The Apostle Paul, generally acknowledged as the second founder of Christianity, led an exemplary life even by Biblical standards. Unfortunately, his existence is given a cursory, Cliffs Notes treatment in this jejune video portrayal. Following Paul through a picaresque series of events we witness a flogging, exorcism, jailbreak, shipwreck, two stonings and a beheading, but are offered no insight into the Apostle Paul's character--his spiritual self and mystic motivation--that might cast light on his solitary crusade to carry on the work of Christ. Instead, Saul, using the nom de guerre Paul, comes across as a curious glutton for punishment, enduring persecution, banishment, and the hatred of his own people for no clearly illustrated reason. It's not that this is a particularly bad offering (it's average sword and sandal schlock), it's just that with Paul's life as a premise one would expect much more. The actors, pronouncedly British, are fine, and the video's production values--with the exception of a distasteful computer-generated Jesus--are similarly lofty, reflecting, at least, good intent and a budget well spent. Strictly optional. A better choice here would be The Word Made Flesh: The Voice of the Lion--Paul (VL-5/97). Aud: P. (W. Pierce)
Paul, The Emissary
(1998) 54 min. $19.95. Vision Video. PPR. Color cover. ISBN: 1-56364-2611. Vol. 13, Issue 5
Paul, The Emissary
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