This may seem like an unconventional choice for a Top 50, and maybe it is, but I hold to the belief that this is the single greatest adaptation of the life of Christ ever put to film. This is largely due in part to Henry Ian Cusick's representation of Christ - which is easily one the greatest performances I've ever seen. This film may not be the grandest, and Cusick's performance probably won't impress everyone, but no film has ever before captured the spirit of Christ like this one does. Like it or leave it, it's place on this list is perfectly justified.
The film chronicles the writings of the Gospel of John, literally word for word, which is amazing in itself. Narrated by Christopher Plummer, the exposition never gets tiring. Watching Cusick in the role of Christ is a revelation - it's almost as if he was made for this role. Uttering every word with utmost earnesty and truth, he makes the words of Christ come alive.
There isn't really much I can say about this film that would impress most people. This is one of the more personal choices on the list, and my appreciation for it comes from the feeling I get every time I watch it. Sadly, most adaptations of the life of Christ I've seen are boring, drawn-out and uninspired, but watching this one is like a breath of fresh air.
The DVD was released with the 2-hour theatrical version, as well as the 3-hour epic version, and I must say that I enjoy the 3-hour version more. Every scene draws you closer and closer into the film, and the cut version takes away from the overall effect. My beliefs are no secret, and I'd agree that it has a lot to do with this film's inclusion in my list. But if you ever want to see a film adaptation of the life, death and resurrection of Christ, I can recommend no other film more heartily.
© 2007 Kim Bartlett
The film chronicles the writings of the Gospel of John, literally word for word, which is amazing in itself. Narrated by Christopher Plummer, the exposition never gets tiring. Watching Cusick in the role of Christ is a revelation - it's almost as if he was made for this role. Uttering every word with utmost earnesty and truth, he makes the words of Christ come alive.
There isn't really much I can say about this film that would impress most people. This is one of the more personal choices on the list, and my appreciation for it comes from the feeling I get every time I watch it. Sadly, most adaptations of the life of Christ I've seen are boring, drawn-out and uninspired, but watching this one is like a breath of fresh air.
The DVD was released with the 2-hour theatrical version, as well as the 3-hour epic version, and I must say that I enjoy the 3-hour version more. Every scene draws you closer and closer into the film, and the cut version takes away from the overall effect. My beliefs are no secret, and I'd agree that it has a lot to do with this film's inclusion in my list. But if you ever want to see a film adaptation of the life, death and resurrection of Christ, I can recommend no other film more heartily.
© 2007 Kim Bartlett
Okay so I haven't seen this one. But I love that this list will have some very personal choices. Those are the one's that give lists 'character' and the ones that I sadly often feel that mine lack. Looking forward to #46.
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