Son of God

Every generation has its 'religious films'. It's an important thing in one's life so as to keep one grounded and well-rooted Films ranging from "The Ten Commandments" '56, to "Passion of the Christ" '04, have given us that sense of being grounded that is difficult to explain for some, but it still draws us from generation to generation. A mere ten years later we have "Son of God" to add to that inspiring list of films to keep us provoked in thought.

This story, as narrated by the apostle John (Sebastian Knapp) who is now in exile after Jesus Christ (Diogo Morgado) has died, tells us of the span of Jesus' life: from his humble birth through his teachings, crucifixion and ultimate resurrection. This shows us of his humbleness, love for mankind, and lets us know what we can do to be able to be more loving to each other as we allow God to love us by our acceptance of him. As he is betrayed by Judas (Joe Wreddon) and is taken into custody by the Roman army and subsequently crucified, in the most graphic way, how the apostles, specifically Peter (Darwin Shaw) are aghast by him being put to death, and the finale: Jesus finally resurrecting three days after his death to the amazement of his disciples, Mary Magdalene (Amber Rose Revah) and Mary, mother of Jesus (Roma Downey) is presented chronologically.

Others to round out the cast are Greg Hicks as Pilate, Adrian Schiller as Caiaphas, Simon Kunz as Nicodemus, Paul Marc Davis as Simon the Pharisee, Matthew Gravelle as Thomas, Louise Delamere as Claudia, Pilate's wife, Rick Bacon as Herod Antipas, Fraser Ayres as Barabbas, Said Bey as Matthew, Joe Coen as Joseph and Leila Mimmack as Mary.

This was directed with such expertise by Christopher Spencer ("Rear Window: The Sultan of Chess" (TV movie) '90, "Black Athena" (TV movie) '91, "Animal Passions" (TV movie documentary) '04, "Stonehenge Decoded" (TV movie documentary) '08, "Spying on Hitler's Army: The Secret Recordings" (TV movie) '13). The way he was able to move these actors from one scene to the next with such fluidity was incredibly well delineated. It was equally written effortlessly by Richard Bedser, Spencer, Colin Swash and Nic Young. Usually if there's more than two writers on any given film project, it has a tendency to become convoluted, however this was clearly a team effort going on here. Morgado as Jesus was represented in such a real way that it just sent the hairs on the back of your neck to raise. This major motion picture event-- an experience created to be shared among families, communities, or anyone for that matter, across the U.S.-- brings this story to life that is both powerful and awe-inspiring. Told with scope and scale of an epic, the film features powerful performances, exotic locales, amazing visual effects, and a rich score by the incomparable Hans Zimmer.

This is a film all should not only see, but also needs to see  when they walk into the multiplex. Then as one leaves after the credits end, it will leave them with a mixed bag of emotions, but mostly with the sense of wonder.

Out of 4 Stars: 4                           Rated: PG-13                           138mins.