Jesus of Montreal

Rating:
Summary: Powerful, moving and thought-provoking
Review: I first saw this movie just after its release and it still has the power to move me to tears. Ostensibly about a group of actors putting on an updated Passion play in Montreal, it has a deeper significance. The actors are superb, and the use of subtitles does nothing to diminish the lovely French-Canadian accents and the excellent dialogue. The use of Montreal backdrops throughout the movie is just splendid, including Mont Royale and Metro stations. *Jesus of Montreal* displays a healthy cynicism towards the church and all other institutions for their hypocrisy, lack of courage, and concerns with all things material. The use of humour throughout is deft and effective. The action develops very well, and builds up its own momentum as it does so; the actor playing Christ becomes more and more Christlike, as the effects of an accident become more apparent. There is, however, a horrible inevitability about where and how this is all going to end. The final scene (involving organ transplantation) represents the resurrection of Christ in a highly original - and deeply moving - way. One for sceptics and believers alike - Jesus of Montreal will make both groups re-consider their positions.

Rating:
Summary: A very human Passion Play
Review: It's been quite a few years since I've seen this movie, but for some reason, I've recently started thinking about it and connecting all the dots. As much as I enjoyed it originally, I've developed a new appreciation of it. Other reviewers have described it well, so I'll just give an "Amen" to their praise. I now marvel at how subtly and ingeniously the film's makers made the characters surrounding the theater troupé mirror the characters surrounding the main people in the original Passion story. Could the people in the Gospels' account have been real flesh-and-blood people, and not just characters in a mythical morality tale? This film will convince you they could have been. All aspects of the production are excellent. Blutheau was superb as Daniel/Jesus. His motivations and actions are as inscrutible as those of the original Jesus. When Daniel died, nothing happened. Or did it? You decide. Just as you must decide concerning the original Jesus' death. A tantalizing and intrigueing movie.

Rating:
Summary: Thanks for the warning!
Review: Thanks for the warnings, everyone! I'm taking this off my wish-list. I liked this movie (saw an old taped version off TV once) but only know a little French. Certainly not enough to follow the film without subtitles. That's too bad because I was looking forward to seeing the movie again.

Rating:
Summary: Brilliant!!! Fantastic!!!!! Wonderful!!!! Timeless!!!
Review: This movie is a true masterpiece! It portrays the story of an artsy theatre group in their contraversal production based on the life of Jesus Christ. The characters are realistic and full of life. The cinematography is excellent and the story manages to send a timeless message into our modern life. I've watched it a dozen times and I never get tired of it! Every time I experience something new! This is a must see for any movie fan! It is a great tribute to the people of the fantastic City of Montreal and their culture!!!!! It's message is beautiful and easy to understand - no matter what language you speak!