A combination of claymation and some animated sequences makes up this tale of Jesus Christ, a reverent depiction of his life from when he is called to service to when he is reserrected. With fine vocal characterizations from the likes of Ralph Fiennes (Jesus), Julie Christie (the mother of a young girl he heals), William Hurt (the girl's father), and Miranda Richardson (Mary Magdelene), the film is interesting and entertaining. Some sequences even manage to be quite powerful, such as the Crucifixion scene. There are a couple of unnecessary shortcuts, such as turning Mary Magdelene into a lunatic instead of simply saying she's a "woman of sin" and leaving it at that, but all in all a fine, intelligent production. This will probably end up as an educational tool in schools for Christian and perhaps non-Christian children; all the better for it.
Review of The Miracle Maker
