[Sans-Culotte]

I think it has a big following because it was the first big budget film about Christ in the sound era that actually showed his face and showed him walking and talking. Also, director Nicholas Ray has a cult following. However, I think THE ROBE does a better job of explaining redemption though belief in Christ. I also prefer THE GREATEST STORY EVER TOLD over KING OF KINGS. My favorite 'life of Christ' films are JESUS OF NAZARETH and THE GOSPEL OF JOHN. You can't beat JESUS OF NAZARETH in the crucifixion scene in which Laurence Olivier as Nicodemus follows the crucifixion while quoting from Isaiah.

Most movies about Christ (including KING OF KINGS) depict the life of a great and good man who is unfortunately put to death. I think most fail to explain the purpose of Christ's suffering. PASSION OF THE CHRIST also succeeds in this as well.

[ReformationFan]

In its defense, KOK does clearly show Jesus physically resurrected at the end. Clearly it takes more than being just a good man to accomplish that feat. I’ll need to watch “The Robe” again. Haven’t seen it in years. I do remember and love the scene where the beautiful Jean Simmons tells off Caligula and bravely marches to her death.

“Jesus of Nazareth” is probably the best film about Jesus I’ve seen though its length makes it definitely one for more than one afternoon.