Livestonth I am only giving this movie a 1 for the great cast, though I can't imagine what any of them were thinking. This movie was horrible

Fairaher The film makes a home in your brain and the only cure is to see it again.

filippaberry84 I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.

Matylda Swan It is a whirlwind of delight --- attractive actors, stunning couture, spectacular sets and outrageous parties.

nowackiandrew Words can't quite capture how good this movie is. Robert Powell does such an unbelievable job of portraying Jesus that it is an inspiration just to watch it in all regards. A fantastic movie, well paced, with superb acting. A must see for anyone.

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.

Marian20 British actor Robert Powell has been known most popularly throughout the years for the role of Jesus in this mini-series that lasted six hours known as Jesus Of Nazareth. It has been considered the best film ever made about the man that has created an impact for billions of people throughout the years.It starts with his birth until the passion and death on the cross.This mini-series directed by Franco Zeffirelli boast of an ensemble of all-star cast that includes Anne Bancroft,Ernest Borgnine,James Farentino,Stacy Keach,Ian McShane,Laurence Olivier,Christopher Plummer, Anthony Quinn,Rod Steiger,Michael York and Olivia Hussey.What makes this a great film about Jesus is the fact that it presents Jesus both historically and on the accounts of many religions as well not only Christianity.It allows us to know the man from the day an angel announced to his mother Mary the birth of his son until the day he was crucified on the cross by Pilate.Although the resurrection was also given an account,it was somewhat done in a subtle way so as to pacify viewers who consider him only a man and not the Son of God.The performances of the stars are also worthy of mention as the portrayal of the characters were admirable.One that is truly worthy of mention is Olivia Hussey as she managed to become the best representation of what Mary,the mother of Jesus, is known for which happens to be virginal and purity.Added to that,the sorrow that she showed when Jesus died on the cross was simply extraordinary.Overall,one must see this if they want to know who Jesus is.

kikkapi20 Although much of my thoughts were expressed in the individual episode reviews, I would say as a whole, this miniseries, some 37 years after first airing, has held its own as a perennial classic. A thoughtful and poignant tale that takes the words from the paper of a famous tome and translates them to a visual and auditory feast for the soul. This treatment, with a cast who brings life to the ancient past, adds the extra emotion needed to fully understand the scope of the many people who were living history at the time that the story is set. Here, some 2000 years later, we know the result. Yet back then, there was much angst in realizing that something amazing was about to happen and then did happen, and that it would have repercussions throughout time. And that sense of redefining morals and questioning past practices and holding fast to one's way of life, were all interwoven into a grand story of an era of transition. As noted in my other reviews, definitely a much-see, particular for those who enjoy the many parables and sayings from the New Testament and from the Torah.