Posted on 04/08/2016 5:46:33 PM PDT by truthfinder9
Christian filmmakers are on a roll. The last several years have brought us an increasing number of religious films, many bordering on mainstream and featuring globally recognized stars. But among the miraculous true stories and positive message films, Risen, the tale of a skeptical Roman soldier Clavius (Joseph Fiennes) encountering the risen Christ (Cliff Curtis), is the one that caught the attention of Krista Bontrager, the dean of online learning at Reasons to Believe. I sat down to talk with her about Risen and the challenges of Christian filmmaking. (Spoiler warning.)
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MM: What makes Risen stand out among other Christian or Bible-themed movies?
KB: That’s a good question. The production values, I thought, were exceptional. In previous reviews, I’ve commented on improved production values in Christian films and TV shows such as The Bible and A. D., both produced by Mark Burnett. Risen is definitely as good, if not better. It has the look and feel of a real Hollywood film rather than a half-funded Christian effort. The cinematography, writing, and acting were all very strong.
What do you think makes this particular story work?
Viewers do have to be amendable to suspending their disbelief. If you know anything about ancient Jewish culture, you know that a Roman isn’t going to just come in and start interacting with a bunch of Jewish men. That’s just not going to happen. Jews considered Romans unclean. These issues persist through half of the book of Acts.
(Excerpt) Read more at reasons.org ...
Very good review. I saw this film in the Cineplex and it was good spiritual preparation for Holy Week. It reinforces your faith and makes you think. If you haven’t seen it, I’d recommend you see it on DVD when it comes out. Or ask your library to put you on the list for it. It’s respectful towards people of faith and believers.
I think expressly Christian movies are the best. They tell the story of coming to know God Himself, being saved from His wrath, and living with Him forever. And it is just like God to make these movies in a form that the world despises, just as it despised His Son.
SPOILER WARNING!!
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CHRIST IS RISEN!
I’ve seen it twice. An outstanding movie.
I’ve seen it twice. An outstanding movie.
I’ve seen it twice. An outstanding movie.
The expression on Flavius’ face when he sees the risen Christ is worth the price of the film!
There was zero talk of sin and repentance in this film, avoid it.
Six times?
I saw Risen....
First half of the film was very good....
Second half was good as well, if you are into fiction...
Overall I enjoyed it...
The film was pretty much from the viewpoint of the tribune. He underwent profound changes as a result of his encounter with Jesus. When he left them his whole Roman worldview had been completely upset and he did not know what to think. That he did not become a Christian by the end of the film does not detract from the psychological drama.
——There was zero talk of sin and repentance in this film, avoid it.-——
To be fair, the film wasn’t about sin and repentance, it was the Roman perspective of the events after Christ resurrection....
The second half was wholly hollywood license....which was done decently....
New phone. Just saw it twice.lol.
I’ve seen this three times. An outstanding post.
My wife and I were somewhat disappointed. No evidence/discussion of a risen Christ. No revealing of the central tenet of Christianity. But for many involved in its making, I suppose it is at least a start.
When he removed his Tribune ring and gave it to the inn keeper he was a believer and had been born again.
They tried to tell the story of Longinus.
The movie could have been done better but I liked it.
Saw it last Saturday and thought it was pretty good though it seemed to loss momentum towards the end. The early fighting in which Clavius and the Romans take on Barabbas and the Zealots helped me understand better why the Jews yearned for a powerful political Messiah.
and not once was he told of sin by any of the apostles, was he?
Because, clearly, they all taught about sin later, didnt they?
Jesus spoke of sin constantly and how He was the messiah, and that no man comes unto the Father but by Him
That message was absent in this movie. Completely absent.
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