Jesus of Nazareth

1977
8.5| 0h30m| TV-G| en
Synopsis

Dramatizes the Birth, Life, Ministry, Crucifixion, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, largely according to the Holy Bible's New Testament Gospels.

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InformationRap This is one of the few movies I've ever seen where the whole audience broke into spontaneous, loud applause a third of the way in.
Lollivan It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.
Bluebell Alcock Ok... Let's be honest. It cannot be the best movie but is quite enjoyable. The movie has the potential to develop a great plot for future movies
Marva-nova Amazing worth wacthing. So good. Biased but well made with many good points.
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!
tankace Jesus of Nazareth is the best incarnation of the story of Christ that is ever produced. Everything from its cinematography to its characters and dialogues are perfectly made and with great respect to its source material, the Bible (the series of 2014 is hilariously boring) . It is common myth that Porbert Powell was so in to the character that after the end of the series he killed himself , due to the difficulty of the character, this fact is totally false ,if you go now to his IMDb page it shows him alive and well. During the production they were theologies send by Pope Paul the Sixth himself in order to ensure the faithfulness of the series and it definitely paid of, also the setting pitch perfect . In the end either you believe or not this is one of the best mini-series in television history and definitely check it out, dispute its monstrous run time of 6 hours and 20 minutes!
nlangella1 This was a well made miniseries. A more humanistic approach of telling the story of Christ.For a miniseries, the cast they've chosen to play the roles was great. The first example is how well Robert Powell portrays Jesus. I love how he never blinks. Second comes Michael York, who plays an excellent St. John the Baptist. In fact, Michael York reminded me of Val Kilmer from Batman Forever. Thirdly comes Peter Farrentino, who plays the best St. Peter IMO. I love how energetic St. Peteris. Fourth comes Peter Ustinov, who plays Herod really well IMO. The music is excellent and heart warming. Finally are the Virgin Mary and St. Joseph. Anne Banecroft was great. She also played in The film Fatso. The actor chosen to play St. Joseph was great. Love how James Earl Jones is in a miniseries about Jesus.