BroadcastChic Excellent, a Must See

Hulkeasexo it is the rare 'crazy' movie that actually has something to say.

Senteur As somebody who had not heard any of this before, it became a curious phenomenon to sit and watch a film and slowly have the realities begin to click into place.

Sameer Callahan It really made me laugh, but for some moments I was tearing up because I could relate so much.

cinephile-27690 Along with The Greatest Story Ever Told, this is my favorite Jesus biopic. And, as you read in my title, it is 6 hours and 22 minutes long. I first saw it because a devout family friend had it on VHS and I watched it in a month.(382 minutes is a lot for an 11 year old to take-even for a cinephile!) Years later, a bought a DVD and have used it twice. Both of those times the crucifixion seems to drag but it may have to do with the run time-and I can't fault the movie because you can't tell of Jesus's whole life without the crucifixion! The movie has an all-star cast including but not limited to: James Earl Jones, James Mason(who once played a pedophile!), Anne Bancroft, Sir Laurence Olivier, Christopher Plummer, Donald Pleasance(of the Halloween films...no joke!), Ernest Borgnine, and more! You know, writing about it makes me want to see it right now, but I have so many movies I should be seeing right now! Yes, it's long but you will not regret seeing this! Enjoy!

HotToastyRag I haven't seen every single Hollywood and television interpretation of Jesus's life, but I have seen quite a few of them, and by far away Jesus of Nazareth, the six-and-a-half hour miniseries from 1977, is my favorite. I don't think it's possible to cast a more believable, more trustworthy, more authentic-looking lead than Robert Powell. He truly emits a spiritual aura, and his multi-layered emotional performance is incredibly moving. Pain, hope, trust, acceptance, and above all, love, are constantly visible in his beautifully expressive eyes. It's a wonder anyone even bothered to make another Jesus movie after Franco Zeffirelli's masterpiece.Much like Roots and The Thorn Birds, countless A-list actors flocked to be a part of this fantastic miniseries. With Olivia Hussey as Mary, Ian McShane as Judas, Laurence Olivier as Nicodemus, Anne Bancroft as Mary Magdalene, Christopher Plummer as Herod, Rod Steiger as Pontius Pilate, Michael York as John the Baptist, Anthony Quinn as Caiaphas, James Mason as Joseph of Aramathea, James Earl Jones as Balthazar, Stacey Keach as Barabbas, Ernest Borgnine, James Farentino, Peter Ustinov, Claudia Cardinale, John Duttine, Ralph Richardson, Valentina Cortese, Ian Holm, Ian Bannen, Nikki Van der Zyl, Donald Pleasence, and Cyril Cusack, every scene is well acted and filled with star presence.Jesus of Nazareth holds a special place in my family's heart. It was this miniseries-and I'm sure Robert Powell's performance in particular-that inspired my dad to become a Christian, so if you have a different favorite film version, I'm sure you'll understand why this version will always get my most heartfelt praise. Also, in an incredible coincidence, my brother happens to look exactly like Robert Powell-particularly in this program, as he chooses to sport long hair and a beard-so whenever we watch Jesus of Nazareth, it's as if my brother is speaking to us from the television set. Chances are, if you like to watch biblical movies, you've probably seen this one. If you haven't, or if you're wondering which would be the best to start with, rent this version over Easter weekend and split it up over two or three days. Even if Robert Powell doesn't look like your brother, it's still powerful, emotional, and inspiring

classicalsteve Are the canonical Gospel accounts in the New Testament accurate as to the events of Jesus of Nazareth? The short answer is we'll never know since even among the actual gospel narratives, the first complete copies exist from the 2nd century, about 200 years after the death of Jesus. Since the Gospels were written in different times and places and in different languages, we have at best a murky view of the life and death of one of the most influential spiritual teachers of Late Antiquity: Jesus of Nazareth. The Gospels each portray an account of Jesus, but are certainly not definitive depictions of Jesus' life. That aside, "Jesus of Nazareth", the television miniseries, is one of the best screen adaptions of the story which is not exactly the easiest subject to produce. My understanding is it is based largely on the "Gospel According to Matthew" and the "Gospel According to Luke" with some embellishments.At the forefront is Robert Powell as Jesus, an excellent choice. Similar to the problems with Superman, Jesus is difficult to cast, and using a familiar actor might cause audiences not to see Jesus. The producers opted for an experienced but lesser-known actor, Powell. (Dustin Hoffman and Al Pacino were considered for the part, which in retrospect seem rather ridiculous choices.) Powell portrays Jesus whose other-worldly eyes are often looking to the Heavens, which fits in well with how Christians (Protestants, Catholics and Eastern Orthodox) often view him. At the same time, the director, Franco Zeffirelli, wanted also to give Jesus a lot of humanity. (The "Gospel According to John" portrays Jesus much more ethereally and his execution seems less horrific than other Gospels.) Honorable mention goes to Olivia Hussey as Mary, Michael York as John the Baptist, and Rod Steiger as Pontius Pilate. Other familiar actors have smaller parts in various roles.Aside from the acting, the production brings us into the ancient world as few films do. While some aspects of Antiquity are to be certainly applauded, such as works of literature and science, the Roman government could be brutal. Scholars are fairly certain that Jesus' rhetoric was a challenge not only to the ruling establishment of Judaism but also of the Roman Empire. One of the best aspects is the depiction of Jerusalem which was a "mecca" for Jews who would come to the city during the Passover holiday. Tensions between Jews and the Roman authorities were ongoing and the film does well to show this tension.One of the most accurate depictions, and certainly the most horrific, is the scourging and crucifixion of Jesus. Crucifixion was primarily meant as a kind of terrifying advertisement to deter other potential wrong doers. Roman citizens might be spared crucifixion which was reserved for unruly slaves and servants, and rabble-rousers and traitors. While Jesus as portrayed in the Gospels is not traitor, he is clearly a rabble-rouser, criticizing the Jewish authorities and the Roman Empire. (Jesus' statement, "Render unto Caesar what is Caesar's" is probably a later fabrication by Gentile gospel writers.) The condemned person was typically scourged as a way to render them dazed and helpless, which most certainly happened to Jesus. Then he is made to bear the upright upon which he will be fastened at the execution area, called Golgotha. The scene is certainly heart-wrenching, but not as gruesome as some later productions. In short, the crucifixion scene is relatively tasteful as far as such a scene can be depicted.Overall, Jesus of Nazareth is a must-see for the believer and non-believer alike for those who are interested in a cinematic retelling of the gospel narrative. Again, this is not a life of Jesus in the definitive sense but the retelling of a later account of Jesus. Did Jesus die by crucifixion? Probably. Did he rise from the dead? In this narrative he does, but resurrection is a religious belief not an historical reality. Did Pilate "wash his hands" of Jesus? Probably not. Pilate was notorious for crucifying anyone he suspected of rabble rousing during Passover. The Gospel narratives, at best, like this film, are an interplay of mythology and history.

laitalatoni Obviously, this is a dramatized presentation in attempt to picture us the story of Jesus. It is my opinion, and I have studied the Bible and I am a believer of Christ Jesus, that this movie's script is very well made. In most of the points made, I have come to same conclusion with my studies. Also the man portraying Jesus (R.Powell) does an amazing job. I am convinced that Powell has never done anything that has such value in this cinematic world full of rude, ugly and just plain satanic stories.1977, there's an interview with Powell, that was conducted in the movie set - it explains how Robert had very immature knowledge about Christ when began shooting the movie. Since Powell felt he knew way too little about his character, he read the Bible from cover to cover. After doing so and now being aware of the gospel, he said: "Now, I do believe in Christ and His divinity, even thou I do not necessarily go to church". It is well seen and felt in this movie, that God spoke to Robert and Robert answered Him. I've never seen anyone come even close in portraying Jesus, although a good attempt was made by Henry Ian Cusick in Gospel of John (2003). Still "Jesus of Nazareth" has so much more personal feeling. And no wonder, since Powell felt the presence of holy God; the power of Truth.Just see the movie. It starts a bit slow, but after Jesus starts His ministry, you wish the movie would never stop! Also, it's good to know that Powell warned people in social media. he said something like this: "Do not worship me, I am not Christ Jesus, I am an actor who acted Jesus. I did this for money. People are putting images of me in their place of worship. Stop worshipping me! Rather, respect the true Jesus and worship God".Making a movie or watching a movie does not save a soul - but a movie actor (or anyone), inspired by the biblical Truth, can inspire anyone to seek for it. God bless you, who seek to live in His good will!