Jesus of Nazareth

Rating:
Summary: The Star of Bethlehem on film. A 'Must' See!
Review: Jesus of Nazareth, dir. Franco Zeffirelli, RAI ITC Entertainments Ltd. 1977, 383 mins., Colour.

Based on a script written by Anthony Burgess, Suso Cecchi D'Amico and Franco Zeffirelli, this is a stylish, lengthy and authentic depiction of the life of Jesus. With an international cast of famous actors, it must rank as one of the best such 'lives' ever filmed. But for all its authenticity, the script-writers evidently found room for a degree of creativity which succeeded in being 'true' to the best traditions of European Christianity, without offending any religious denomination (part of Sir Lew Grade's brief to the artists working on the film).
Of particular interest is the writers' conception of the apostles. Only the characters of Simon Peter, John the 'Beloved Disciple', Thomas, Matthew, Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, are developed to any degree, but this is in keeping with the gospel narratives. James Farentino's Peter comes across as a brash, querulous and fiery man, but one wholly receptive to the voice of God once he is convinced that it emerges from the lips of Jesus. Thereafter, despite his betrayal, he is the most devoted and enthusiastic member of his Lord's immediate circle. Desperately weeping in a doorway after Jesus' crucifixion, Peter crashes his body painfully against the wooden door with a ferocity no actor could easily reproduce.
John (John Duttine) confronts Jesus with all the freshness of a youth likewise seeking certainty, but in a more dynamic form than that offered by the 'old scriptures', which, as he says, seem to 'come alive' in the words of Jesus. Thomas (Bruce Lidington) is at first a fussy small-time official, jealous of his position in the household of Jairus, but, as the story progresses, we see him more fully as a man so wracked by doubt that he has trouble crediting even the evidence of his own eyes. Keith Washington's Matthew is a social outcast so overjoyed to be accepted by Jesus, that he is the first disciple to recognise the full significance of His presence on Earth. In other words, we see much of ourselves in these all-too-human archetypes.
In a paradoxical way, Judas (Ian McShane) is, at least in the short-term, the most important disciple, because without his actions Jesus could not have redeemed mankind through the Cross. The film recognises his importance ironically, when Judas first approaches Jesus hoping to become a disciple: 'But do you need a man like me?' he asks. The viewer is left to draw his own conclusions. But rather than being the simple thief of the gospel portrayal (Jn 12:6), Zeffirelli's Judas is a 'scholar whom the state finds useful', a translator and son of a 'prosperous builder'. He is a non-violent political idealist who believes that 'action, political action' can 'solve everything'.
Central to the characterisation of Judas is the scriptwriters' introduction of an eminent scribe called Zerah (one of the film's most original touches). Zerah is both intellectual and practical, respected by the Jews and Romans alike, but he hoodwinks Judas into betraying Jesus in the belief that an appearance before the Sanhedrin will offer Him an opportunity to prove Himself. The thirty pieces of silver are given to Judas as an afterthought by Zerah, who has no further use for him. Judas hangs himself as Zeffirelli's camera closes in on the discarded blood-money.
At less dramatic moments, Judas is most often seen in the company of Simon Zelotes (Murray Salem), because only they among the twelve have liaisons with the Zealots under the leadership of Amos (Ian Bannen); Judas reluctantly, with a scholar's disdain for the freedom-fighter's cause, Simon with an naïvety which finally disappears as he realises that the real spiritual salvation offered by Jesus is more important than their dream of political liberation.
In keeping with Zeffirelli's assertion that the project had only one star, the Star of Bethlehem, nearly all the other roles are small cameos. Outstanding among these, of course, is Laurence Olivier's Nicodemus. He is conceived as a devout, learned, though timid man, who speaks hesitantly and in a whisper, but with growing conviction as his faith in Jesus grows. Especially profound is his recital of the 'Suffering Servant' passages from 'Isaiah' 53:3-5, delivered when he looks helplessly on the Cross of Christ.
The narrative of this film conflates the gospels; not an ideal procedure, as each specific gospel incident has its own theological function within a unique context, but from a film-maker's point of view, it is difficult to see how the story of Jesus could be appreciated in full without the inclusion of scenes from the various biblical sources. Thus, what we have is a tapestry which brings together many of the more famous biblical scenes or passages: the Raising of Lazarus (Jn. 11:43), the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Lk. 15: 11-32), the Johannine Passion Narrative (Jn. 18-19) and so forth. Indeed, one of the scriptwriters' more felicitous innovations is to use the above Lucan parable as a device which simultaneously redeems Matthew and reconciles him to his bitter enemy, Peter.
But Robert Powell's powerful performance as Jesus is naturally the linch-pin of the whole film. This distinguished British actor gives us a Jesus with clear blue eyes and a mellifluous English accent; a no-nonsense Saviour whose divinity is never in question (except by his enemies). His appearance before Pilate (Rod Steiger) in the famous 'Ecce Homo' scene, wearing a tattered regal cloak and crown-of-thorns, is almost ethereal, and therefore resonantly spiritual. The film's one Resurrection scene presents Jesus and the disciples in a fraternal embrace, as He outlines to them their evangelical task. The story concludes with Zerah and his colleagues gazing despairingly on the empty tomb, and with Zerah's unconsciously prophetic line: 'How it begins. It all begins'. Film-making has seldom reached such heights as these.

Dr. Kenneth D. Farrow
e-mail: <[e-mail]>

Rating:
Summary: Review of the DVD
Review: Based on the quality of the DVD, I would have given it 1 star. The transfer to DVD was awful. Film scratches are evident. Sound quality is very poor. The are few "extras". The cast bio section is weak and the biblical history section is hard to read.
That being said, this is one of the greatest films ever made on Christ. I might go even as far to say it is the only film on Christ.
The strength of the film itself raised this to a 4 star rating. Don't be dissuaded to own a copy of this great film by the poor quality of the DVD. Maybe someday it will be digitally remastered. But why wait until then.

Rating:
Summary: The Best Movie Ever Made
Review: My title says it all; this is the best movie ever made any way you might judge it...story, cast, characterizations, performances, photography, sound - whatever! It has inaccuracies even though it is a work of genius. "Jesus" appears to stand when crucified but He really hung, alternately hanging from His arms until His chest was paralyzed and He could not breathe; then He pushed up from his feet in order to get a breath. The Romans called this "The Dance of Death" and when they got tired of waiting, they'd break the legs of the crucified so that they could not push up to breathe. Jesus most likely suffocated when He was too weak to push up on His feet any longer. I wish that many of the omitted miracles of Jesus were included, also. I consider James Farantino's portrayal of Simon/Peter to be one of the all-time greatest acting performances in the history of film. Anne Bancroft is also superb as Mary Magdalen. This is film of exceptional beauty that brought me to tears many times. The greatest pity is that this DVD is not wide-screen. If it was, I'd buy a number of copies.

Rating:
Summary: A Great Biblical Story For All Ages
Review: Jesus of Nazerath is the best film made by man on the "greatest story" ever told. Jesus of Nazerath comes straight from the Bible. Buy this today, show your friends, your family and everyone else. Bring your heart and enjoy Jesus of Nazerath.

-JWimmer.Com

Rating:
Summary: A Classic
Review: For those of you who might not know, "Jesus of Nazareth" was originally a tv mini-series made in 1977. I have watched it as a full length film and if anything it is more powerful than ever.

I am a Catholic writer and I can tell you that this film moved me to explore my faith more deeply. The casting is absolutely masterful(Robert Powell, Olivia Hussey). Christopher Plummer would have won an Oscar for his portrayal of Herod had this been a movie theater release.

This is a terrific film. Buy it, you'll be happy you did.

Rating:
Summary: great movie...not much dvd stuff
Review: I happen to be Catholic. When I was young, I saw the reairing of it for its 10th anniversary. Sense I wasn't real big on reading at the time, this was my biggest perception of Jesus, and aided me to fall in love with our Savior.

I don't think that any production could ever get the character of Jesus right. I mean this is God made man. He has both Godly nature and human nature.

I loved the movie so much, that about a year ago I bought it on DVD. Now that I am a bit more educated and into reading, I watched it and could point to the inaccursies. Not that a movie could get out of this, it misses some stories I would have enjoyed seeing portrayed, and you can't get the full gist of Jesus without...without really reading the entire bible because ALL of it is connected from Adam and Eve to even the present day.

I mean, if a person truly wanted to make an acurate account on tv, they could make a whole television series on it, not just a mini series. With some elaboration, the show could last for years. Of course it'd have to skip through the genres in the bible that don't fit story telling. But then of course there'd be a whole riot between every different Christian sect and the Jewish sect arguing about its portrayal sense we each have our own opinions on interpriting the bible.

So, for what the movie could be, I love the movie. I think its a good way to introduce young children to Jesus along with other resources.

The Dvd is very basic. There is a little biblical history extras that are difficult to read because of the color scheme. But for viewing the movie, its good. And VHS does detoriate, so this is likely to last you longer.

Rating:
Summary: You Don't Need To Be A Christian To Appreciate
Review: Franco Zefferelli, the director, is a true artist with a camera. The colors, costumes and sets are masterful. Robert Powell has an eerie physical resemblance to Jesus, and a young Olivia Hussey portrays Mary. The cast is packed with famous actors and they seem to be enjoying themselves as they turn in first-rate performances. This film is a visual feast, and hands down the best film that tells the story of Jesus of Nazareth.

Rating:
Summary: The Best Movie About Jesus!!
Review: Originally shown as a Television mini-series Jesus Of Nazareth is the best movie about Jesus, it is my #1 favorite! It is passionate, captivating and touches your heart and soul! There are a lot of wonderful actors in Jesus Of Nazareth but my favorites are Robert Powell as Jesus, James Farentino as Simon Peter, Michael York as John the Baptist and Olivia Hussey as the the Virgin Mary. Robert Powell in my opinion gave the best ever portrayal of Jesus, and Olivia Hussey the best Mary, I have a beautiful picture that I have had since I was a baby of Mary with black hair and blue eyes holding the baby Jesus and beautiful Olivia Hussey with her black hair and blue eyes looks a lot like the the drawing of Mary in my picture. I very highly recommend this movie!

Rating:
Summary: Baruch Hashem
Review: This is the most accurate film of our lord and savior yeshua ha mashiach(jesus the messiah). It shows jesus as a jew, something that many christians and jews forgot I even heard jewish liturgy bieng used in the begining scene when the Rabbi says the keddusah(the sanctifacation) and the blessing in yochanan's brit milah. This truly present a total accuracy of first century Palistine. the acting i must say is awe-striking. You could actually see cephah(peter)acting as violent man hating Mattityahu(matthew)but through yeshua's love he learns to love. This film deserves every person's praise it is biblicaly accuratte and is emmotionly packed. After you watch it you will want to read the gospels over again. It is six hours long, but you will never get bored. This movie shows the yeshua was the true messiah of my people, Israel.

Rating:
Summary: Absolutely Magnificent portrayal of the Life of Our Savior!!
Review: Robert Powell gives a stunning performance of our Lord, Jesus Christ, in this film! Without "over-acting", he was able to communicate effectively in giving the viewer some sense of the reality of the; the compassion, hurt, anger, joy and inutterable suffering our Blessed Lord went through.
(PLEASE NOTE: I use the term, "some sense", because no one except our Lord Jesus Christ, Himself knows exactly how He felt.)
I just wanted to include the above note before someone else decides to correct me on how our Dear Lord "actually" felt. ;)

With a strong supporting cast, this movie is a CLASS of its own!
It's the type of movie that one can watch over and over again and never tire of it.
It is definitely a CLASSIC: A film inwhich one would be proud to add to his personal Collection!

God Bless you all!

DMShae