It is set in Judea, 33 AD, governing Herod Antipas, under brutal Roman rule, there lives Maria, Rooney Mara, a young woman from the village of Magdala, close to Galilea lake, who desires freedom, and autonomy. She wants to flee from the destiny and traditions reserved for the Jewish female. After rejecting a marriage engagement to Ephrain : Halevi , a family friend, Mary is harassed by his brother Daniel: Menochet and her father : Elisha : Tcheky Karyo, as they believe she is possessed. Then, Mary doesn't obey them, she escapes and amazed by the personality and charisma of a strange person, she joins this healer and mysterious figure, called Jesus : Joaquin Phoenix. And she, eventuality submits herself to his will as well as his holy teachings and each time pays more attention to Jesus and vice versa . Jesus is accompanied by the ordinary disciples as Peter : Chiwetel Ejiofor, Thomas : David Schofield, , John : Shtrauss, Mathew : Babaloa, Philip : Gavriel. But they feel jealous and disturbing for Mary 's presence in the group, thinking she weakens Jesus' messages. The various disciples walk with Jesus preaching his doctrines, his own words and his social revolution, despite they have their personal interest. Along the way and through Samaria territory , Jesus goes on delivering his provoking messages that will change the whole world. Finally, in Pascua celebration , Jesus and his followers arrive in Jerusalem where he will find his fateful fate. 12 disciples and one woman heard and spread the deep message of Jesus. According to Gospels, Mary Magdalene was in death and burying of Jesus and she is considered to be the first witness of his Resurrection. In 591year, Pope Gregorio declared Mary Magdala was a prostitute, a false idea that has prevailed until today. In 2016 Magdalene was identified as apostle of the apostles and the first messager of the risen Jesus.
A thought-provoking and religious film dealing with Jesus life from sight point his only female disciple : Mary Magdalene and made in "New Age" style . As Mary and mainly the spectators become involved into the astonishing teachings told by Jesus, his grateful speeches, his goodness and final sacrifice. The film is paced in "Gospel according to Saint Matthew" by Pier Paolo Pasolini and "Christ Passion" by Mel Gibson wake, more than "King of Kings" by Nicholas Ray and "The greatest story ever told" by George Stevens. Main and support cast are pretty good. Rooney Mara gives a nice and spiritual acting as the faithful young girl who rebels against usual traditions, avoiding to be only a wife and to have children. Joaquin Phoenix is frankly fine as a thoughtful Jesus who promises a kingdom of love and peace, free of oppression and hateful . That's why Mary follows to Christ in spite of the strong opposition his family. The motley group of apostles are finely acted by good actors, though mostly unknown, exception for David Schofield as Thomas and Chiwetel Ejiofor as the first African-American Peter, though long time ago Carl Anderson played an African-American Judas Iscariot in "Jesuschrist Supertar" .
It contains a sensitive and rousing musical score by Johann Johannsson and Guonadottir. As well as evocative and atmospheric cinematography by Greig Fraser. Shot on location in Italy, several locations as Trapani, Sicily, Naples Campania, Gravina di Puglia, Matera, Basilicata. This latter location Basilacata was also filmed Gospel according to Saint Matthew by Pier Paolo Pasolini and Passion of Christ by Mel Gibson. The motion picture was well and originally directed by Garth Davis in his second movie. His prior films were the successful Lion, and some Shorts and TV series. Rating 7/10. Better than average.
A thought-provoking and religious film dealing with Jesus life from sight point his only female disciple : Mary Magdalene and made in "New Age" style . As Mary and mainly the spectators become involved into the astonishing teachings told by Jesus, his grateful speeches, his goodness and final sacrifice. The film is paced in "Gospel according to Saint Matthew" by Pier Paolo Pasolini and "Christ Passion" by Mel Gibson wake, more than "King of Kings" by Nicholas Ray and "The greatest story ever told" by George Stevens. Main and support cast are pretty good. Rooney Mara gives a nice and spiritual acting as the faithful young girl who rebels against usual traditions, avoiding to be only a wife and to have children. Joaquin Phoenix is frankly fine as a thoughtful Jesus who promises a kingdom of love and peace, free of oppression and hateful . That's why Mary follows to Christ in spite of the strong opposition his family. The motley group of apostles are finely acted by good actors, though mostly unknown, exception for David Schofield as Thomas and Chiwetel Ejiofor as the first African-American Peter, though long time ago Carl Anderson played an African-American Judas Iscariot in "Jesuschrist Supertar" .
It contains a sensitive and rousing musical score by Johann Johannsson and Guonadottir. As well as evocative and atmospheric cinematography by Greig Fraser. Shot on location in Italy, several locations as Trapani, Sicily, Naples Campania, Gravina di Puglia, Matera, Basilicata. This latter location Basilacata was also filmed Gospel according to Saint Matthew by Pier Paolo Pasolini and Passion of Christ by Mel Gibson. The motion picture was well and originally directed by Garth Davis in his second movie. His prior films were the successful Lion, and some Shorts and TV series. Rating 7/10. Better than average.