Time Life - £16.99
| So what is it about? | The title's a giveaway: it's a film about Jesus! More specifically it is a three-hour, two-part miniseries, shot on film, that was first shown on US TV back in 1999. |
| Who is it for? | While the already converted will enjoy this film, it will also be appreciated by those who don;t necessarily count themselves as Christians. It will challenge Christians and those who are searching, but on another level it can be enjoyed as a well-written, well-acted and well-produced drama about loyalty, political intrigue and human sacrifice in the Roman Empire. |
| Does it do what it says on the label? | The label, or the back of the DVD box, says that this is a "mesmerising mini-series that vividly explores the life and mission of Jesus of Nazareth". I'm not sure I would use the word mesmerising, but I agree that it explores the life and mission of Jesus very well. The lengthy three-hour running time definitely helps. |
| Enjoy or endure? | Enjoy, if that's the right word. Definitely challenging. Each film about the life of Christ puts a slightly different slant on his life and work. This film shows him as the Son of God, but also emphasises his humanity and relationships with other people, which is helfpul. Gary Oldman is particularly good as Pontius Pilate. |
| Any other comments? | This release is quite timely. At the time of writing this review, The Passion of the Christ has yet to be released on DVD. Therefore, people wanting another look at the gospel story while they're waiting for Mel Gibson's film to reach the shops could do worse than look at this instead. Also, The Passion of the Christ only covers a one-day period, whereas Jesus aims to show the whole of Jesus' ministry. |
