Search - Mary of Nazareth: From Nativity to Calvary on DVD

A good movie

Black Jack | 10/08/2002

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This movie is sort of backwards. It spends about half the time talking about the events leading up to Nativity, and the other half on what happened after the nativity. I mean, I understand that this is supposed to be about Mary, but, still...Also, it seems to fail to capture what must have been the real feelings of Mary. If you watch the movie Jesus of Nazareth (with Robert Powell)--now I think that Olivia Hussey does a much better job of portraying Mary.My other complaints were:(a) Hollywood always does have to throw in that "woman in labor" business, doesn't it? It's just annoying. Plus, it has been said in the Bible that Mary did not have labor pains during the birth of Jesus.
(b) The cruxifiction moved along so quickly that you could hardly tell it existed--I mean, come on! This is the main point, isn't it, after all?But, the things I did really like were:(a) The actress who played Mary looked like she really could have been Mary's age.
(b) It showed how John the Apostle began to take care of Mary after Jesus's death."

Good movie, but not accurate.

Black Jack | 03/07/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Very little is mentioned of Mary in the Gospels, so obviously much about the life of Mary has to come from reflections on the Gospels.

The movie is carefully directed not to stray too far from the Gospel account. There are still some inaccuracies, Mary is shown in the opening scene as a teenager walking down a road greeting people with a 'high five', 'good morning...' and 'Hi...'. These are not Jewish greetings of the first century.

Secondly, Mary is shown by the Lord's side throughout His public ministry. In the Gospels Mary is mentioned only twice during the public ministry of our Lord, at Cana and at Calvary. So obviously much of the scenes are the imagination of the director. Though none of the scenes contradict the teaching of the Gospels (theologically). Some of the scenes are very meaningful and touching and provokes reflection on the important Gospel events in the life of Jesus and Mary (and Joseph), and the relationship between them.

And lastly why does Jesus have to have blonde hair. Palestinian men are not blondes, they have black hair. Jesus was not an Anglo-American.

The movie is good and worth watching. One would profit much by reflecting on the life of Mary as a Mother and a disciple of Jesus from the Gospel account. Indeed, 'all generations will call her blessed.'"

Somewhat disappointing

Black Jack | 07/26/2003

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I received this movie as a birthday gift, and couldn't wait to watch it. However, it wasn't nearly as good as I thought it would be.My biggest complaint was Mary herself. In the beginning, she is chatty and gossipy with her friends and flirty with Joseph. Later on, she follows her son Jesus through his ministry but spends most of her time just looking at Him. They barely have any conversations at all!I'd still recommend seeing it, though, as there WERE a few scenes that were very well done. The visitation was beautiful, and the agony in the garden was perfect. And when Jesus is carrying His Cross and Mary is following--well, it makes you want to cry.This is an okay movie overall, but Jesus of Nazareth is much better!"

Didier Bienaime as "Jesus".

James McDonald | Southern California | 05/14/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"A 1996 French film.
This film is not highly dramatic as a motion picture, but this story of mary is told in a fast pace style. Events go by so quickly you hardly have time to absorb them as a story. Not a great deal was spent on special effects except for a stage light bulb. Whenever the angel Gabriel is represented, this film depicts it as a bright light shining upon Mary, Joseph or the Three Wise Men and with a woman's voice.
You won't get too much historical accuratcy here in this film. So much was not covered. There is no story of why Joseph and mary had to find a manger (the inns were full due to harvest time), the star of Bethlehem is never discussed, the hiding of Joseph and mary with Jesus is not dramatized and neither is the Census (the counting of the people).
Although this film was quoted by Terry Meeuwsen of the "700 Club" as "unique" and "will touch your heart", there are some scenes of blood and violence that should not be viewed by children.
How Jesus met each of his disciples and many of his miracles are not shown in this film.
The Last Supper setting is probably more accurate than any other film.
Myriam Muller portrays "Mary" (The Mother of Jesus), Francis Lalanne portrays "Joseph" (the Father of Jesus), Didier Bienaime portrays "Jesus", Pierre Lacan portrays "Judas" (the betrayer), Myriam Mezieres portrays "Mary de Magdala", Thierry Maillot portrays "John The Baptist" (Jesus' cousin).
French actor, Didier Bienaime who played "Jesus", died from a heart attack at the age of 43 on August 7, 2004.

For a highly dramatic and emotional telling of the life of Jesus, more in-depth and the most accurate and accepted film version, I recommend the NBC-tv miniseries, Jesus of Nazareth (1977) with Robert Powell as "Jesus" and with an all-star cast. "Jesus of Nazareth (1977) is available from Amazon.com on VHS and DVD.
Yes. After Mary Magdalene, Mary and Salome discovered Jesus' tomb empty, Jesus was Resurrected (late Saturday afternoon) and during those 40 days visited his disciples. Then he ascended up in the clouds to be with his Father. Jesus promised that he will return (The Second Coming). Some believe it will be 2000 years after his death (this would reach to the 7000 years). Could Jesus return April 6, 2029, April 7, 2030 or April 25, 2031?
We are not allowed to know the exact date. Jesus will return (with angels) to Earth to judge and reign over all nations in the Kingdom of God will be visible."