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Jesus of Nazareth

Jesus of Nazareth

List Price: $24.98
Your Price: $18.74
Product Info Reviews

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Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Good even for the non-believers
Review: OK, right off, I don't believe a word of this stuff. This guy was briefly a carpenter, right? Well, don't you think someone would have kept a chair, even a napkin ring? Anything? But the point is that you can be a complete skeptic and still like this film - just treat it as the telling of a myth. The faithful doesn't need any motivation, but this film has emotional power regardless of what you bring to it, it's very good.

The best way to approach this is to get in sympathy with the hero in the same way as you would, oh say, a scientist who knows the world is coming to an end but can't get anyone to listen, that sort of thing. Once you adopt JC in that manner, he's very easy to like, because Robert Powell plays him lights-out. It helps of course that he's the spitting image of all those glowing light-skinned pictures in your spinster aunt's hallways, but Powell cops just the right attitude too, sure of himself, but not too cocky (that would be like, a sin, right?).

Not everything works. For example, the Borgnine cameo is very stiff and pious, and personally I turn off once the blood starts flowing, it's just not a very attractive story, sort of like the sickening ending in "Braveheart" (I trust you know the plot?). But up to that point ever scene has some element to find pleasure in.

It's remarkable at the time that the religious establishment was worried about this film, that it would humanize the Christ, and all that. But they were dead wrong, and acknowledged it right away after seeing it, because there couldn't be a better advertisement for a religion than this film. It puts to shame the silly epics of the 50's and nothing since has dimmed its standing as the best Christian film of all time. I bet millions of the religious have worn out their DVD player on this one, and I don't blame them a bit.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: WELL WORTH YOUR TIME!
Review: "Jesus Of Nazareth" is the best movie on the life of Jesus
that I have ever had the pleasure to see. Robert Powell puts
his heart and soul into his portrayal of the Christ and it is
felt throughout the movie. I don't think it is necessarily his
looks or his body structure, but the way he allows the spirit of
Jesus to come forth in his portrayal of the Savior, if you will allow yourself to be submerged in the story, it will take you
before the face of God! How many movies can do that? All of the actors did an outstanding job.
My family and I watch this every year. We never grow tired of seeing it, nor do we mind sitting for hours on end soaking in the story of our Lord! Saint and sinner would have to say bravo to this well made film, one you do not want to miss seeing!

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: THE BEST MOVIE ABOUT JESUS EVER MADE.
Review: ROBRT POWELL IS THE BEST JESUS I'VE EVER SEEN IN MOVIE HISTORY. HE BRINGS SO MUCH COMPASSION AND HEART TO THE ROLE THAT YOU FEEL LIKE YOU'RE EXPERIANCING THESE THINGS AS THEY REALLY WERE. MICHAEL YORK PLAYS JOHN THE BAPTIST AND IS SUCH A JOY TO WATCH TOO.

IF YOU HAVE NEVER SEEN THIS MOVIE I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT.

IT ALSO STARS JAMES EARLE JONES AS ONE OF THE WISE MEN.

IT TAKES YOU FROM HIS BIRTH TO HIS DEATH AND RESURRECTION.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Best Jesus Movie Ever!
Review: This is without a doubt the best movie on Jesus. Robert Powell's portrayal of Jesus Christ is so awesome and genuine. It's weird to because the way Powell looks is the way I picture Jesus exactly, but of course, me or anyone else doesn't know how Jesus looks. Everyone defintley needs to see this movie! It could change your life!

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: The Best Biography of Jesus's Life
Review: This 1977 made-for-TV classic is the best version of Jesus's story filmed to date. The cast is an all-star lineup second-to-none and Robert Powell gives the greatest performance of Jesus to date.
If you only ever watch one film on the life of Jesus, this is the one to see. At six hours in length, you can sure it goes into some great detail, but that's what I love so much about this version. This is history done true to form, and does not represent Jesus romantically or epically.
I highly recommend this version of Christ's story over all others!

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: THE MOST AWESOME JESUS MOVIE EVER!!!!
Review: I OWN "THE GREATEST STORY EVER TOLD", "THE LIFE OF JESUS", and "THE MIRACLE MAKER". THEY ALL HAVE POSITIVE ELEMENTS TO THEM BUT "JESUS OF NAZARETH" IS MY ALL TIME FAVORITE MOVIE. IT IS FULL OF WONDER AND BEAUTY AND IS SCRIPTURALLY SOUND. NO CHRISTIAN SHOULD FOREGO OWNING IT. **
Robert Powell as Jesus Christ, **
Anne Bancroft, Ernest Borgnine, James Farentino, James Earl Jones, Stacy Keach, James Mason, Laurence Olivier, Donald Pleasence, Christopher Plummer, Anthony Quinn, Ralph Richardson, Rod Steiger, Peter Ustinov, Michael York...

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: A masterpiece
Review: Has there ever been a better rendition of the greatest story ever told than Franco Zeffirelli's masterpiece?

Magnificent, moving, riveting, convincing, powerful, awe-inspiring...I can go on and on. The Bible seems to come to life before your eyes...you will experience a wondrous sense that this just might be how it really was.

Here are some things I particularly liked:

* The characters are very human. Mary weeps hysterically at the Crucifixion. Peter initially hates Matthew the tax collector. Pilate is utterly exasperated by the Jews' unrest and bewildering customs. The Sanhedrin passionately debate Jesus' actions and teachings, with particularly riveting speeches by Nicodemus and Caiaphas. John poignantly speaks of his impending eclipse after baptizing Jesus.

* The miracles are dramatic, yet are also portrayed with restraint. Only Mary sees or hears Gabriel. Only John hears the voice during Jesus' baptism. We see the lame walk, the blind see, the possessed gain peace, the dead rise - but we do not actually see the bread and fish multiply. When Jesus dies, there is no eclipse or earthquake - instead, for the only time in the film, it rains. Special effects, which inevitably would focus attention on themselves rather than the miracles, are generally not used. This low-key, sometimes mysterious portrayal makes the miracles more believable.

* Joseph, not described much in the Bible, gets a great deal of treatment. We see him teach carpentry, react to Mary's news, ask a rabbi advice. We later see his death. There is a striking scene where he has a nightmare of Mary running from a mob about to stone her.

* The film stresses Jesus' Jewish heritage. Joseph has sidelocks. Jesus is bar-mitzvahed and called "Jesus bar-Joseph". John the Baptist's mourners put small stones on his grave. Jesus invokes the Exodus and Mount Sinai during the Last Supper.

* Roman oppression is a constant background theme. Roman soldiers enter Nazareth and confiscate some food just after the bar-mitzvah. The Zealots seethe and want to involve John the Baptist and Jesus in their revolution. We learn that the Romans once did not have enough scaffolds during a mass crucifixion - so they nailed Jews to Jerusalem's walls.

* I was particularly impressed by Robert Powell (Jesus), Michael York (John the Baptist), Peter Ustinov (Herod the Great), and Rod Steiger (Pilate).

* A few other points: The score is hauntingly powerful, the scenery is convincing, the violence is mostly left to the imagination, the Last Supper is treated at length, and the Parable of the Prodigal Son gets a beautiful extra meaning when told before Peter and Matthew. We also get to hear James Earl Jones (one of the Magi) speak!

Here are some things I wish were different:

* The film was originally presented in four episodes. It should not be unnaturally divided among three tapes. Also, a deluxe package and at least one bonus feature (such as an interview with Zeffirelli) would be appropriate.

* The boy Jesus has very bright blond hair, much lighter than Robert Powell's - unlikely in year one Palestine.

* Even with 6 1/2 hours, the film still omits several notable events, such as the wedding at Cana, the temptation in the desert, and the Transfiguration. The passion in Gethsemane could get more treatment.

* Mary does not age enough in the film.

* The film climaxes with the Resurrection. The Ascension is only implied.

Some other points of interest:

* According to the History Channel's commentary on Easter, Dustin Hoffman and Al Pacino (!) were considered for the title role.

* Judas is portrayed as one of Simon's fellow Zealots. He hands Jesus over thinking he will only be questioned, not put to death.

Thanks to the reviewers who warned that the DVD is disappointing. Hopefully we will not have to wait too long for the DVD this film deserves.

This work concerns the central story of Christianity - but it will appeal to anyone of any faith who enjoys a great epic sincerely told with loving attention to detail. This classic is truly a work of art!

Rating: 2 stars
Summary: Glazed-over Jesus. Robert Powell on downers?
Review: The biggest turn off for me in watching Jesus of Nazareth is the glazed over eyes, slow "righteous" speech patterns that Powell and many others continue to do in these types of films. Come on Hollywood these were real, historical people in extroardinary situations not bleary eyed monsters from b-movies! The demon possession scene-Jesus had an echo/reverb-effect on his voice, interesting use of something unecessary. The best film on Jesus is still the one called "Jesus" by Campus Crusade starring Brian Deacon. Avoid any of the earlier Jesus films with Ed Wynn, John Wayne, Telly Savalas and even a young James Dean as John. I could've sworn I saw John Wayne pull a six-shooter on Pontius Pilate. Please correct me if i'm wrong.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: The 10 Commandments is the Best Moses Movie; So is J.O.N.
Review: The Best, The Best, and The Best at present, is this Masterpiece.
There is not in this planet earth, one other movie about My Lord and Savior that expresses exactly how I believe him to have been, when he was walking on the face of this earth.
Captivating, Super emotional movie. You will cry and cry, and will love Jesus after watching this movie. If I was a billionaire when this movie was in the making, I'd pay every one in this movie hugely well, so that even more details could be put in the movie, specially scenes of superb visual effects which were not made, like: The Transfiguration of Jesus on the mount when his body and face shone whiter than snow and many other things happened up there and even God himself speaks up there.
Like, when Jesus walks on top of the sea of Galilee on a stormy night, and agrees to Peter to come walk up to him, to meet him over the waters.
Like, his lighning ressurection at the right time, giving off light so supernatural, That today we have his Shroud in Turim, Italy.
I bought the 3 vhs version from amazon. I lost it, now I'll buy this DVD as soon as I have a chance. I can't live without the Best movie of Jesus ever made til present. The Music in this movie, Oh my God!!! it's the best ever made as well. The instruments, the superb sacred inspirational melodies; "it's tripping" the movie soundtrack is available here at amazon. I bought it and listen to it when I go to sleep, in , my car, believe me, I am still looking for orchestrated music like this one around and could not yet find.
Jesus mom, Mary, has one of the few most beautiful holy faces on a woman being conceived in this world. No wonder she played Juliet in the movie from the same director "Zefirelli" in Romeo and Juliet. Who comes close? brooke shields in Blue Lagoon only?
Peter the disciple of Jesus in this movie is Peter like no other could have been in any other movie. You know something? I would say almost every actor in this movie if not all actors make you think they are really the real thing. Of course, John the Baptist is so convinving. Boy, close to this movie is the movie "Ben Hur". Love it, love it, Love it. If only Robert Powell played Jesus in "Ben Hur", the Director would surely make his Face visible and it would probably win the 10th oscar just for that. Because "Robert Powell, plays Jesus like I dream Jesus would have been, and Looks like I dream Jesus would have looked.
Go ahead, buy it. I am sure will love and own this movie for ever till you are alive. Let's pray this movie never runs out of reproduction like Jesus life is never ending, and pray that Amazon supports this world wonder movie that tells "like no other" the story of our Lord and Savior: Jesus Christ.
Rating: 5 stars
Summary: jesus of nazareth
Review: It is the best movie about the life of Christ, I have seen in along time. The other movies were good. But, they did not have the depth that this movie portrayed. I thought Robert Powell was fantasic as Jesus. He showed his divinity as well as humanity when he lived among people on earth. We need more movies like this one. Instead of the junk that is on TV and Motion Pictures. More values instead of trash. This is my opinion.
Thanks,
Lee Mansfield


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