Posted on 02/24/2016 8:09:54 PM PST by NKP_Vet
My bride and I saw the movie Risen in Kankakee, Illinois on Sunday at the Paramount Theater in downtown Kankakee. The Paramount Theater is a well maintained movie palace that was built in 1931. Sitting in its wide seats and viewing its art deco adornments, one is transported back to the Golden Age of Hollywood when attending movies was an event, and people did not expect to see films in cramped, one size fits all characterless shoeboxes. By popular request, this review of the movie Risen will contain only minor spoilers, below the fold. I highly recommend the film, and I thought that I would give the film some historical background that may enhance the enjoyment of viewers.
The protagonist of the film is Military Tribune Clavius of the Xth Legion Fretensis, "Xth Legion of the Strait". Raised by Augustus during his civil war with Antony, Fretensis, at the time of Christ, was garrisoned in Syria and doubtless supplied troops to Pilate. A military tribune ranked between the commander of a legion, a legate, and the centurions, that curious Roman combination of company commander and career nco. Under the Republic, after the military reforms of Marius, circa 100BC, military tribunes, six in number were each assigned to the legion. The senior tribune, referred to as a broad stripe tribune, was of senatorial rank and was second in command to the legate. The five other tribunes, thin stripe tribunes, were of the equestrian order. Their duties were determined by the legate. Under Augustus, military tribunes were occasionally former centurions, promoted as a result of outstanding service.
As depicted in the film, Clavius, stoically portrayed by Joseph Fiennes, is obviously a former centurion. He is a battle hardened veteran, an expert at war.
(Excerpt) Read more at the-american-catholic.com ...
I saw the movie last evening - highly recommend it. The detail to Roman life, soldiering, and panoramic scenes were amazing. I kept saying they must have spent a fortune to make this movie. Add to that the plot, cinematography, acting, an outstanding movie worth the time to see. 4 stars.
The author could also have pointed out that Judea was considered the armpit of the empire, and officers assigned there knew it wasn’t “good duty.”
I sometimes take in a movie with my parish Priest, “Heaven Is For Real” and “Secretariat” for example. Is this movie appropriate?
This movie is entirely appropriate for your parish priest. Nothing that would make him cringe. He’ll love the fact that the burial cloth in the empty tomb looks like the Shroud of Turin.
Great movie. I don’t know how it plays to a secular audience but I enjoyed it.
The guy who played Yeshua also played Pablo Escobar in Blow.
My daughter and I went to see Risen this past Monday evening...we thoroughly enjoyed it...I am still laughing to myself over Bartholomew’s reply to Clavius’ question concerning the whereabouts of Jesus’ disciples...great movie!
The film is fictionalized but based on Matthew 28:11-15.
Thanks for the heads up on the movie. My priest is no “hot house flower” by any stretch. He is an excellent hunter who once bagged three whitetails in 5 minutes (here in Va. we’re overrun) but still I would be uncomfortable sitting thru scenes of Roman orgies with him.
It had none of that.
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