First of all, thank you for your service to our nation.
Second, yes, I have seen that movie. If there was one word to describe the performance, I would deem it "powerful" as well. When I first was thinking about becoming a Christian (and by that I mean actually praying the sinner's prayer and accepting Jesus Christ), there were many, many barriers in my way.
I had purchased a VHS copy of the movie "Jesus of Nazareth." Incredible film.
Directed by Franco Zeffirelli (who is an amazing film maker), and with roles byAnne Bancroft, Ernest Borgnine, James Farentino, Ian Holm, Olivia Hussey, James Earl Jones, Stacy Keach, James Mason, Ian McShane, Laurence Olivier, Donald Pleasence, Christopher Plummer, Anthony Quinn, Fernando Rey, Ralph Richardson, Rod Steiger, Peter Ustinov, and Michael York. ( a little Wikipedia help there - I don't have them all memorized). However, these were some of the greatest actors and actresses of this century. There is no way this was a coincidence.
When I finally, finally broke down and gave myself to Jesus, I would watch this movie again, and again. My favorite scenes were the parable of the prodigal son, and when Christ gave the blind man sight.
Christ then came to me in my soul, and I met this same man as the one on screen, but better. He knew me, He forgave me. He restored me.
It was the most profound thing that ever happened to me.