Jesus of Nazareth   [DVD 2002]

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Rave Reviews (18)*

• 1) THE DEFINITIVE FILM ON THE LIFE OF CHRIST!

  by Daniel Rivera on August 03 2002
    250+ helpful votes

  After more than two decades, JESUS OF NAZARETH remains the greatest motion picture on the life of Jesus Christ -unsurpassed and second-to-none. Beautifully directed by Franco Zeffirelli (best known for his 1968 version of Romeo and Juliet) and featuring a constellation of the greatest international actors: Sir Lawrence Olivier, Rod Steiger, Anne Bancroft, Ernest Borgnine, James Earl Jones, Anthony Quinn (among others, oh my!), this six-hour magnum opus has given flesh and humanity to the people and events of the Gospel narratives like no other movie before or since.

  The film begins with the events prior to the Anunciation and Nativity, through the life of Christ, leading up to the Crucifixion and Resurrection, from Joseph's betrothal to Mary (played by Olivia Hussey, best known for her role as Juliet in the aforementioned film.) to the Empty Tomb on Easter Sunday. First-rate production allows us to observe with great detail the customs and daily life in first-century Judaea. The backdrop of Roman oppression and Jewish discontent is masterfully shown and successfully correlated to Jesus' ministry, in particular the political maneuvering of the cunning Herod (wondrously played by Peter Ustinov) and its effects on messianic expectation. Many persons mentioned only in passing or alluded to in the gospels such as Caiaphas and Pontius Pilate are portrayed with great credibility, allowing us to understand the historical figures' motives and intentions more fully.

  Among the numerous superlative performances, surely the most notable is that of Robert Powell in his role as the Nazarene, whose performance subtly captures the humanity of the Son of God, neither adding human weakness where none is present (vis-a-vis The Last Temptation of Christ), nor resorting to docetic immutability (Greatest Story Ever Told). Indeed, one senses that Jesus is fully aware of who He is in this film.

  In terms of scope, detail and production, this film is a must-see, setting a standard of excellence which unfortunately has not been met since. JESUS OF NAZARETH makes for great viewing not only for the seasoned Christian but for seekers and those interested in an intelligent approach to the life of Christ. SUPERB.

• 2) The best Jesus movie ever made

  by scherf.com on February 28 2000
    200+ helpful votes

  To date, "Jesus of Nazareth" is most certainly the best Jesus movie ever made. Director Franco Zeffirelli presents the story of Jesus Christ in a very authentic manner. This film sticks pretty much to the script, the Holy Bible. This historical account of Jesus starts before the birth of Christ and runs through His life, His substitutionary death for all our sins on the cross, and His reappearance afterward. Much time is spent on our Lord's three-year long mission preaching and performing miracles as an adult on earth, and many scenes are genuinely touching, leaving not a dry eye in the audience. We've first seen this movie when it was released back in the late 70s, and since then we've watched it a few dozen times. The nearly six and a half hours running time are not a bother for those interested in the life of Christ. This picture comes across as a very well funded production and much care has been given to detail. We're certain that most viewers will be touched, aided by Robert Powell's realistic performance and portrayal of our Savior Jesus Christ. This movie will make you think about your personal relationship with God, while you'll enjoy an exceptionally well-made motion picture.

• 3) The greatest version of the greatest story ever told

  by B. W. Fairbanks on February 24 2004
    80+ helpful votes

  Prior to its debut on NBC in April 1977, "Jesus of Nazareth" was the subject of considerable controversy after director Franco Zeffirelli suggested his interpretation of Jesus would veer wildly from previous screen versions of the Gospels. Suspecting Zeffirelli, to say nothing of co-screenwriter Anthony Burgess of "Clockwork Orange" fame, had downplayed or even denied Jesus' divinity, some prominent religious leaders condemned the film, sight unseen, for its alleged blasphemy. One sponsor (General Motors) bowed out, and another stepped in (Proctor and Gamble, years before the company fought off unsubstantiated charges that its logo was Satanic). "Jesus of Nazareth" aired as scheduled, in two parts on two successive Sunday evenings, earning high ratings and praise from critics of all faiths.

  "Jesus of Nazareth" is, hands down, the finest dramatic retelling of the life of Jesus to date. As George Stevens did with his 1965 fiasco, "The Greatest Story Ever Told," Zeffirelli recruited an all-star cast, but whereas Stevens could only have hired John Wayne to play a Roman Centurion because the Duke's name would look nice on the posters, Zeffirelli chose his stars because they were gifted actors perfect for their roles.

  One doesn't ooh and aah at the sight of Rod Steiger, Anthony Quinn, or Laurence Olivier, but rather marvel at how well they believably bring Pontius Pilate, Caiaphas, and Nicodemus to respective life. As good as they are, the most impressive performance may come from a less illustrious "name," James Farentino, who makes for a very commanding Peter.

  It could be argued that the film is too pretty at times (this is, after all, the work of the man who made 1968's lushly romantic "Romeo and Juliet"), bringing to mind the kind of postcard depiction that Mel Gibson's "Passion of the Christ" attempts to counter, but the script and performances thankfully lack the dry solemnity that often drains any semblance of life from most dramatic interpretations of the Bible. Robert Powell's Jesus doesn't merely "quote" passages from the New Testament but speaks the words of Jesus as those words might have been spoken for the first time.

  The crucifixion, though not as brutal and bloody as it probably was, also seems to be portrayed more realistically than usual, with Jesus carrying only the beam of his cross to Calvary which history seems to suggest was more likely the case.

  Maurice Jarre's score is sometimes moody and always reverent without being pompous, and despite its length, the story never drags. "Jesus of Nazareth" is an outstanding achievement, all the more impressive when one considers it was produced for television.

• 4) A MUST-HAVE FOR EVERY BELIEVER!

  by Reginald D. Garrard on March 24 2001
    70+ helpful votes

  It is inconceivable that on Amazon there are only 90 reviewers for Franco Zeffirelli's masterful and inspiring masterpiece as opposed to over 2000 for "The Matrix," a less-than-monumental piece of fluff from 1999.

  "Jesus of Nazareth" sports a cast of Academy Award-winners (Lawrence Olivier, Anne Bancroft, Ernest Borgnine, and Peter Ustinov, to name a few) and nominees (James Earl Jones, James Mason, Christopher Plummer) as well as a support from an international group of performers. Olivia Hussey brings just the amount of warmth and humanity in the role of Mary; Rod Steiger deftly portrays Pontius Pilate as a man torn between duty to his country and awe of this man called Jesus; Michael York is stunning as John the Baptist.

  Robert Powell brings to the movie the definitive portrait of Jesus. His passionate performance is the stuff of legend. Prior to this motion picture, there had been few instances wherein Christ had been seen; it is as if the screen was awaiting the right man for the part. Powell proves that to be true; he is perfect!

  If I have motivated even one soul to purchase this masterwork, then I have accomplished the goal of this review. Money could not be better spent.

• 5) Extraordinary, Moving, Powerful

  by Bill on April 26 2003
    50+ helpful votes

  Jesus of Nazareth, a British production, directed by Franco Zeffirelli debuted on network television (NBC, I believe)in the spring of 1977--as a miniseries!--and was a ratings success. Needless to say, television producers would not try to duplicate the feat today.

  I watched Jesus of Nazareth Easter Sunday on the History Channel...not all of it, about 3 hours of it. It is such a tremendous achievement of script, portrayal, performance that I wonder why IT is not the broadcast standard of Biblical themed films in the televised media (and why the Ten Commandments is).

  This assembled cast cannot be equaled--Olivier as Nicodemus, James Mason as Joseph of Arimethea, Ian McShane as Judas, Ian Holm as the fictional creation (and successfully done) of a Sanhedrin leader named Zara,Christopher Plummer as Herod, Stacy Keach as Barrabas, Anne Bancroft (kudos) as Mary Magdalene, Rod Steiger as Pontius Pilate, and Robert Powell (an unknown actor at the time transforms himself like DeNiro did as Jake Lamotta) in an amazingly unrecognized performance as Jesus.

  Not all the performances are noteworthy--James Farentino as Peter, Anthony Quinn as a Sanhedrin leader, and the actress who plays Herod's wife are flops.

  The most exceptional scenes---when Jesus narrates the story of the Prodigal Son (which brings Matthew and Peter together), the Last Supper ( a supreme accomplishment of filmmaking), the raising of Lazarus, the judgement of Jesus by Pilate, the dialogue between Jesus and Barrabas at the baths, the passionate lecture Jesus dispenses on the Pharisees, and the overwhelming, incredibly moving cry of Jesus to the prophet Elijah as he perishes---

  no matter what one believes, recognizes, adheres to--this is an unparalleled, historic story of a man who displayed conveyed behaved as the most perfect embodiment of a human being could...to achieve his destiny as deity.

• 6) I Will Be With You Always..Even Until The End of Time

  by Joshua Jones on April 21 2003
    30+ helpful votes

  What a splendid ending to the greatest dramatization of the life and death and resurrection of Jesus Christ ever made for television. I was thoroughly moved to tears and a great sense of hope. This film is superior because of its tremendous scope. It allows viewers to experience a great deal of the scriptures and, indeed, the life and times of Jesus Christ. The cast is marvellous especially Robert Powell who is the definitive "Jesus." What a wonderful display of acting. His expressions, his glances, his pauses, every little nuance he uses to portray the savior is superb. He transcended the role and became the character he was playing which is the mark of true acting. The actress who played Mary Magdalene was also quite good. This is, perhaps, the best acting I have ever seen in any film - ANY!

  It is hard to imagine a movie with at least one poor scene. This movie, the exception, was flawless. Scripture is quoted word for word often and Franco Zefirelli created an atmosphere one imagine existed during the life of Christ. The musical score is haunting!

  I applaud Franco Zefirelli for creating this 4 day/8 hour epic for television as film could never tell this story in such great scope and detail. It will be the standard by which all films about Jesus are judged.

  This is very powerful film-making and film-making at its absolute best. Truly THIS is the greatest story ever told.

• 7) "Are you the son of God?"

  by Illes Guller on May 26 2000
    30+ helpful votes

  I was five years old, when I saw "Jesus of Nazareth" at first. Since then I saw roughly fifty times. Zeffirelli' movie is really "The greatest told in the world". The fascinating Jesus-movie, with fascinating actors, with fascinating Maurice Jarre (the best), and with fascinating Zeffirelli. Robert Powell is the embodiment of Christ.The best Jesus in the filmhistory.(And of course Willem Dafoe) Olivia Hussey (oh my God!)is the perfect Mary.(And She was the perfect Juliet) Rod Steiger as Pontius Pilate is brilliant. Anthony Quinn as Caiphas is powerful. And Laurence Oliver(Nicodemus), and Anne Bancroft(Mary Magdalane), and Michael York(John the Baptist), and James Mason (Joseph of Arimet),and...but!the greatest is Ian Holm as Zerah. Simply gruesome. Zeffirelli, who directed the "Brother sun, sister moon" and "Romeo and Juliet", made the masterpiece. A six-hours Jesus-biography: wonderful, touching, and large-scale. My second favourite film.

• 8) Great TV miniseries, disappointing DVD transfer!

  by Joe NY on February 23 2000
    30+ helpful votes

  This great TV miniseries directed by Franco Zeffirelli is one of the best, if not the best, dramatic renditions of Jesus Christ life. The performances are excellent. Often moving, this sensitive retelling is highly recommended. Its good to have the 6 hr, 20 min tele-film availble on a 2 DVD set. However the DVD transfer itself is very disappointing. Often resembling poor VHS video quality, the images are blurry, with washed out colors. Also, the images are inconsistent and marred by markings and streaks. There are no extras to speak of (an indepth interview with Zeffirelli and some of the cast members would have been wonderful). This DVD deserves a permenant place in your library for its great content. But be forwarned, the quality one would expect from a DVD transfer is greatly lacking. Perhaps given the age of the material(it first aired over 23 years ago)and the nature of its "TV past", we may never get a quality release of this program.

• 9) a point of light in the darkness

  by Anonymous on April 15 2000
    20+ helpful votes

  If you're feeling soiled these days by the hate, violence and filth being relentlessly churned out by Hollywood in the name of money, watch this film. It's full of dignity and beauty. You'll feel washed clean and reminded of something that the TV and film industries seem to want us to forget - that we're not animals, but holy spirits trying to find our way back to the light. And that money and achievement can never feed the soul. The cast is incredible and their performances flawless. The costumes, attention to period detail, the scenery backdrops all plunk you right down in Biblical times. But most unforgettable is the performance of Robert Powell, who shows Christ to be what he surely must have been - not only divine, but deeply human, full of zest, life, and humor. A guy you'd want as a friend, someone who loved to tell stories, who felt sad, tired, lonely, and angry just like the rest of us. He also reminded us of our own capacity for love. When at the end he told his frightened disciples (and us) not to be afraid, that he would be with us until the end of time, I don't recall ever seeing such a look of exaltation on an actor's face- almost as if the human had stepped aside to let the Christ shine through. I was floored. Watching this film is always a renewal for me - and a reminder of what's best and highest in us all. When an agnostic buddy of mine saw the film, he said, "JEEZ, it makes you wanna get down and pray!" That it does.

• 10) The Best

  by Anonymous on February 25 2000
    20+ helpful votes

  This is one video that no home or family should be without. If you are a true believer, you must own this video. R. Powell gave us an explosive account of the life and times of Jesus from infant to Adult and his last days on earth. Director Zeffirelli, truly must have an insight and a spiritual link with God. When I first saw this movie, not only was I filled and aura of peace, but to imagine and see what our lord Jesus went thru on earth was more than I could bear. I own the first vhs of Jesus of Nazareth, and each time I watch it I can never seem to withhold my tears. This movie is a must see for all family members on special days such as Easter and the anytime the need to understand and know the life and times of Jesus. O. Hussey also gave a heartstopping performance and I think in all fairness the whole cast deserves an award of somekind. When I watch this film I feel that Jesus is also there watching with me.

• 11) Jesus of Nazareth

  by Patricia Gonzalez on April 14 2000
    20+ helpful votes

  Most of the reviews I've read emphasize the impact of this film on their spirituality -- conversion experiences and such -- and I would definitely agree! This movie is truly inspirational, and has succeeded in bringing many people to know Christ. One reviewer said that watching Robert Powell was almost like watching Jesus Himself, and that too I am in total agreement with -- Mr. Powell is truly awesome as the Lord!

  This is one of the truly great cinematic works of art of the 20th century, and I can't recommend it highly enough. It deserves all the praise it receives, and I'm very happy to be able to join the chorus.

  Happy Easter, everyone!

• 12) DVD - NOT a Disappointment!

  by Patrick W. Lavey on February 19 2000
    20+ helpful votes

  I am only writing this to address any concerns generated by a previous review that criticized the quality of the transfer of this film to DVD. I feel I owe this to Artisan, the company which has released this wonderful film on DVD. This is not meant as a criticism of the previous reviewer, but rather offered to suggest that possibly he received a bad copy of this title.

  I had pre-ordered this title as well. I was very excited about its transfer to DVD. When I read the comments from the previous reviewer, I thought maybe I had just made a bad investment in a poorly transferred DVD. But let me assure you, the quality of this DVD exceeds the original video format. I have compared it very closely utilizing a 6-head VCR for video playback. My children joined me in this comparison. The 6-head VCR provided very nice playback, in many places very comparable to the DVD. But the DVD version is consistently cleaner in its visual image - as you would expect from DVD. The colors are just as brilliant on the DVD as the video, but just a little cleaner.

  If the previous comments are referring rather to the original filmwork of Franco Zefirelli, well, we can't change that. The bottom line is this: if you loved this movie on television, and if you have viewed the VHS video version and enjoyed it as well, you will not be disappointed with the DVD version - you will love it as well. And the DVD will not degrade with repeated play.

  I love it!

• 13) Beautiful! The Gospels come to Life before Your Very Eyes

  by nikkilij24@hotmail.com - Nikki Li on March 03 1999
    10+ helpful votes

  I must agree with "a viewer from Bermuda" which is my mother's birthplace, that this film is fabulously done and renews my faith as a born-again believer! I highly recommend this production of the life of Jesus to ANYONE! From those who study His life intensely to those who know nothing about Him. This film does an excellent job of portraying the humanity and divinity of Jesus simultaneously. I must say that Robert Powell was so riveting as Jesus that at times I forgot that this was an actor and not Christ Himself. Michael York, Olivia Hussey, Anne Bancroft were equally as great in their parts, but for me James Farantino's portrayal of Simon Peter was the highlight for me! Also Ian McShane did an excellent job of bringly depth and humanity to Judas Iscariot. I HIGHLY recommend this movie for anyone who wants to gain a fuller understand of who Jesus was and is and a broader understanding of the Jesus, the Hebrew people and their culture!

• 14) A Faithful Adaptation...

  by Paul Fogarty on March 24 2005
    10+ helpful votes

  This Franco Zeffirelli directed production from the late 70's is, without doubt, the most faithful telling of the story of the life of Christ, in relation to the four Gospels, yet seen on any screen, big or small. And that, paradoxically, leads to some strange "omissions;" for instance, we have the Raising of Lazarus, but no "Walking on Water," and similarly, we see the Feeding of the Five Thousand, but the "Wedding at Canaan" is conspicuous by its absence. I'm no Biblical Scholar, but I understand that if an event was recorded in two or more of the Gospels it was included, and if it only appears in a single Gospel, then it was left out.
  
  That aside, the emotional and spiritual center of this film is, of course, the portrayal of Jesus Christ by British actor Robert Powell. Solid and reliable, usually seen as a faintly upper-class type, Powell had appeared regularly on British TV and in films for over 10yrs without ever hitting the "A-List;" not the most obvious choice to play the Son of God and Redeemer of Mankind! But in a career defining performance, Powell brings to the part - a part that he must have known would either make or break him as an actor - a humanity, generosity of spirit, and humility, that had never been seen before, nor has been seen since.
  
  Powell gives us a very "human" Jesus; smiling and laughing with children, sharing a self depreciating joke with members of the Sanhedrin, roaring out his anger and disgust at the moneychangers, traders and Pharisees in the temple, showing compassion for the outcasts and rejects of society, the fear and dread at the prospect of his own inevitable death. He also shows us the mystical, Devine, and spiritual aspects of the character to be sure, but it is the "Man" that makes the portrayal believable.
  
  The rest of the cast does similarly sterling work, and reads like a veritable "Who's-Who" of the cream of British and Hollywood acting talent of the time. Standout performances for me include James Farentino as "Simon Peter," with a full-blooded portrayal of an ordinary man caught up in extraordinary events. A simple fisherman who resents being dragged into this "Messiah business," but knowing that his life will never be the same after witnessing the miraculous healing of a cripple, he turns to his friends and sighs, "Why did you have to bring him (Jesus) to me?" Similarly, his denial of Jesus to the mob, and his reaction when he remembers Jesus' words, are equally moving.
  
  Ernest Borgnine as "The Centurion" has a very affecting scene when he asks Jesus to heal his dying servant. As a "man of authority" he doesn't need Jesus to come to his house, but understands that if this strange young Rabbi commands a thing to happen, then it will be so. Michael York as "John the Baptist" chews the scenery with aplomb, but you feel there is truth in the performance.
  
  Rod Steiger is superb as "Pontius Pilate." A world-weary functionary of Imperial Rome, he wants nothing to do with the "Children of Israel" and their religious quarrels; as long as they pay their taxes, keep the peace, and observe the Law, they can do as they please. At one point, after being informed that Jews cannot enter a Roman house on Passover as they will be "defiled," he wonders, "How can one govern such a people?" His bemusement over what to do with the "dangerous" man the Sanhedrin insists he condemns to death also rings true.
  
  Ian Holm as "Zerah," Anne Bancroft as "Mary Magdalene," James Mason as "Joseph of Arimathea," Laurence Olivier as "Nicodemus," Christopher Plummer as "Herod Antipas" and Peter Ustinov as "Herod the Great," all give superb performances in a production that manages to capture the gritty look and feel of the times, without any jarring anachronisms in speech or mannerisms.
  
  In addition to the performances above, very special praise has to go to Ian McShane as "Judas Iscariot." As in Powell's rendition of Jesus, McShane gives us a "man," not a caricature. In a beautifully nuanced and multi-layered performance, we see Judas the Zealot, intent on the violent overthrow of Roman rule, become a True Believer after witnessing the power of Christ. Rejecting the old ways, he tries to convince his fellow Zealots that Jesus is the promised Messiah come to save them. But Judas is still thinking in terms of an Earthly kingdom, and is in turn confused, then appalled by Jesus' apparent deliberate alienation of the Sanhedrin. His final "betrayal" is, in his eyes, a last desperate attempt to force Jesus to face the Temple authorities and prove himself to BE the Messiah. The pain and anguish he displays once he realizes he has been duped by the one member of the Sanhedrin he thought he could trust, is all too believable, and can have only one outcome.
  
  Unfortunately there're huge amounts of blips, scratches, dirt, compression artifacts etc in evidence; the source material is a British TV mini-series from the late 70's, with the overall picture and sound quality being adequate at best. I would have thought that on a production of this importance, some time - and money! - would have been spent on cleaning up and restoring the original elements. Similarly, the "extra's" are perfunctory; a trailer, some cast Bio's, and a "Living in Biblical times" feature. The first half of the liner notes inside the case tell you how "controversial" this program was considered to be - on this side of the Pond at least! - and the rest of the space is used to tell us what a great director Zefferelli is!
  
  This is a very poor way to treat a production of such historical importance - it definitely deserves a full-blown Criterion edition! - however, that being said, please don't let it put you off seeing this excellent, rewarding, and highly recommended series!
  

• 15) A God inspired film

  by Cathy J Metzger on April 07 2000
    10+ helpful votes

  I agree with most of the reviewers that this is probably the best Jesus film around. I saw this movie when it was first released amid lots of conflict and controversy. I wrote the network a letter letting them know how much I enjoyed it and how I thought it was probably the most accurate portrayal of Jesus I had seen. Of course we are going by what is told in the Bible. I received a letter back from Robert Powell thanking me for my kind words. Everyone is entitled to their opinions, but I really can't understand the negative comments unless people are just not seeing the whole movie. I have had family members come to Christ and get saved after seeing this movie and I remember hearing that those in the movie were also touched. I recommend it to Christians and non-Christians alike. I watch it at least once a year and see something different each time. Thank you for a great movie! It has definitely stood the test of time.

• 16) history with humanity that's divine viewing

  by ggagnon on April 08 2005
    10+ helpful votes

  "Jesus of Nazareth" first aired as an NBC TV special on Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday 1977. It was created for many of the same reasons Mel Gibson did his film: Both directors had traumatic accidents (in Mel's case to his child) that caused them to re-examine their faith and want to propitiate and thank god by creating a film. Zeffirelli first did this with his film about St. Francis of Assisi--his patron saint. But unsatisfied with the result and reception by the public, he eventually agreed to do another, better film: "Jesus of Nazareth."
  
  When the controversies developed over Mel Gibson's "The Passion..." I remembered the protests and complaints about Zeffirelli's film which caused one of the major sponsors to pull out--(GM, P&G replaced) All this BEFORE the protestors and sponsors had even viewed it! Back then, the religious zealots and timid sponsors were afraid that Jesus' humanity was promoted over his divinity. How silly. Could humans care about an alien god-creature? It is precisely because Jesus was human, and suffered as a human, that people are interested enough to listen and later learn about his more "divine" message. (And that includes the agnostics /aetheists like me.) And that is one of the great strengths of this production: its realism and humanity.
  
  Because Zeffirelli took pains to show Jewish life and practices of the time, he didn't suffer the disapprobation Gibson did from Jewish leaders. He follows his protagonist closely, but Zeffirelli is also concerned with the wider picture of Jesus' relationship to his disciples, the zealots, and Jewish and Roman authorities and laws. In "Jesus of Nazareth", the political environment is just as important as the religious in explaining the impact of Jesus and his teachings. Zeffirelli is always meticulous in his historical settings, (his designer's eye also recreates several medieval/rennaissance paintings in his blocking), and this realism helps to explain not only the person, but also the message historically, politically, and philosophically.
  
  And the one message that comes through this film, MUCH more than Gibson's, is Jesus' message of love and reconciliation between enemies. Over and over it is shown in scenes--many where the verbatim Bible quotations are transposed to a different action in order to emphasize that theme: Matthew's dinner party, debating with Joseph of Arimathea, trying to convince Barrabas. And as one reviewer noted, there is always the undercurrent of someone who knows who he is, why he is there, and what is coming, but still perseveres.
  
  Unlike Gibson, family is peripheral once Jesus ventures beyond Nazareth, and Mary is not seen until nearly the last act. Gibson had to use Mary as the contrast to the horror, Zeffirelli had almost 2hrs of aural and visual scenes to use instead.
  
  Gibson sought historical versimilitude by using Aramaic and Latin, but in some ways I think this detaches the viewer from the action--pausing to read subtitles reminds you that you are VIEWING not experiencing the action. Ditto his film's visible demons/ devil-temptor--supernatural creatures negate the suspension of disbelief from the reality of the moment. 1st century historical reality becomes a 21st century horror film with cgfx. Gibson's film has some really memorable visual (and some sound) images, and Gibson's strong feelings are apparant behind the film, but for 20+ years the one that resonates most is Zeffirelli's film. Because the history is visible, because the message is placed in a political as well as religous context, and because (despite the healings, miracles, raising of Lazarus etc. shown) Jesus' empathetic humanity is there.
  Let us give thanks for a memorable score, literate script, superb actor (and supporting actors), and a knowing director.

• 17) The Present Standard For Biblical Films

  by F. Adcock on December 02 2003
    10+ helpful votes

  When this masterpiece first aired in 1977 on NBC, the Christian world was shocked by its realism. Many churches initially protested the broadcast. The clergy urged their members to "spread the word" that the film "degrades the Son of God'. How times have changed. Even the Pope recognizes the tremendous value of this miniseries. And the film became a blockbuster hit when it was first aired, pushing NBC to run it again in 1981.
  
  True, many Anglo actors make up the cast, including British actors Robert Powell (clearly the best portrayal of Jesus in all cinema) and Olivia Hussey (a most beautiful and talented Mary). If this film were made today, the cast would include far more actors from the Middle East, I would guess. But in 1977, political correctness was less of an issue.
  
  Director Franco Zeffirelli originally wanted to portray Jesus as scholars of the time felt Jesus looked, but in the end he went with the popular, more accepted look found in Christian art - perhaps in an effort to appease the critics.
  
  To me, what is remarkable about this production is the constant reminder that Jesus was a Jew, with numerous scenes of Jewish ritual. This had never been done before in film.
  
  Originally, the final scene in the film was to be the empty tomb, allowing the viewer to decide whether Jesus was resurrected or His body had been stolen. It was later decided to end the film by adding the scene where Jesus meets with his apostles (a tender, most moving moment) and looks into the camera and says "I will be with you always, even to the end of time".
  
  At six and a half hours, some may feel this film is too long, but I can't imagine how this great work could be shortened. But I have only one minor criticism - as good as the print on these discs is, it would be even better to have this film remastered and letterboxed, if possible. But this is a very small observation, and should not keep anyone from purchasing such a milestone in television history.

• 18) An excellent rendering of Christ on film

  by C. Conlee on April 03 2000
    10+ helpful votes

  Although we will never know what Christ was really like, Zeffirelli's rendering of a strong, yet compassionate Christ is the best I have seen on film. This is fitting since Zeffirelli was reawakened to the faith after an accident which left him near death, terribly disfiguring his once very handsome face. He returned to his Catholic faith and made this movie (he is even a staunch follower of the newly beautified Padre Pio). As a movie on Christ, "Jesus of Nazareth" is unsurpassed. No disbeliever could have made the same movie, and the director's personal faith in Christ exudes in every scene. Critically, this movie is nearly flawless, and the acting is superb. I can't recommend it highly enough.