Rating: 
Summary: Now It Begins
Review: Certain events in our life are forever etched into our being. This adaptation of Jesus' life is one of those events. Robert Powell's portrayal of Jesus is exactly as I have pictured Jesus in my heart. Powell's countenance and understanding of his (Jesus') purpose is without a doubt one of the best performances EVER!As "A Christmas Carol" is our tradition at Christmas, "Jesus of Nazareth" is our Easter tradition. You and your family deserve the pleasure and sense of wonder this film delivers.
Rating:
Summary: Emotionally Moving Depiction
Review: At first glance, I found the all-star cast to be a bit distracting (ie. British Actor Robert Powell as Jesus). However, Zefirelli quickly overcomes this by staying quite true to the Gospel's stories and messages. Additionally, incredibly passionate performances (ie. British Actor Robert Powell as Jesus) as well as a stirring score allow one to settle in and absorb the true power of Jesus' story. Additionally, I think it was a Godsend(literally)that it was originally made for TV. I find that the many fade-outs (I assume originally intended for commercial interruption) wonderfully break-up the many parts of Jesus's journey. Considering the length of the film, it allows the viewer to easily come back and begin where you left off. Personally, I paced it out over a week which really gave a me feel that I was physically following Jesus through the many stages of His life (making it more of an event rather than just a film). I could see it making an excellent suppliment to any Scripture reading or teaching. I truly feel this is the most potent and successful attempt at making Jesus's life visual for all to see.
Rating:
Summary: One of the best "Jesus" films out there!
Review: It will be interesting how much Mel Gibson's new movie starring Jim Cavaziel will take from this movie. This is so far one of the most realistic scenes of "The Passion" ever on film. The director did a great job of putting the camera right there as Jesus is walking to his death. Makes a person feel you are witnessing the event hands on at that moment, not for everyone to see, very tough to watch without crying. I loved the time it took to get the feel that you are in Palestine to the background, to the clothes and to the food, (Jesus eats a Pomengrate, which was the fruit of that time and territory) worth having in your collection. Robert Powell, one of the realistic Jesus ever on film, excellent acting by everyone!:)
Rating:
Summary: A LABOR OF LOVE
Review: This is THE Jesus movie to see, if ever there was one! Twenty years ago I had the good fortune to discuss these miniseries with director Franco Zeffirelli, and he told me a few things that may answer some doubts and comments I've read in the reviews: * Although the film unequivocally asserts the divinity of Jesus, there are no special effects to stress this point: no choir of angels, no beams of light coming out of a body, no spurts of fire, or talking lions or "Presto!-what-have-we-got-here?" kind of miracles. Zeffirelli's Jesus is a man doing extraordinary things in quite ordinary terms. The movie greatly benefits from this. * This is no Technicolor epic. There are no mammoth sets or parades in full regalia. Jerusalem doesn't look like the Acropolis and Jesus doesn't preach with a mike. Instead, Zeffirelli drenches the movie with a certain Renaissance look: some scenes and shots remaind you of a Raphael or Caravaggio by way of dim focus or intense chiaroscuro. The results are far more spectacular than any other biblical film you've seen. * For those who complain that Robert Powell doesn't look Jewish at all, Zeffirelli told me that his wasn't an archeollogical quest and that the role of Jesus is one quite impossible to fill, no matter how good an actor you've got. Instead of figuring out how the real Jesus looked like (?), he went to the masters and picked the best Christ he thought was ever portrayed. His choice -mine also- was El Greco's: an elongated living flame in flesh and blood. Powell's countenance does convey this idea and the actor deserves a standing ovation for his bravura performance. * The fact that this is not a documentary doesn't mean that the movie is ill-researched. Far from it, great care was taken to accurately portray customs, housing, food and garb in Palestine circa 1 A.D. Though nobody knows for sure how life was about in those times, Zeffirelli's recreation is outstandingly believable. * There are no villains in the story, and one does appreciate that. Pharisees and Romans are not depicted as "bad guys" but as intelligent persons well capable of convincingly argue against what Jesus means and preaches. Anthony Quinn's no-nonsense Caiaphas clearly points out why Christianity is nothing but heresy to Jewish Faith, and even Jesus supporters in the Sanhedrin agree with him in the end. No one (except mobs or torturers, of course) glees over the fate of the Nazaren, but merely carry out the unpleasant task of his disposal. No character, not even Herod, is depicted one-dimensionally and controversial passages such as Matthew 27: 25 are better left out. * Last but not least, I agree with every other reviewer that this movie excels in its miracle cast (Zeffirelli's words), music and storytelling. Lesser known actors deserve special praise: Ian Holm (not a star then) as the Pharisee clerk, Cyril Cussack as a rabbi, Yorgo Voyagis as Joseph, Keith Washington as Matthew, Bruce Lidington as Thomas and Regina Bianchi as Anne, Mary's mother. Their small parts are tinny gems in a crowning masterpiece. Movies like this can't be made unless the filmmaker's heart is fully commited well beyond the call of professional duty. They must be labors of love. Zeffirelli, a devout Roman Catholic, made this his most compassionate film. It shows, and if you are looking for the best movie to see this Easter, look no further.
Rating:
Summary: Jesus, Portrayed as the Best
Review: Many of us religious folks have searched forever for a great Jesus movie. Look no further. This DVD "Jesus of Nazzareth" is the greatest ever made. This has an all star cast including James Earl Jones, Michael York, and many others. This movie starrs Robert Powell as Jesus and Olivia Hussey as Mary. This is the greatest. The movie extends way back when Mary is engaged to Joseph. Then it has the birth of Jesus. It is so real you feel like you are actually there watching it. It then shows him as a boy and his preaching. He forgave sinners and healed sick and blind. You see him choose his disciples, learn the life of John the Baptist, a beautiful feeding of the 5,000, a great entry into Jerusalem and Last Supper. They spend fifteen minutes here. When Jesus is taken to Pilate, you feel like you do not know what will happen. When Jeus is crucified, if you are not sensitive to this story, it will move you to tears. This one is not for the sensitive type. The ressurection is beautiful. The one they use is the women seeing Jesus as a gardner, who disappears mysteriously. It ends with the touching message of this:"Peter says, "Master, stay with us." Jesus says,"Even though I will leave the earth, I will be with you, until the end of time." There are only three bonus features: a trailer, Bible Info files, and Cast and Crew info. The other people are mad because of the features, but remember it was made in 2000 when DVDs were just starting. Get it, it is the most realistic ever created.
Rating:
Summary: For God so loved the world....
Review: I've recently become a christian and so have been interested in finding movies dealing with the life of our savior Jesus Christ. Jesus of Nazareth is one of the most moving, powerful movies I've ever seen. I had tears in my eyes by the end of it. It's gorgously filmed, beautifully acted, and has a great script. Robert Powell is outstanding in his potrayal of Jesus, managing to show Jesus's strength and compassion and both his divinity and humanity. The scene at the party where he tells the parable of the Prodigal Son is especially moving. I love the fact that the movie starts with Joseph and Mary's engagement. Olivia Hussey is wonderful in her role as the Virgin Mary. The annunciation is especially beautifully filmed. Some scenes are so intense and powerful that they are hard to watch, such as the scene where the soilders are mocking Jesus and the crucifixion scene. These scenes are brutal and heartbreaking and very powerful. You will definitly be in tears during them. Peter's repentence after denying Jesus three times is also heartbreaking. This is a very inspiring, spiritual movie and has helped to strengthen my faith and belief. I definitly recommend it.
Rating:
Summary: The Best Telling of the Gospels on Film To Date
Review: First off let me state that this film is my all time favorite movie. It is by far the most moving and powerful film I have ever seen. The acting (Robert Powell especially) is excellent. The soundtrack is great. The scenery and costumes are believable. And the adaptation from the Gospels is very very good. True there are some errors as well as some material that has been added to fill out the story (but this is to be expected). Nevertheless this film captures the essential essence and spirit of the Gospel, who Christ is and what He came to do. Unfortunately some other versions go out of their way to pervert the story of Christ that we have in the Gospels for the sake of controversy or to appear avant-garde and cutting edge. This film however is thoroughly reverent. Highest recommendation possible.
Rating:
Summary: Jesus of Nazareth
Review: watching this movie on TV was a family tradition, and this movie never failed to move me to tears, or to inspire me to reach out to Jesus. When I have children of my own I'll be sure to make it a tradition in my home as well. The cinematograhpy is excellent and the score stays with you even after the movie ends. I recommend this movie to everyone... I assure you it will make you as better person.
Rating:
Summary: Breath taking
Review: When it first aired on TV I was a 13 year old boy. I remember seeing Jesus of Nazareth and would see it every year and just loved it. Now, I own the DVD and refer to it often for various scenes, as I study the new testament. Robert Powell (actor who played Jesus) is superb in this movie. When I think about what Jesus may have looked like I picture Robert Powell; he's so terrific as Jesus. Every scene is fantastic but two stand out in my mind as breath taking in this movie. 1) The story Jesus tells while at Matthew's house of the two sons... one demands his inheritance and squanders it... and 2) When Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead. Each scene moves me beyond words. If you're looking for a great movie to coincide with the bible and your journey into it, this is a must own.
Rating: 
Summary: A Great Film Depicting the Life of Jesus Christ
Review: Seeing various interesting segments of this film recently prompted me to watch it all the way through. "Jesus of Nazareth" is a very well done film in many respects. The cinematography is very good and, for the most part, the story of Jesus Christ is well presented. There are many great scenes in this movie. The crucifixion scenes are very well done. The setting of Jesus' telling of the Prodigal Son story is brilliant. Most of the Characters are very well and convincingly portrayed. Especially Judas, Mary Magdalene, Pontius Pilate, Peter, and Joseph. Almost all the characters are well done--except Jesus. Jesus seems a little "spaced out" in this film. He has big, bright, blue eyes and he doesn't look or sound like a first century middle-eastern Jew. He seems otherworldly, unapproachable and distant most of the time. I think Jeremy Sisto's portrayal in the CBS miniseries, "Jesus" is more in character (but also not very "Jewish"). For all the good scenes in this film there are some which seem pointless or weak. The Resurrection is very ambiguously depicted. It's the weakest part of the film. But over all this is certainly one of the best films (if not THE best film) on the life of Jesus. It's worth seeing over and again.
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