VideoDetective.com
Jesus Of Nazareth (1977)
Released By: Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment   Rating: Not Rated   In Theaters: N/A
Your video will start shortly...



More Videos:
Preview Details
User Reviews
Studio: Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment
Genre: Drama
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Director: Franco Zeffirelli
Language: English
Official Website: N/A
Theatrical Release: N/A
Home Video Release: N/A
Cast: Anne Bancroft, Anthony Quinn, Ernest Borgnine, James Mason, Laurence Olivier, Robert Powell
Published ID: 1399
UPC: 012236101666, 012236128113,
Plot: Because director Franco Zeffirelli noted publicly that he intended to depict Jesus Christ as a human being rather than a religious icon, his expensive made-for-TV miniseries Jesus of Nazareth fell victim to protestors long before its April 3, 1977, debut. Despite the pullout of several sponsors, Jesus of Nazareth was aired as scheduled, sweeping the ratings in the process. In avoiding the usual overproduced Hollywood approach to the Gospels, Zeffirelli offers one of the most sensitive and reverent portrayals of Jesus ever seen on film. In the title role, Robert Powell heads a huge international cast, which includes Olivia Hussey as Mary, Peter Ustinov as Herod the Great, Christopher Plummer as Herod Antipas, Michael York as John the Baptist, James Farentino as Simon Peter, Donald Pleasence as Melchior, James Earl Jones as Balthazar, Ian McShane as Judas, Anne Bancroft as Mary Magdalene, Rod Steiger as Pontius Pilate, James Mason as Joseph of Arimathea, Anthony Quinn as Caiaphas, Laurence Olivier as Nicodemus, Ernest Borgnine as the Centurion, and Claudia Cardinale as the Adulteress. Filmed in England, Tunisia, and Morocco, Jesus of Nazareth was scripted by Zeffirelli, Anthony Burgess, and Suso Cecchi D'Amico. It originally aired in two three-hour segments, telecast Palm and Easter Sunday of 1977 as part of NBC's Big Event anthology. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
IDDateTimeTitleReviewHelpfulVotesTotalVotes
One of the best Old School Movies ever made. Praise God
Added 10/20/2009

Jesus the Son of God who died for all our sins for He is worthy to be praised.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
REFOCUS ON FAITH
Added 10/18/2009

In a troubled world, a retrospective viewing of a film often proves to be comforting and inspiring. The DVD version reviewed here (good quality reproduction), not only has this effect, but it also helps one to refocus on their Christian faith in a way that appeals to a lighter but direct and simple understanding of our Lord's life; His Great message; and His life purpose filled mission on this Earth. Unlike more contemporary films concerning the life of Christ Jesus - such as Mel Gibson's 'The Passion' - there are no lengthy scenes focusing heavily on violence and cruelty against Jesus, however, the scenes regarding the slaughter of the innocents by Herod is a bit overdone, but very emotionally charged (very).

The film also has a light focus on the religious fundamentalism of the Sanhedrin and the rational arguments of Roman law, without overt bias or sensationalism. Some scenes could indeed be described as deeply philosophical, however, this helps to make Jesus' testimony of the Kingdom of God, and in particular the fulfillment of the Judaic Prophetic Law impact so much more on the viewer, as well as encouraging us to question how Jesus may have expressed his 'humanness' on the Earth.

The director Franco Zeffirelli chose Robert Powell very well for the role of Jesus. This representation of Our Lord is not only very acceptable, the character development of Jesus helps to carry the film well in its second half. The fist half of the film does drag somewhat, however, the film is very engaging and does not fail in the director's attempt to get the message of our Lord across to us. This film should appeal more to the Baby Boomers, however, as the film has a powerful yet inoffensive message, I recommend it to all who want to view it.

I give the film only four stars -- because Mary Magdalene was portrayed as the prostitute Mary (who was forgiven of her sins). This is currently a widely disputed idea, and many also argue that Mary M may have been Jesus' wife. Nevertheless, this does not mar the film's storyline or scene construction in any way. Another Zeffirelli film with a similar auteur (and a very early seventies aura to it) is the 1973 film release 'Brother Sun, Sister Moon', concerning the life of Saint Francesco or Saint Francis as he is popularly known (good to see this released on DVD - but be wary of quality reproduction). One may be forgiven of the shock of seeing Valentina Cortese playing Saint Francis' mother in this film -- and then seeing her playing Herodias in 'Jesus of Nazareth'.

0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
the best movie ever
Added 9/20/2009

simply the best .we love Jesus ..and we love watching this movie .it always brings us closer to him and each other every time we see it .
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
Great Movie - Great John the Baptist
Added 9/9/2009

Great Movie... and the guy who plays John the Baptist is excellent!

the movie is wrong in the way it portrays some of the bible... but still does an excellent job overall... You will be blessed if you watch this movie...


0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
Great movie
Added 7/4/2009

Jesus of Nazareth (1977) Starring: Robert Powell, Olivia Hussey is a great movie that devotes one hour to Jesus' birth. The movie also devotes plenty of time to the Last Supper and the Crucifixion as well. The movie depicts the nails being driven into Jesus' hands which may be too real for sensitive viewers. The Bible quotations are right on target. It's a movie that should be watched over and over.




+ + + + + + + + ++ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
Are you a spiritual retard, or are you on the path to ENLIGHTENMENT?
+ + + + + + + + ++ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

0 out of 1 people found this helpful.
One of the best Old School Movies ever made. Praise God
Added 10/20/2009

Jesus the Son of God who died for all our sins for He is worthy to be praised.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
REFOCUS ON FAITH
Added 10/18/2009

In a troubled world, a retrospective viewing of a film often proves to be comforting and inspiring. The DVD version reviewed here (good quality reproduction), not only has this effect, but it also helps one to refocus on their Christian faith in a way that appeals to a lighter but direct and simple understanding of our Lord's life; His Great message; and His life purpose filled mission on this Earth. Unlike more contemporary films concerning the life of Christ Jesus - such as Mel Gibson's 'The Passion' - there are no lengthy scenes focusing heavily on violence and cruelty against Jesus, however, the scenes regarding the slaughter of the innocents by Herod is a bit overdone, but very emotionally charged (very).

The film also has a light focus on the religious fundamentalism of the Sanhedrin and the rational arguments of Roman law, without overt bias or sensationalism. Some scenes could indeed be described as deeply philosophical, however, this helps to make Jesus' testimony of the Kingdom of God, and in particular the fulfillment of the Judaic Prophetic Law impact so much more on the viewer, as well as encouraging us to question how Jesus may have expressed his 'humanness' on the Earth.

The director Franco Zeffirelli chose Robert Powell very well for the role of Jesus. This representation of Our Lord is not only very acceptable, the character development of Jesus helps to carry the film well in its second half. The fist half of the film does drag somewhat, however, the film is very engaging and does not fail in the director's attempt to get the message of our Lord across to us. This film should appeal more to the Baby Boomers, however, as the film has a powerful yet inoffensive message, I recommend it to all who want to view it.

I give the film only four stars -- because Mary Magdalene was portrayed as the prostitute Mary (who was forgiven of her sins). This is currently a widely disputed idea, and many also argue that Mary M may have been Jesus' wife. Nevertheless, this does not mar the film's storyline or scene construction in any way. Another Zeffirelli film with a similar auteur (and a very early seventies aura to it) is the 1973 film release 'Brother Sun, Sister Moon', concerning the life of Saint Francesco or Saint Francis as he is popularly known (good to see this released on DVD - but be wary of quality reproduction). One may be forgiven of the shock of seeing Valentina Cortese playing Saint Francis' mother in this film -- and then seeing her playing Herodias in 'Jesus of Nazareth'.

0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
the best movie ever
Added 9/20/2009

simply the best .we love Jesus ..and we love watching this movie .it always brings us closer to him and each other every time we see it .
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
Photos


There are currently no photos.
Shopping
IDPriceImageUrlPurchaseUrlIdTypeBindingStore
VHS
$10.41 @ Amazon
DVD
@ Amazon
DVD
$15.99 @ Amazon