have really been called "PAUL THE GREAT ... and Peter the near-failure."
The film opens with the stoning of Stephen. Peter has already relinquished control of the Christian church to James the Less, and Paul is on the prowl for Christian blood. The film then follows Paul through his amazing conversion and aggressive evangelical campaign, pausing briefly to depict the beheading of James the Great and the imprisonment and subsequent flight of Peter.
We then follow Paul throughout his missions to Asia Minor, Greece, and Eastern Europe, and we meet a slew of familiar yet exciting characters: Silas, Titus the Galatian, John Mark, young Timothy, and Luke, who has the lanky physique and quietly charismatic persona of a rock band's bassist. Peter and Paul go to Antioch together where they have a fight about the Jerusalem Council's final decision. This puzzled me--in Acts, the final decision is handed down during the council, and Paul never objects to its few stipulations.
Where's Peter throughout all of Paul's adventures? Who knows. We see him moping in Galilee a few times, fishing or talking to his wife. At one point we see him fixing a boat with Mark, telling John that he's apparently failed his mission to Jesus. There is absolutely no hint in the movie that this was the man who converted thousands of people with a single speech, evangelized throughout Palestine, raised people from the dead, and commanded the lame to get up and walk. Also absent from the film is the vision that led to Peter's own decision to convert Gentiles--separate from Paul's decision, and miraculous in its own right. No, instead we get a boring, simpering, powerless guy who'd rather fish and complain than get up and do something. Why all of the omissions? Well, my feeling is that a more forceful portrayal of Peter would detract from the film's thesis: that Paul was a revolutionary who stepped up to the plate when everyone else ran away, and without Paul, there would be no Christianity.
In the film, Peter finally redeems himself when he--guess what?--decides to "follow in Paul's footsteps." Historically, there is little evidence to suggest that Peter's missions and voyages to areas in Asia Minor were undertaken in an effort to imitate Paul or reinforce the places Paul had already evangelized. And as for the end of the film, when Peter arrives in Rome to find that Paul has already been executed? Well, tradition generally suggests that the two were in Rome at the same time--together, alive--and that they were executed around the same time.
As for the other characters--those who accompany Paul on his journeys really shine. As for the Jerusalem consort? James the Less is portrayed as he always is--as a total tool, not as a guy who fended off devastating persecution and was eventually thrown from the temple to his death (which took place before Paul's death). John delivers his lines with little or no emotion--even after the bloody martyrdom of his brother.
And yet, in spite all of this, I loved the film. It's exciting, colorful, and passionate, and Peter's gruesome crucifixion would have to bring tears to the eyes of the most unreligious viewer. I just wish it hadn't sought to make such convenient foils out of Peter and Paul, two men who, despite all their differences, got along better than most people realize.
Movie Review: Though flawed, still powerful
Summary: 4 Stars
Though I'm not one normally drawn to cheap TV versions of Biblical stories, I was attracted to this film by several famous actors, most notably Anthony Hopkins. This was the hook that got me to watch; I was glad I did.
Positives: Excellent acting from Hopkins, Foxworth, and Davies; insight into the tensions between Jewish Christians and Gentile Christians; strong script and dialogue; thoughtful presentation of Scripture.
Negatives: Poor acting (or rather, casting) of Albert and Burr; heavy focus on Paul and little portrayal of Peter's effective role as an early Christian leader; some sections of weak script and scenes that should have been cut/trimmed.
Let me flesh out the positives a little more. Hopkins is mostly brilliant in his portrayal of Paul. At times, he is riveting such as when discussing with the Jerusalem Christians the need for the Gentiles to be welcomed into the Christian faith. Unfortunately, the first fifteen minutes of the movie (also the weakest portion of the movie, in my opinion) portray Paul with a completely different personality that does not make sense, nor is it effective. However, for most of the movie Hopkins does very well. Likewise, Foxworth's portrayal of Peter is dramatically effective. I enjoyed his acting, though I believe the scripted portrayal of Peter was less the rash and passionate Peter portrayed in the Scriptures, but rather a pensive, indecisive, and guilt-ridden Peter. Nevertheless, Foxworth does well.
This movie doesn't follow the Biblical narratives in exacting detail, though it does an admirable job. Yes, the Stephen's martyrdom is weakly portrayed; some of Paul's epistles are delivered verbally "in person" rather than in letter form. There are some flaws...Paul's beard changes goes from dark-gray-dark-gray often in the film... It is truly a TV movie made with a TV movie's budget. Still, this is a well done effort, above average, and a great movie to watch with the whole family.
Movie Review: The Book of Acts made interesting and understandable!
Summary: 4 Stars
First, I agree with other reviewers here that the portrayal of Paul the Apostle by Anthony Hopkins is a standout performance worthy of an emmy nomination. Robert Foxworth's Peter is also interestingly done but our information is lacking about his ministry when he disappears after Chapter 7 in the book of Acts. Therefore the movie focuses on Paul's attempt to unite Jew,Greek and Roman in a trinity of new Christian faith and this film delivers on that concept, even though it is somewhat romanticized. Some very effective scenes remind you of "Jesus of Nazareth". One suprise is when Paul is being confronted by his "thorn in the flesh" while consulting with Barnabas and Mark, you hear a mysterious sound that is tough to catch but Mark inquires what it is to which Paul replies "just an animal". (Actually it is a devil). Also there is a great confrontation with the woman who throws her voice into statues and animals to ridicule Paul's ministry. When Paul tells her that she won't have the power to do that again it is effective enough to put a fear of the Lord into you! We get to see the journeys of Paul and Barnabas (you will notice a gradual decline in the richness of Barnabas shown in his clothing) , we meet Luke, Timothy, Silas, Mark and get a basic grip on what the spread of Christianity was all about in the ancient world. Nero's fay behavior will get on your nerves especially when he is engaged in conversations about Paul with his jailer. Paul's triumphant entry as a prisoner into Rome will remind you of Jesus and his entry into Jerusalem so much so that it can bring a tear to your eye. The original scene of Paul forgiving the Axeman when he is beheaded has been removed for some reason on this DVD. Well recommended to anyone who wants some insight into the early development of the Church and to understand persecution of the apostles!Movie Review: PAUL...and peter
Summary: 4 Stars
I completely agree with other reviews that this portrayal of Peter misses the truth, but I also enjoyed the film very much for it's other wonderful aspects. This is clearly NOT 100% accurate, as one reviewer suggests, but it is still inspirational and exciting. One thing that seems to be COMPLETELY missing are any BAPTISMS and CONFIRMATIONS (baptisims with water, and then the laying on of hands and baptising with fire, the holy spirit.) Clearly, according to all biblical accounts these are required ordinances which were primary in the work being done. I'm surprised we don't even see Paul himself being baptised and confirmed a member of Jesus Christ's church. He's had a vision, then upon regaining his sight, he's simply offered this "wish" by his visitor, "that the Holy Spirit may be with him." NO, No, No, things are just not left to chance. All are instructed, "To Recieve the Holy Spirit," after they've been baptised by submersion, symbolizing death with Christ, and then life.
No, we don't need to see every person baptised, but this movie portrays Paul's mission as mostly preaching. I think a few baptisms and confirmations would have solidified the truth of the work and it's ultimate purpose of establishing Christ's true church through the ordinances Jesus himself was required to partake of in the Fathers plan of salvation.