If you are a believer, this is at least a three star movie. If not, you may still enjoy a look at the greatest story ever told. The set designs, costuming, and cinematography are all outstanding, to say nothing of the realism created by director Kevin Reynolds. The story contains enough intrigue and action to satisfy most moviegoers, supported by some fine acting.
The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and the book of Acts, clearly delineate the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Writers Paul Aiello and Kevin Reynolds took very little license with the biblical stories, but wove in some “speculation” as to the Roman’s response and actions to the “rumors” floating around that He had risen. While much of the Romans reaction to the news was conjecture on the part of the writers, as you watch the story you have to believe they were close to the truth.
Risen
Entertainment Rating: ★★★
Rating: PG-13, Some “Biblical” violence
Possible Oscar Nominations: Probably none, although the set designs and cinematography were great.
Roman Tribune Clavius, played by Joseph Fiennes, was part of the team that crucified Jesus. He stood and watched as Christ died on the cross, then supervised the sealing of the tomb where His body was laid. When the body was found missing from the heavily guarded and sealed tomb the next day, Pontius Pilate put Clavius in charge of the “investigation” to find His body and dispel the reports of His resurrection, putting to rest the rising discontent among the citizens of Jerusalem. Supported fully by the Jewish religious leaders, who reviled Jesus, the search and exploration takes on a life of its own.
Clavius spares no effort or manpower to get to the bottom of the mystery. The interviews conducted with the two soldiers assigned to guard Jesus’ tomb, were exacting. As the Roman soldiers follow every possible lead to find the disciples, Clavius’ frustration grows, to say nothing of Pontius Pilate’s, played by Peter Firth.
Filmed in Spain and Malta, the backdrops and set designs are convincing, and you will feel like you are there witnessing for yourself the most important event in history. At the same time, you will get a first-hand look at the Roman’s occupation of Israel, which in itself is a history lesson. The only criticism I have is some of the dialogue, from time to time, is a little hard to distinguish, and an occasional British accent among the folks, seems a bit disingenuous. Regardless, I cannot find fault with this movie; I recommend it wherever you may be on the spectrum.
Headline: RISEN – indeed He has
