No other movie on the life of Jesus Christ has garnered widespread critical acclaim to the extent that this one has. Director Franco Zeffirelli did a masterful job in the making of this epic film as he brilliantly guided the star studded cast to produce what many critics consider to be the greatest “Jesus” movie ever made. At just over six hours, it is fairly lengthy and it originally appeared as a made for TV mini-series. The excellence of the acting, directing, and inherent significance of the subject matter all coalesce to form a movie experience that’s anything but boring, however.
Robert Powell, in his portrayal of Jesus, never blinks his eyes while on camera. In a very tangible way this tends to create an aura of divinity about the person of Jesus Christ as it leaves the viewer with a real sense that this man, Jesus, is not like other men. And Powell’s impeccable work in many of the scenes further validates that impression. His rendering of “The Lord’s Prayer”, for example, is absolutely captivating and it compels the viewer, regardless of religious persuasion, to ponder its significance.
Many other scenes have become the objects of fascination and affection since the inception of this remarkable film. One such scene is where Jesus tells the story of “The Prodigal Son” at Matthew’s home. As he relates the story to Matthew and his guests, there develops an almost palpable sense of reconciliation and forgiveness between Matthew (a tax collector) and Simon Peter (a fisherman). And as a result, Jesus brings these two former enemies together in a way that only He can.
Another scene worth mentioning starts out with Jesus dining in the home of Simon, a Pharisee. While Jesus is attempting to impress upon this group of elitist Pharisees, the importance of love and forgiveness, Mary Magdalene (played by Anne Bancroft), a prostitute, comes running in uninvited and falls at the feet of Jesus. With tears of desperation streaming down her face, she appeals to Jesus for mercy because of her many sins. And Jesus, recognizing her need, grants her mercy and forgiveness in a truly unforgettable scene that has moistened the faces of many viewers over the years.
In addition to marvelous acting and directing, the script adheres closely to the gospel accounts regarding the life of Jesus. The full spectrum of His emotions are displayed from the tenderest as in the aforementioned scene to the fieriest as when He sternly scolds the Pharisees and scribes in the temple right after He had restored sight to a blind man.
The scenery in this movie is authentic and special effects are very minimal. These attributes combine to produce a very genuine “feel” to this film. And the background music is excellent with the selections adding depth to the many poignant scenes depicted in this epic masterpiece.
I can honestly say that this movie has had a profoundly positive impact on my own life. Its influence was felt the first time I watched it over thirty years ago. I still view it occasionally and it continues to move me in a deep heartfelt way. I have read reviews and comments by many people who have been similarly touched by it. I highly recommend it to all people regardless of faith. It is capable of bolstering the faith of believers and giving a new hope to those who do not yet believe. Indeed it has the potential to impact viewers for all of eternity.
No other movie on the life of Jesus Christ has garnered widespread critical acclaim to the extent that this one has. Director Franco Zeffirelli did a masterful job in the making of this epic film as he brilliantly guided the star studded cast to produce what many critics consider to be the greatest “Jesus” movie ever made. At just over six hours, it is fairly lengthy and it originally appeared as a made for TV mini-series. The excellence of the acting, directing, and inherent significance of the subject matter all coalesce to form a movie experience that’s anything but boring, however.
Robert Powell, in his portrayal of Jesus, never blinks his eyes while on camera. In a very tangible way this tends to create an aura of divinity about the person of Jesus Christ as it leaves the viewer with a real sense that this man, Jesus, is not like other men. And Powell’s impeccable work in many of the scenes further validates that impression. His rendering of “The Lord’s Prayer”, for example, is absolutely captivating and it compels the viewer, regardless of religious persuasion, to ponder its significance.
Many other scenes have become the objects of fascination and affection since the inception of this remarkable film. One such scene is where Jesus tells the story of “The Prodigal Son” at Matthew’s home. As he relates the story to Matthew and his guests, there develops an almost palpable sense of reconciliation and forgiveness between Matthew (a tax collector) and Simon Peter (a fisherman). And as a result, Jesus brings these two former enemies together in a way that only He can.
Another scene worth mentioning starts out with Jesus dining in the home of Simon, a Pharisee. While Jesus is attempting to impress upon this group of elitist Pharisees, the importance of love and forgiveness, Mary Magdalene (played by Anne Bancroft), a prostitute, comes running in uninvited and falls at the feet of Jesus. With tears of desperation streaming down her face, she appeals to Jesus for mercy because of her many sins. And Jesus, recognizing her need, grants her mercy and forgiveness in a truly unforgettable scene that has moistened the faces of many viewers over the years.
In addition to marvelous acting and directing, the script adheres closely to the gospel accounts regarding the life of Jesus. The full spectrum of His emotions are displayed from the tenderest as in the aforementioned scene to the fieriest as when He sternly scolds the Pharisees and scribes in the temple right after He had restored sight to a blind man.
The scenery in this movie is authentic and special effects are very minimal. These attributes combine to produce a very genuine “feel” to this film. And the background music is excellent with the selections adding depth to the many poignant scenes depicted in this epic masterpiece.
I can honestly say that this movie has had a profoundly positive impact on my own life. Its influence was felt the first time I watched it over thirty years ago. I still view it occasionally and it continues to move me in a deep heartfelt way. I have read reviews and comments by many people who have been similarly touched by it. I highly recommend it to all people regardless of faith. It is capable of bolstering the faith of believers and giving a new hope to those who do not yet believe. Indeed it has the potential to impact viewers for all of eternity.
