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List Price: $24.98 | | Label: Lions Gate
Salesrank: 917
Released: March 1, 2002 |
| Our Price: $10.96 |
| Used Price: $9.50 |
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MPAA Rating: Unrated
Media: DVD |
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Editorial Review:
The story of Jesus Christ from his birth through his resurrection.
Item Type: DVD Movie
Item Rating: NR
Street Date: 03/18/03
Wide Screen: no
Director Cut: no
Special Edition: no
Language: ENGLISH
Foreign Film: noSubtitles: no
Dubbed: no
Full Frame: yes
Re-Release: no
Packaging: Sleeve
Description of Jesus of Nazareth:
Originally made for TV in 1977, this in-depth (six hours plus) version of Jesus' life is so thorough that the first hour is devoted solely to the story of his birth. The film doesn't skimp on some of the other landmark events of this famous story either. Director Franco Zeffirelli gives more than 12 minutes screen time each to the Last Supper and the Crucifixion. Passages of the Bible are quoted verbatim, the locations have a Palestine-like authenticity, and, aside from some of the principals (Robert Powell as Jesus, Olivia Hussey as Mary, and Stacy Keach as Barabbas), many of the non-Roman characters are actually played by Semitic-looking actors. Zeffirelli diligently provides the sociopolitical background that gave rise to Jesus' following and the crisis in belief it caused for the people of Israel (and one or two Romans). While not graphic by today's standards, some of the scenes--baby boys being ripped from their mothers' arms and slaughtered, nails being driven into Jesus' hands--may disturb young and/or sensitive children. --Kimberly Heinrichs
Jesus of Nazareth Reviews:
Jesus of Nazareth 
2009-12-19 - I was very happy with the dvd, it really brought the Bible to life for me. I do think that there were some important parts left out, I would have liked for the Angel Gabriel to appear to Mary and hear him proclaim the Annunciation instead of her just responding to no voice. I really liked the scenery and the Actors were great. I am sure that it would have been difficult to get all of the gospels in the movie so there were some things that I thought I would see that were missing, but all in all I would highly recommend it for anyones library of films to see over and over again.
I was also real happy with the timley delivery of the product, Amazon you did great again.
Awesome movie!
2009-12-01 - This movie depicts the life of Christ as accurately as is possible. Actors are so believable, and Scripture is often quoted verbatim. Works well for 13 week Sunday School class from first Sunday in Dec. to last Sun. in Feb.,Broken down into segments with discussion following. This movie is a great blessing.
Great movie!!
2009-12-01 - I started reading the Gospels just before I ordered this movie. The film really put things in great perspective and even though it's 6 hours long I have watched it numerous times since getting it.
One of the best Old School Movies ever made. Praise God
2009-10-20 - Jesus the Son of God who died for all our sins for He is worthy to be praised.
REFOCUS ON FAITH 
2009-10-18 - This film helps one to refocus on their Christian faith in a way that appeals to a direct and simple understanding of our Lord's life, His Great message, and His life purpose on this Earth and beyond. 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 against Jesus, however, the scenes regarding the slaughter of the innocents by Herod is very disturbing in this film.
The film has a light focus on the religious fundamentalism of the Sanhedrin and portrays a rational style of argument concerning 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.
I give the film only four stars -- because Mary Magdalene was portrayed as a a prostitute -- a notion not held by many bible scholars. There is currently a widely disputed debate that Mary Magdalene was a woman from Magdela and a wealthy woman at that. Some scholars even suggest that this Mary was Jesus' wife. There was a prostitute who was helped by Jesus - possibly another Mary, who became a follower of Christ. Nevertheless, the current debate 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 de Bernadone or Saint Francis as he is popularly known. One may be forgiven of the shock of seeing Valentina Cortese playing Herodias wife of Herod Antipas, after having fond memories of her portraying the Lady Pica - Saint Francis' Mum in 'Brother Sun, Sister Moon'. Oh well that's show biz!
