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The Last Temptation of Christ (DVD, 2000, Criterion Collection)
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Leading Role: Willem Dafoe
Director: Martin Scorsese
Rating: Rated R
Release Date: Apr 2000
Format: DVD
Additional Info: Criterion Collection
UPC: 715515010528
Product ID: EPID3293353
Description: This striking vision from the mind of director Martin Scorsese offers an allegorical interpretation of the last days of Jesus Christ, based on the book by Nikos Kazantzakis. Based strictly on Kazantzakis's book, the film has a very diffe...
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Item not criterion as stated...Review created: 04/27/09
by:
) 
Good product but not criterion as stated in description...................
Review ID: 10000000011747056
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Faith strengthened by this powerful film!Review created: 01/07/09(updated 01/22/09)
by:
Attention: Possible Plot Spoilers for the movie: “The Last Temptation of Christ”
I saw the movie many years back and had been reminded of it recently, so I bought it. Since it was such a controversial movie, I'll get to the point. I liked the plot twist in its exploration of what if Jesus chose not to be sacrificed at the cross and decided instead to live a regular life and start a family. Had he done this, namely not taken up the cross, ultimately there never would have been salvation. However, he did take up the cross! This time not with the initial uncertainty and deep anguish he expressed to the Holy Father at Gethsemane (“Father, if it be your will, take this cup from me…”), but with renewed and vigorous fervor; as all his willing soul could voluntarily offer.
Additionally, to address the social issue that this movie wrought across nations and cultures across the Western world; I recall at the time of the initial premier that individual nuns and priests showed the courage to see the movie in theaters. After which they stated publicly (on TV and the media) that their faith was not shaken at all, but actually strengthened. I do Bible study and was thusly mystified with their curious remarks. So after hearing this, I followed their lead and saw the film. Yes it takes courage to watch this movie due to its provocative content and especially if you’re used to seeing Jesus as a one-dimensional character; or those who are more dogmatic than others. But afterward I completely agreed and connected with those holy folks who saw the film. I saw, especially at the very end of the movie, why good Christian faith need not be shaken but clearly empowered - but I can't just tell you! It would be giving the movie away!
However I can say this - if a person's faith, or argument for that matter, can not stand up to the test now and then, well perhaps that faith or argument is not strong enough to have or fight for in the first place. So yes, I highly recommend that you watch this movie as it presents a unique example of the ongoing classic battle between good and evil! Powerful ending!
I saw the movie many years back and had been reminded of it recently, so I bought it. Since it was such a controversial movie, I'll get to the point. I liked the plot twist in its exploration of what if Jesus chose not to be sacrificed at the cross and decided instead to live a regular life and start a family. Had he done this, namely not taken up the cross, ultimately there never would have been salvation. However, he did take up the cross! This time not with the initial uncertainty and deep anguish he expressed to the Holy Father at Gethsemane (“Father, if it be your will, take this cup from me…”), but with renewed and vigorous fervor; as all his willing soul could voluntarily offer.
Additionally, to address the social issue that this movie wrought across nations and cultures across the Western world; I recall at the time of the initial premier that individual nuns and priests showed the courage to see the movie in theaters. After which they stated publicly (on TV and the media) that their faith was not shaken at all, but actually strengthened. I do Bible study and was thusly mystified with their curious remarks. So after hearing this, I followed their lead and saw the film. Yes it takes courage to watch this movie due to its provocative content and especially if you’re used to seeing Jesus as a one-dimensional character; or those who are more dogmatic than others. But afterward I completely agreed and connected with those holy folks who saw the film. I saw, especially at the very end of the movie, why good Christian faith need not be shaken but clearly empowered - but I can't just tell you! It would be giving the movie away!
However I can say this - if a person's faith, or argument for that matter, can not stand up to the test now and then, well perhaps that faith or argument is not strong enough to have or fight for in the first place. So yes, I highly recommend that you watch this movie as it presents a unique example of the ongoing classic battle between good and evil! Powerful ending!
Review ID: 10000000010102270
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The greatest depiction of Christ ever portrayed on filmReview created: 09/23/08
by:
) THIS MOVIE WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE.
Never before has a director so boldly and effectively treated a subject as delicately sensitive and taboo as Martin Scorcese did with the personal life and times of Jesus Christ. Rather than just make another fluffy and unoriginal rehash of Scripture's rendering of this amazing prophet, Scorcese had the guts and vision to give this story a new perspective and put his own stamp on this character, primarily emphasizing that if Christ resided in the body of a man, than He would have had to struggle with HUMAN weakness and desire. Willem Dafoe as Jesus gives his finest performance of his career and acutely delivers the persona of a man fighting between basic urges and lofty aspirations with unbelievable conviction and emotion.
WARNING:
Regardless of the fact that this version of Christ loosely based on the Biblical descriptions of Him is the most accessible and inspiring, many viewers still may find this movie to be pushing the limits too far. If you are a narrow-minded chanter of old-time religious rhetoric or can not possibly bear to confront a picture of Jesus as someone other than a Son of God perfect in every way, than this may not be the film for you. There are other movies which fall in line with the Gospels that should suit you much better.
However, if you are someone who realizes that God's children may not have been told the whole truth about the events recorded in the Bible, or someone who is struggling with modern day pressures on an ancient religious edict, watching this work of art may very well crystalize certain feelings inside you. This movie is about the constant, EVERYDAY battle between GOOD and EVIL. You need look no further for an incredibly controversial and influential film dealing with an intense subject matter.
Never before has a director so boldly and effectively treated a subject as delicately sensitive and taboo as Martin Scorcese did with the personal life and times of Jesus Christ. Rather than just make another fluffy and unoriginal rehash of Scripture's rendering of this amazing prophet, Scorcese had the guts and vision to give this story a new perspective and put his own stamp on this character, primarily emphasizing that if Christ resided in the body of a man, than He would have had to struggle with HUMAN weakness and desire. Willem Dafoe as Jesus gives his finest performance of his career and acutely delivers the persona of a man fighting between basic urges and lofty aspirations with unbelievable conviction and emotion.
WARNING:
Regardless of the fact that this version of Christ loosely based on the Biblical descriptions of Him is the most accessible and inspiring, many viewers still may find this movie to be pushing the limits too far. If you are a narrow-minded chanter of old-time religious rhetoric or can not possibly bear to confront a picture of Jesus as someone other than a Son of God perfect in every way, than this may not be the film for you. There are other movies which fall in line with the Gospels that should suit you much better.
However, if you are someone who realizes that God's children may not have been told the whole truth about the events recorded in the Bible, or someone who is struggling with modern day pressures on an ancient religious edict, watching this work of art may very well crystalize certain feelings inside you. This movie is about the constant, EVERYDAY battle between GOOD and EVIL. You need look no further for an incredibly controversial and influential film dealing with an intense subject matter.
Review ID: 10000000008797616
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