The Greatest Story Ever Told

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Summary: Forgive them Lord for they know not what they do...
Review: A classic example of overblown insensitive Hollywood biblical-epic filmaking. Unlike the sensitively told and awe-inspiring King Of Kings, TGSET is an overlong and unmoving experience for the viewer from start to finish, from it's corny cinematography (which makes the movie look like a Hallmark greeting card come to life) to it's unbelievably crass casting, including Pat Boone, Shelly Winters, and most notoriously John Wayne as a Roman soldier("this truly was the son of Gaawd!"). Among all the hammy scenery-chewing acting, the only person to really shine is the wonderful Max Von Sydow who sensitively attempts to portray Jesus, though his Swedish accent kind of ruins everything. Film fans would be much better off buying King Of Kings or The Gospel According To Matthew.

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Summary: Greastes Story...is the greatest!
Review: This is the best movie ever about Jesus. There are many reasons. I will mention two. One, Charlton Heston as John the Baptist. Need I say more? Secondly, the scene of Lazarus being raised from the dead. The "Hallelujah Chorus" at that time is one of the most inspiring moments in movies. Nothing, for Christians, is more inspiring than the "Hallelujah Chorus", but to add it to the scene which best depicts Jesus' power is awe inspiring. Remember that Jesus had to specify which person he wanted to "come forth", or every dead person in that cemetery would have risen from the dead.

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Summary: The Ultimate Case Where the Book is Better
Review: Do not pick up your New Testament & follow along with this movie, the characterizations & plot move in & out of biblical history that I stop watching the movie 3 times without ever finishing the movie. Then again; we all know how the movie "Should" end. Maybe better written: How can you make a movie called "The Greatest Story Ever Told" while changing the plot of the greatest story ever told?

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Summary: The Greatest Story is Retold
Review: Made in the 1950's, where many epic movies were made, "The Greatest Story Ever Told" is a retelling of the classic story of Jesus Christ. Filmed in Arizona and with a cast of thousands, this film is a homage to the life of Jesus, played here by Max Von Sydow. The director, cast, and crew spend much of their time recreating what happend in Palestine, 2,000 years ago. Though slow at some parts, the Christian family should watch it for Easter or Christmas.

The landscape somewhat resembles ancient Israel, and the sets are suberbly done, giving us a desert-like feel. The music is soft and sweeping; a powerful scene in the film would be the resurrections of Lazarus and Christ, in which a Handle "Hallelujiah" chorus is sung. All those movie-making elements help create a retelling of the life of Jesus, ranging from his birth at Christmas Eve, and continueing from his adulthood, his ministry, and ending with climax at the Easter Resurrection. It includes a cast of thousands, including John Wayne. Recommended for those who love Biblical epics.

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Summary: An epic
Review: I really love this film. I don't really care that it isn't completely faithful to the Bible, I think this film captures the essence of Jesus' teachings better than the other films. Max Von Sydow is wonderful and convincing. And Charleston Heston steals the show as John the Baptist. A wonderful tribute to the greatest man to ever live. You can't go wrong with this one, get it!

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Summary: Pretty bad
Review: Whether or not you like this movie will depend on how serious you are about the New Testament. Obviously, the producers were not very concerned with sticking to the Bible account. Many things (e.g. how Jesus comes up with His disciples and many, many others) are freely invented. It is most certainly NOT the most accurate movie about the life of Jesus Christ - even an atheist would have to agree with that. Not worth your money.

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Summary: A Great and Moving film about Jesus
Review: This in my opinion is one of the best films on Jesus Christ that was ever made. It is moving and the film I have seen.

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Summary: Wonderful movie, wish it had been longer!
Review: Reading the other reviews I lost count how many of them referred to this movie as "over-long". Frankly, one of my professors calls this "the McDonalds Mentality". Most people today, and the vast majority of us under 40 are so used to getting everything in soundbites, in between commercials, snacks (especially fast food), cell phone calls, etc. They don't have the patience to write a letter, cook a real meal, read a long book or savor a longer movie like George Stevens masterpiece "The Greatest Story Ever Told". I wish the DVD contained the original cut of the film, 260 minutes, as well as the present 195 minute presentation. The beggining of the film feels far to rushed. The ending of the film, fortunately, is sublime and true to the Gospel accounts of these profound events. A lifetime acheivment Academy Award is over-due for Max Von Sydow. Thanks for reading. CAL

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Summary: Certainly is the greatest story ever told.
Review: This new DVD is beautiful. It is actually a few minutes longer than the Roadshow Cinerama engagement back in 1965. The 5.1 sound on a THX system is chilling. The music score itself brings tears to your eyes. As for the story of Christ i believe this is the best you will ever see. The all star cast plus the excellent work of Max Von Sydow as Christ is the most believable you will ever see. I feel very humble when i watch this movie and my faith excells more and more with each showing and i learn more an more also.Do youself a favor, forget all those other films especially the so-called epics of the life of Jesus and get this one. It is beautifully made and has an incredible music score to back up each powerful scene. You will be blown away with emotion.

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Summary: Good Film, Could Have Been Better
Review: One of the most-seen and best-known films on the life of Christ, THE GREATEST STORY EVER TOLD is grand and inspirational, greatly due to the score from Handel's MESSIAH and beautiful photography. Yet director George Stevens fails at conveying the majesty of the Nazarene's person by reducing him from The Eternal Word made flesh to a holier-than-thou cutout surrounded by cameos of period Hollywood stars.

The movie attempts to create a backdrop of Roman oppression and social unrest among the Judaeans from which the Messiah emerges as Light of the World. Yet the socio-political theme is not properly tied to Jesus' ministry, and quickly evolves into ghastly sights without proper meaning or explanation. People are represented as little more than props throughout, two-dimensional figures staring piously at the ground while Jesus (ably played by Max von Sydow) passes by.

What I found particularly vexing was the film's flirtation with antisupernaturalism, which made the Son of God's miracles appear to be the product of psychosomatic suggestion (the cripple He heals seems to have gotten better on his own) or deceit (the resurrection of Lazarus is not seen directly, but the news -or story- is spread by apostles among the crowds). Many other miracles were mentioned amidst cynicism from the status quo. I find the director's objective with this uncertain.

The film improves with the Palm Sunday scene, with the film reaching cosmic proportions at the Lord's Supper: Seeing Jesus Christ providing the Eucharist enlivens the soul, as His hands seem to radiate truth and holiness. I always end up in tears at the Crucifixion; the procession to Calvary is reminiscent of a stained glass window. Sydney Poitier's appearance as Simon of Cyrene is the only worthwhile cameo in the film, as he dutifully carries the Cross, a brief task that immortalized this man forever. The Crucifixion is fittingly the most powerful moment in the film, as dramatic and evocative as a Rembrandt painting. Truly compelling and emotional.

Despite its many shortcomings I enjoy this film for its worthwhile presentation of some of the most important events in the life of the Son of Man, particularly the Passion. Recommended for the Holidays and for devotional viewing.