Rating: 
Summary: Truly Astonishing!... A standard for other movies to follow
Review: This incredible film translated every aspect of the Gospels Perectly and Beautifully. The acting was superb to say the least and the direction incredible. The music very well placed ... Overal this is one of the FEW films to move me...deeply.. A must have !
Rating:
Summary: Deserving of 10 Stars.... Inspiring and Humbling
Review: Robert Powell is magnificent in his role as Jesus, believable and effective. When you see Powell, you envision seeing Jesus himself, he's that believable. His portrayal brings tears into my eyes. When I look into his eyes in the close-ups, I feel as if I'm with Jesus.The film itself omits part of His life, but is still awesome in scope and depth. It's a long film, but not long enough. Anyone who watches it will be affected in a positive way. Show it to your kids... they'll be so much better off for it.
Rating:
Summary: Captivating!
Review: This is the best film about Jesus based on the scriptures. When we learn about Jesus you can only go by the scriptures and his teachings, not how you think it could have been, as other movies try to do. While you cannot not include everything in a movie, the most important teachings have been represented in this movie. I am a christian, but you don't have to be, to enjoy this film, just have an open mind. I love this film and watch it over and over. Robert Powell is very convincing. If you are a true film Aficionado, this film must be in your collection!
Rating:
Summary: One of the best
Review: This film does not exhibit the usual Christian fundanmentalist distortions portrayed in similar versions of the life of Jesus. Zaferelli has followed the essentials documented in the Gospels. However, the viewer must remember that for 2000 years the greatest scholars have tried to interpret the deep meaning of almost every moment in Jesus' life and still debate them strongly. I draw attention to those scenes which depict Jesus embracing all who accept him and offer the hypothesis that the "him" did not refer to Jesus as a person or son of God, but rather the principles and virtues he stood for. I especially liked the way Zaferelli did not skimp on the acceptance of the marginalized - a point the American Fundamentalist movement distorts. Be you Moslem, Jew, Buddist or Pagan - the way to slavation is through one's acts of kindness and love as opposed to accepting Jesus as the Savior. Good film!!
Rating:
Summary: I am not a Christian, but this is genuinely a great film.
Review: You do not have to be a Christian to appreciate this truly great film; however, some knowledge of Christian theology would certainly help. This film is well-acted and gives a detailed and dramatic look at the story of Jesus. True, the historical inaccuracies are numerous, and it is obvious that Jesus of Nazareth was created from a religiously biased point of view (a version of the Christian Bible seems to have been the main source of the life of Jesus), but it does one thing very effectively: it presents the characters as human beings, including Jesus, Judas, Mary Magdalene, and even some of the Roman soldiers. It is very easy to identify with the human quality of Jesus, particularly during his trial and crucifixion. I also identified strongly with his frustrations about being rejected by his own people. Jesus was, and still is, in my opinion, one of the most misunderstood historical figures and philosophers in the history of the world, a great philosopher and generally peaceful revolutionary who was trying to spread a message of tolerance, acceptance, wisdom, and justice, things which seem disturbingly lacking in many Christian traditions. This side of the man is captured very effectively as well, making it even easier for non-Christians to appreciate both this film and the message of Jesus, the man who attempted to free his people not only from Roman tyranny, but also from the strict and often unquestioned confines of tradition as well as their own prejudices. "Why would a non-Christian go on praising (no pun intended) Jesus?" one might be compelled to ask. Perhaps it is because I am a Christian in philosophy, choosing to follow the example of a great moral thinker, despite my disagreement with the theology involved; I do stand for many of the same ideas that Jesus seems to have stood for. His martyrdom in the film appeals to my emotions as well-- my feelings regarding his execution are summed up by the words of one of the men crucified beside him: "But this man has done nothing wrong." The film's emotional quality is, in my opinion, its strongest point, making it a quality film for all who would care to see it, regardless of religious tradition or lack thereof. A must see for all lovers of film.
Rating:
Summary: A great DVD even if you are not a believer
Review: If you are a believer then you MUST buy this DVD... If you are NOT then I highly recommended... It's a great movie and if you can watch lord of the rings and harry potter for 3+ hours then you should give this a try...
Rating:
Summary: A must have
Review: I have watched all of the Jesus movies many many times and this movie by far is the most inspiring of them all. This movie truly shows just how loving Jesus was and still is. A must have for your religious movie library.
Rating:
Summary: The ONLY great film dedicated to the life of Christ!
Review: Why is it that every year at Easter the network bombards us with the story of MOSES....not Jesus, who is the entire reason we celebrate Easter to begin with? This is what we should have the opportunity to view. The acting and direction are wonderful in Jesus of Nazareth. While we all know Jesus wouldn't have had pale blue eyes, I think Robert Powell's portrayal of Christ as a quiet, incredibly charismatic man is probably near to truth as we can hope for. More recent versions of the story of the New Testament like to portray Jesus as the type of guy you could drink a beer and have a good laugh with. But tell me ... don't you already know people like this? And you wouldn't change your life for them, would you? Much discussion occurred when this film was made, over the non-Semitic look of Robert Powell, but I can deal with that. His intensity makes the film. To have actors on the scale of Michael York, Olivia Hussey, Ernest Borgnine (such a small role, but SO powerfully read), and James Mason (among so many others) makes this the most believable and fascinating version of the New Testament.
Rating:
Summary: The Story of the Life of Jesus
Review: Jesus of Nazareth, although made for television, is the pinnacle of Franco Zeffirelli's illustrious directing career, which includes such masterpieces as Romeo and Juliet and Brother Sun Sister Moon, and the definitive film about the story of the life of Jesus Christ. Beginning with the lives of the Virgin Mary and St. Joseph before the Infancy Narrative, Zeffirelli does a wonderful job of blending the four Gospels together, recounting the life of Jesus from the Nativity through His Ministry as he proclaims the Kingdom of God and gathers the Apostles about him to His Passion and glorious Resurrection. There are a very few events from Jesus' life which have been omitted, for example the Wedding at Cana, but on the whole Jesus of Nazareth is remarkable for it's thoroughness. Zeffirelli's choice of locations and use of scenery recreate biblical Palestine, and the actors portray the socio-political climate of the area, providing the backdrop of political and religious unrest against which Jesus would begin His ministry. The cinematogrophy is stunning, as is usual for a Zeffirelli film. The cast is splendid, with Robert Powell giving a breath takingly powerful performance as Jesus of Nazareth, Olivia Hussey as the Blessed Virgin Mary, Anne Bancroft as Mary Magdelene, Anthony Quinn as the High Priest Caiaphas, Peter Ustinov as King Herod, Christopher Plummer as Herod Antipas, Ernest Borgnine as the Centurion, Michael York as John the Baptist, James Farentino as Simon Peter, and Rod Steiger as Pontius Pilate. Jesus of Nazareth is a wonderful telling of the story of Jesus, full of hope and emotion. Whether your interest in the life of Jesus is from the perspective of faith or of history, you must see this film.
Rating: 
Summary: too long.......too edgy
Review: Zeffirelli should probably stick to Shakespeare where he has a guidelines so that his scenes are not so long one's attention span is sorely tested. Maybe this is some kind of test of faith as well.....those devote enough, must watch it all the way through....without yawning...
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