Barabbas (1961)
7/10
The man who could not die...
6 September 2005
Warning: Spoilers
Through Barabbas, complex themes of faith, spirituality, violence, peace, morality, human dignity and cruelty were examined in the guise of a Biblical epic directed by a competent filmmaker of action pictures... His film vividly captured the panoply of Rome, the stultifying sulfur mines, the savagery of the Roman arena, the gladiatorial sadism, Nero's fire in Rome, and the persecution of Christians…

Despite a lamentable weak script, the acting was often comfortable, and the action very entertaining…

Anthony Quinn made his best as the confused man of violence, the common thief and the assassin...

Vittorio Gassman was good enough as the brave gladiator who stood on his faith...

Silvana Mangano was beautiful as Barabbas' former lover who knew that Jesus was, for her, the true substitute...

Jack Palance was, as always, great as the cruel and sadistic gladiator
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