Rating: 
Summary: STYLIZED WITH FLAWS AND A LOT OF BLASPHEMY
Review: Martin Scorsese is no conservative and generally stays away from political, but it is worth mentioning that he is obsessed with Christianity. He is a Catholic, or a lapsed Catholic, and his New York youth apparently put the zap on his head in a big way. He went to church and believed in God, asked for his sins to be washed away in confession, but like the characters in "Mean Streets" (1973), he lived in Little Italy, where murder, extortion and immorality were a way of life.
Scorsese came up with some funky ideas, and laid it all out for the world to see in "The Last Temptation of Christ" (1988). It is actually based on a book by Nikos Kazantzakis, but like all of Scorsese's work the screen version must be attributed to him. It is hard to say what he is trying to accomplish. I call the film "Bronx Jesus" because he populates it with New York actors (Harvey Keitel as Judas, Willem Dafoe as Jesus), except for evil, which Hollywood always says has an upper crust English accent (a very telling psycho-trait regarding class envy perhaps). On the one hand, Scorsese loves his Jesus. He is obviously very personal to him. He has a vision for who Jesus was, and it is a human vision. This is the crux of the story, because if Jesus is "human," then His suffering and trials are not just for show. In order for Jesus to die for our sins, He has to feel our pain and be tempted just as any mortal would be.
The finale is confusing and I have only seen it once, so forgive me, but as best I can recall Christ accepts a "deal" from Satan. A dream sequence follows, in which Christ is apparently fooled by Satan, disguised as a little girl. Apparently, he did not die for our sins, and Scorsese's message is muddled, possibly leading us to believe that the screwed-up world we live in is because of this. The Catholics and other Christian groups were outraged. It is not quite the "risen Christ on Easter Sunday" message of hope that we have all been counting on. Personally, I do not see Scorsese as anti-Christian for making it, although I do come away from such expenditures of theology believing there are just things we will never know until we die, and we had best live good lives until then!
Rating:
Summary: Could have been wore
Review: The first time I say this movie, it was on TV. It was on at like midnight, so I had to stay up very late to finnish it. It is important to remember that this film is an Artistic Representation. It is not meant to be take factually. I does indeed appear blasphamous if you are taking it in a historical context. So, don't take it that way. I admit, the whole poligamy/adultery thing was WAY TOO MUCH for me. The movie is quite laughable actually. Especially if you are a Christian and can put things in proper context. It does present a more human Jesus, but if that is what you want to see, I would highly recommend Jesus Christ Superstar. It is much better, and more entertaining. I felt that this movie somewhat dragged on and on. That could be because I was SO Tired. I can see why they put it on so late at night though. You need to see this movie at least once, just to say that you have seen it.
Rating: 
Summary: one of the worst movies ever...
Review: Forget about the controversy surrounding this film. Yes, from a historical and Biblical perspective, it's trash. However, the real tragedy is the film itself. It is just outright boring and the acting is atroucious. I expected more from the a-list actors invovled in this project. Especially Dafoe. What was he thinking?! The only redeeming value of this film is the soundtrack (Peter Gabriel's "Passion"). Peter Gabriel has created one of the most beautiful and provocative music scapes ever recorded for a film.Do yourself a favor if you've never seen this film... don't waste your time. Instead, just by Peter Gabriel's soundtrack.
Rating:
Summary: I suffer, therefore I am
Review: I saw this thing back when it first came out. Getting searched by security before the film was one thing, having some woman stand up and scream "Blasphemy!" during the film was something else. I hadn't thought about "Christ" until recently when I was listening to Peter Gabriel's "Passion" - the excellent soundtrack for the film. The many collaborators who worked together to pull The Last Temptation of Christ together are from vastly different backgrounds. Scorsese was raised very Catholic. Screenwriter Paul Schrader is Calvinist. Author Nikos Kazantzakis was Greek Orthodox. So it is highly unlikely that there existed some conspiracy to attack the roots of Christianity. Though that is exactly the viewpoint of those who would criticize this film. While interesting, I found "Christ" to be a little too long. The final passage is what caused trouble (it also happens to be the reason to see the movie). While being crucified, Jesus is tempted one final time by Satan (in the form of a small girl) who convinces him that God never really wanted him to die, that he has played his part and is now free to go. During this hallucination, we see Jesus marry the love of his life, have sex and father several children. He's happy. But in his hallucination he is confronted by Judas who is angry he gave in, and insists that he was meant to die on the cross. Jesus' final act is to choose the cross and flush Satan out of his gambit, for if he was indeed fully human, then he must have been endowed with that most human frailty -- free will -- and must have chosen to fulfill his role as the Lamb of God willingly. This last sequence burned the Fundamentalists (the bain of all religions). And it was they who got Scorsese's film effectively repressed (this rabid and well-organized political suppression is succinctly detailed in David Eherenstein's essay contained in the DVD box). Hell, it was even banned from the Blockbuster video chain. While all the performances were good, David Bowie's Pontius Pilate was my favorite. In a scene of sheer nerve, Bowie doesn't put the heat on the would-be Messiah, but gives him the brush-off, as if to say: "Am I really suppose to worry about this deadbeat"? Presented in an aspect ratio of 1.85:1, the image quality of the DVD is greatly improved over the laserdisc release, with a crystal sharp image and consistent colors. The sound mix for the 5.1 Dolby Digital track is vibrant and alive. The most spectacular aspect of the track is Peter Gabriel's haunting score. The centerpiece of the supplements is an audio commentary track, recorded in 1997, featuring director Martin Scorsese, credited screenwriter Paul Schrader, uncredited screenwriter Jack Cocks, and Jesus Christ, excuse me, I mean Willem Dafoe. Scorsese, in his typical Jimmy Cagney staccato delivery, covers all relevant points concerning the making of the film, his general attitude of the film being "too much Good Friday and not enough Easter Sunday." A collection of various media sources (an article in The Biblical Archaeology Review, National Geographic Magazine, paintings by Bosch and Messina) illustrates the wide array of influences on Scorsese in preparing for the film. Peter Gabriel is on hand for a 12-minute interview (recorded in 1996), in which he relates the incredible modern and ancient music sources he pulled together for his brilliant film score. The capper is provided with "On Location in Morocco," a 15-minute collection of excerpts from Scorsese's video diary during the making of the film. It is a sheer delight to see Scorsese, in a big, fat choker close-up blur, aiming the camcorder at himself and talking about what is going on, just like an old friend from Texas who sends video dispatches to you in lieu of the written word.
Rating: 
Summary: Brilliant, Breathtaking, and Inspiring
Review: Anyone of open mind should see this amazing film. Neither Scorsese's film nor Kazantzakis's novel claim to be "new gospels", and perhaps that is a shame, for I'd rather believe in a Christ who overcame internal conflict and torture, a man who realized his oneness with God rather than God taking the form of Man. Forget what the fundamentalists say--they haven't seen this movie and never will. There is absolutely nothing exploitive about this movie. It is instead one of the most tasteful, intelligent, and loving interpretations of the life of Jesus ever captured. The acting is terrific, especially Dafoe, who I never imagined could give such a delicate yet powerful performance. Hershey also gives a career performance as Magdalene, but the film really belongs to Harvey Keitel (Judas), who gives a performance worthy of his character's redemption. Scorsese's direction is married perfectly to the music of Peter Gabriel (the album 'Passion', by the way, is a masterwork in itself). Open your heart, watch this movie, and be filled with spiritual love and grace, regardless of your religious persuasion.
Rating:
Summary: TOO REVISIONIST!
Review: I watched Martin Scorcese's "The Last Temptation of Christ" after hearing a lot of comparison to Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ" and to see what all the controversy is about. As a Christian, I went in with an open mind. My thoughts on the film: it is not sacreligious, but the story is way too revisionist for my taste. My criticism of the film arises from three complaints: 1. I felt that Willem Dafoe's depiction of Christ made Him TOO human, and terribly indecisive. Given, Jesus the Christ was human as well as God incarnate, but He was never indecisive. 2. Making Jesus a cross-maker only was a little too much. 3. The whole story with Judas Iscariot was totally stupid. I thought that Harvey Keitel wasn't trying hard enough as Judas. Plus, his hair was horrible. I also felt that Jesus "begging" Judas to betray him was ludicrous. If you're looking for an accurate portrayal of Jesus the Christ, Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ" is the movie I recommend. As for this film, rent it first. If you can find it in rental stores, that is. Grade: C
Rating:
Summary: FILTH!!!
Review: Don't watch this movie. In this film, Jesus is portrayed as a weak, unsure, spineless moron.
He gives into his last temptation to not die on the cross in the movie, and has a sexual affair with Mary Magdaline. He then learns his lesson, goes back in time about 30 years and THEN dies on the cross.
This movie should never had been made. It is blasphemous, offensive, and it paints God's son as a spineless coward, which he was not.
Rating:
Summary: Watch instead of Passion
Review: To me a good film teaches me something or takes me where I cannot go. Passion-I've heard it all before. And, the whole time I watched it, all I could think of was that these people in the audience need to see Temptation instead or as well. A friend turned me on to this film and what a gift that was. I've also read the book. The major difference I saw was the little white girl in the movie, was a black man in the book. So, it was toned down a bit, but not enough for the majority. I, like Scorcese am a Catholic. I have faith, I feel I respect Jesus Christ and in no way do I feel this movie disrespects. To be wise on an issue you need to present both sides. Or other possibilities. This movie even if I didn't agree or feel the same on issues made me more in touch with my God than any Jesus movie before or after has. It penetrates your conscience. I also think Willem Dafoe is a great actor and his Jesus was far more emotional and possibly realistic than Jim Caveizel. In interviews he has said his time spent up on the cross (even though he isn't religious) was an exreme emotional event that was almost outworldly. And, Jim has said that he has the same initials so he was destined for the part. Hmm-yeah that is a real calling. I just feel that if only Christians would see this film and observe the experience, not necessarily taken it in for keeps, it would be enlightning. Besides the whole religious aspect it is, like all Scorcese's films a gem and stunning in its art. He is one of the greatest directors of all time and his films are a testament to that. Also who he picks for the score every time is perfect. Peter Gabriel's soundtrack is just amazing. It is perfection. And, oddly enough it makes for great love-making music. Now sometimes the sacred and profane really do go hand-in hand, if you consider it so, that is!
Rating:
Summary: It's STILL a Hollywood movie
Review: Ok, nuff of the whining here about this "movie" being anti-Jesus or pro-Jesus.
Who cares?
It's a fairly well crafted "Hollywood" movie.
In defense of this film, one reviewer wrote that this film was shot on a shoestring budget.
Uh, no.
This movie was very well hyped and much was poured into both production and publicity. Millions, in fact.
A number of indie films have tackled the same subject with far more interesting results, the most 'famous' of which is Pasolini's "Gospel according to St. Matthew".
Such films never even got an iota of recognition that "Last' got because they didn't have the money supplied by the Hollywood machine to back them up, and thus, sank without a trace.
Last Temptation, unlike 'Matthew' is a slick attempt by a Hollywood producer to show just how daring, controversial and cutting edge Hollywood can be.
The Hollywood factory is neither daring nor cutting edge.
If Christ existed, he was more than likely an unkempt, dirty heathen and probably had manners that we would not be comfortable with and would find uncouth.
In short, Christ would have been an outsider.
The 'Matthew' film is the closest I have seen to truly portraying just that and it took an outsider, indie filmmaker to show Christ as an outsider.
Scorsese and Gibson are sell out Hollywood whores who have hypocritically tackled the subject matter of a 'contrary' spirit.
Rating:
Summary: The good, the bad and the ugly
Review: The Last Temptation is a film that all Christians should watch for one reason: more than many other film it explores what it meant for Jesus to be fully human. Here one finds a Jesus fully capable of real temptation, confusion, anger, and a host of other human attributes. The strength of the film lies in its powerful depiction of humanity. Its other strengths include:
* Powerful performances by Harvey Keitel as Judas and Barbara Hershey as Mary Magdalene.
* Outstanding direction from Martin Scorsese.
* Realistic depictions of ancient near eastern life.
* Humourous dialogue in parts.
* An interesting and riveting script that keeps one guessing to the end.
Its weaknesses are also many:
* Willem Dafoe, as good an actor as he is, is not Jesus, can never be Jesus, and fails to convince as Jesus. He looks and comes across as sinful and way too stupid. In this role he even intentionally acts in a daft way. Why he was chosen for this role remains beyond me.
* The film is very sexy in parts (notable for its shots of Barbara Hershey's round, naked, delectable derriere). As much as I enjoyed the experience, I felt that it ought not to have come packaged in a religious film about the Saviour. I don't like to mix my drinks. I found this disrespectful.
* The film goes over the top in many places. For example, it shows Jesus as a carpenter making crosses for the Romans. It also shows Jesus watching Mary Magdalene having sex with her clients. At one point Jesus apologises to his mother for being such a bad son. Such nonsense offends my religious sensibilities.
The DVD transfer is very good.
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