A film about Jesus. A few titles worth knowing

A film about Jesus – the most famous titles

Which film about Jesus received the best ratings from viewers and critics? It is difficult to answer this question, because the first such pictures appeared in the 19th century. I am talking about a painting “ The passions of Christo ” from 1896. Other important productions were released before the end of the First World War. It is about, inter alia, “Life and Passion of Jesus Christ” from 1903 (directed by Fedinand Zecca and Lucien Nonguet).

The first movie that sparked numerous discussions, however, was ” The Gospel According to Saint Matthew ” from 1964, directed by Pier Paolo Pasolini. The picture dedicated to Pope John XXIII was directed by an atheist and a man with communist views, which caused controversy even before it was published. Although there were voices accusing Pasolini of creating the figure of Christ as a revolutionist, according to most opinions, his work was consistent with the biblical description. The film became a huge success in Italy. In the 1960s, the issue of the figure and life of Jesus Christ was still touched by films such as:

• “Barabbas” (1961)
• The King of Kings (1961)
• “Pontius Pilate” (1962)
• “The Greatest Tale” (1965)

Movies about Jesus – a controversial musical

When it comes to films about Jesus, the musical definitely stands out from other productions ”Jesus Christ Superstar” from 1973. The painting, which was nominated incl. Oscar, met with extreme opinions, especially among Catholics. Admittedly, Vatican Radio praised the completely fresh look at the story of Jesus contained in the film, but other threads were also noticed. Jesus’ lack of resurrection, his fear and a very strong exposure of the role of Judas aroused controversy. The same happened with the love relationship between Jesus and Mary Magdalene. It was undoubtedly the most controversial film about Jesus until the time “The Last Temptation of Christ” in dir. from 1988. By the way, it is worth adding that the figure of Jesus also appears in the second-in-line cinema by Monty Python ” Life of Brian ” from 1979

Movies about Jesus of Nazareth: between the musical and the film by Mel Gibson

Subsequent films about Jesus of Nazareth were made with great frequency. Sometimes this figure appeared on the occasion of paintings dedicated to Mary, Judas or Mary Magdalene. It goes, among others for titles:

• ”Jesus” (1979)
• “ The Kiss of Judas ” (1988)
• “Mary of Nazareth” (1995)
• ”Jesus” (1999)
• “Mary, the mother of Jesus” (1999)

The painting by Franco Zefirelli was also given very good grades “ Jesus of Nazareth ” dating from 1977. The play of Robert Powell, who was originally intended not to play the role of Jesus, but Judas, has gone down in history. In the two-part and extremely detailed adaptation of the story of Jesus, they also played, among others Michael York, Anne Bancroft, Anthony Quinn, Laurence Olivier and Christopher Plummer.

A film about the Lord Jesus – Mel Gibson’s Passion

Which movie about the Lord Jesus has been particularly popular in the last dozen or so years? Priority should definitely be given ” Passions ” . The painting is characterized by an incredibly realistic representation of Christ’s suffering as a human being. He is presented here as someone who is afraid, suffers, wants to remove torment, is human and thus moves the imagination and conscience of the contemporary viewer. Jim Caviezel played the main role. In addition to him, on the set, there were, among others, Monica Bellucci and Maia Morgenstern. Of course, Gibson’s film did not make the plot of Jesus’ story in the cinema extinct. Since 2004, there have been at least a dozen productions that affect it directly or indirectly. Despite rumors that the film would be released in cinemas as early as 2022, it seems unlikely.

A film about Jesus for children. Which title should you suggest to the youngest?

What film about Jesus for children should be chosen in order to deepen their knowledge about this character in line with the biblical message? Movies like Passion, for example, are not necessarily the best choice for the youngest. It stands out from the wide range of productions about the life of Christ ” The Story of Jesus – a film for children and teenagers ” from 2000

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