Rating: 
Summary: a gem that will move you and make you think..
Review: Of all the depictions on film of the crucifixion of Christ, I find this one the most harrowing...it's wrenching as well as uplifting, and the always wonderful Lothaire Bluteau is extraordinary as Jesus in the passion play, and as the actor who won't compromise his art for commercial success, and starts to acquire aspects of Jesus' character into his own.On a lighter note, the "hot" dubbing scene early in the film is hilarious, and there are many other extremely humorous parts. The talented ensemble cast is superb, as good in the comedy as in the drama. Perhaps this is not a film for those with strict beliefs, but if you can accept diverse views, it will move you on many different levels.
Rating:
Summary: If Jesus were alive today...
Review: OK, I'm not reviewing the DVD itself, because I haven't bought it yet; I've been waiting for the subtitled version to come out and it sounds like it just has. You can bet that if this newest version has English subtitles I'm buying it PDQ. My five-star praise is for the movie itself.
I agree with the previous reviewer who said that those with certain strict Christian beliefs may not like this film, because of the nudity, language, and implication that someone can be Christ-like. I, however, found it consistingly touching and thought-provoking. What would happen, really, if Jesus walked amoung us again? Would he be welcomed or shunned? Would he be popular or misunderstood? What is real Christian behavior, anyway? Cases in point -- the behavior of the priest, and the difference in the care that "Jesus" receives in the Jewish hospital versus what he receives in the Christian hospital.
I've recommended this movie to many open-minded Christian friends. If you like movies that make you think long after they're over, try this one.
Rating:
Summary: A moving film
Review: One of the few 'artistic' interpretations of the gospels that really works, I prefer this to 'The last temptation of Christ'. I have watched this film maybe 5 times and am still picking up the subtle modern day 'analogies' of the gospel stories. There are at least more than 20. The modern day version of Jesus' anger at the temple is great. If you are a not a 'hardline' Christian, this film will probably enrich your image of Jesus, regardless of beliefs.
Rating: 
Summary: SHAME!
Review: Shame on the producers of this DVD for not including English subtitles. Shame on Amazon.com for not drawing our attention to this. UNLESS YOU ARE FLUENT IN FRENCH, DO NOT BUY THIS DVD.
Rating:
Summary: English subtitles now available
Review: Thank god someone has finally released Jesus of Montreal on DVD with English subtitles. It appears that the new DVD release published in November 2004 by Koch Lorber is now available from Amazon. Oddly, the package artwork and slogan ("passion is absurd"? Give me a break!) bear no relationship to the film. Hopefully the odd marketing does not reflect on the quality of the film transfer and subtitles.
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: Thoroughly post-modern Jesus
Review: The transformative nature of the life and words of Christ work through the presentation of an updated version of the Passion Week drama. For anyone looking to understand post-modern theology, this movie is an excellent example. The actors are brought to a new way of looking at their "jobs" by experiencing the Christ in person through living with the Word as drama. Could be used in small groups or seminary classes.
Rating:
Summary: Exquisite
Review: This film is by far the finest Christian analogy I have ever seen. The chasm between this film and any others in this genre is hard to stretch your brain across if you haven't seen the film. The analogy is never voiced; it's left to the viewer to infer, and is so powerful, that it touched even this Jew. The purpose of the analogy isn't to convert people to Christianity, so the film doesn't get bogged down in didacticism; the filmmakers have simply tapped into the potency of the gospel stories, which even a non-Christian can appreciate in a film that is well-made. This film is well-made. The camera work is exquisite, and the performances of the three lead actors are outstanding. I won't cheapen them by saying they are "oscar quality," or anything like that. The actors don't seem to be working for pay or accolade, but because they wanted this film to be made. Lothaire Bluteau, in particular, the Jesus figure throws so much into everything, I can picture him after each take, like a dancer, or a boxer, flopping into his chair sweat-drenched, grabbing a water bottle, while his manager towels him down, and someone massages his shoulders. The characters in the film come by their gospel alter-egos as out of work actors hired by a priest to pump up his parish passion play. Simple story right? The analogy has already begun to unfold, and the audience doesn't even know it yet; there's no hint of things to come. I was fortunate to see this movie on the screen, but I have rented it since, forcing friends to watch it (they're never sorry). It will always be one of my favorites.
Rating:
Summary: WARNING! WARNING! WARNING!
Review: This is one of my favorite films but WARNING! WARNING! WARNING! the DVD I received from Amazon.com is in FRENCH ONLY and does NOT offer a sub-title track!!! Unless you speak French fluently DO NOT ORDER THIS EDITION!
Rating:
Summary: An interesting portrayal of Christ
Review: This modern theology twist of the traditional Easter Passion play does present the story with a uniqueness not seen in other Jesus films. The first part of the movie works better than the second part. The modern parallels between the life of Christ and the character of Christ are intriguing as he slowly becomes a modern day Christ. The movie however, does NOT follow traditional Christian doctrines such as the virgin birth and the bodily resurrection of Jesus. It seeks to de-mythologize Christianity completely. It's an entertaining and provocative movie though if you can look past the bad theology.
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