If you thought the Gospels offered a rather abridged version of Christ's life, check out this glossy (high-definition TV-filmed) entry meant to introduce "today's youth to Jesus." The film opens with a nativity scene that seems to have a few pieces missing (such as wise men), and then moves directly to the baptism, before spending an inordinate amount of time on the wedding feast (where Jesus turns water into wine; I guess the message here is that Christ is an excellent person to have at your party if the keg is in danger of running dry). In other segments, Jesus drives out a demon (yeah, kids will like that), takes on the moneylenders in the temple, walks on water (good special effects) and talks a bit about entering God's kingdom. The program concludes with a bloody crucifixion sequence, followed by the resurrection and ascension. Viewers will see nothing of--a short list--the Sermon on the Mount, Herod, the Last Supper, Pontius Pilate, Mary Magdalene, and will only meet Judas in one scene (the kiss, which makes little sense without any prelude or postscript; i.e., Judas's seduction by money and his shamed repentance by suicide). I can think of any number of better portrayals of Christ, including Pasolini's classic The Gospel According to St. Matthew, Zefferelli's Jesus of Nazareth, even--to round out the Italian contribution--Scorcese's The Last Temptation of Christ. In fact, I would go so far as to say that Jesus Christ Superstar delivers a more compelling portrait of Jesus. Not recommended. Aud: P. (R. Pitman)
The Revolutionary
(1996) 48 min. $19.95 (discussion guide included). PPR. Color cover. ISBN: 1-56364-197-6. Vol. 12, Issue 4
The Revolutionary
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