Matt Otter
I have a hard time choosing between this film and "King of Kings" as far as which is my favorite, but they are both definitely 10-star. I was only 2 when this came out and while my parents did watch this when it originally aired I can't say I recalled much of that, likely slept most the time. It was run in later years through the 80's and it was a big family event each time. It was so exciting to wait for the next night to see more of the story. There are so many great lessons here, my favorite is probably when Jesus goes to Matthew's house and we see him won over and he turns from his former ways.Another wonderful thing about watching this is seeing the "who's who" as far as the cast. Nearly every role is played by someone you'll no doubt recognize, tho I imagine many of them weren't such huge stars at the time. The soundtrack to this is also amazing, the main theme in particular, really captures the majesty of Jesus story, not to mention all the wonderful holidays we've created around it in the years following. I highly recommend this film to anyone, you don't have to be Christian to enjoy it, the messages are universal.NOTE: I do have to agree with 1 of the big complaints I hear about this film which is the scene in which Jesus starts yelling wildly and proclaims "The Father and I are one and the same", I realize most films take some artistic license here and there, but this was not just some small talk, this was a very serious statement to make which never appears in the Bible, this line should never have been in the film.
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.
Kirpianuscus
an Romano-Catholic portrait of the Savior. the most important role of Robert Powell. magnificent music. admirable performances. Zefirelli's mark. and something more. out of words. maybe out of religion /Christian confession. a film who brooks the aesthetic beauty for impose a message. a well-known one. in a unique manner because, like in many of Zefirelli's films, the honesty is the roots. the force of images are only expression of this search of Truth not for impress but for convince. an artistic success who has as base the science to show the Son of God not just as a character but as key for discover the essence of Sacrifice and the purpose of life. a film. and admirable art of detail. a film who seems be an ark . and the memories who remains, as seeds, maybe with many fruits, for many from its viewers.
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.
AD
