A.D.

The team Anthony Burgess/Vincenzo Labella has after tremendous movies like "Jesus of Nazareth" and "Moses the Lawgiver" once again surpassed itself by retelling the story about the birth of christianity in such a fascinating and powerful way. Nothing compares to the profound "road to Emmaus-scene" which conveys the new hope in Christs resurrection in a very moving way. Dennis Quilley played Peter in accordance with Luke's descripion of him in the book of the acts. But the greatest performance was undoubtetly Philip Sayer as Paul who especially knew how to portray the change that took place in his character on the road to Damascus. Watching him in his role was seeing a vivid portrayal of what it means and takes to change from Saul to Paul. Nobody knows what Paul acctually looked like but everytime I hear the name Paul or think about this great apostle the image of Philip Sayer as Paul popes up in my mind - an astounding performance! The roman emperors Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius and Nero were depicted in a very impressive way. They even had some similarity with the real emperors busts which are still preserved. Apart from the wonderful spititual message this movie conveys it is as some other viewers already observed very accurate with historical details like f. e. Claudius who hid himself behind the curtain before he was hailed as Romes new emperor or Calebs mentioning of Pilates massacre among the samaritans that made him lose his position. Scenes like these were in absolute accordance with the historical records of the roman age. (A little flaw: baptisms were performed by immersion at that time) Not only the acting but also the music was first class! It couldn't have been better. I also wonder why this movie isn't available on DVD or at least on VHS.

To whom it may concern: Release it on DVD!

A.D. has to be one of the most breathtaking attempts to create a film based on the events surrounding the early Roman Empire's encounter with the then-nascent sect of Christianity. Unfortunately, the attempt is bloated and collapses under the weight of its own pretensions. Many in the incredible ensemble casts give terrific performances, not the least of which are Ava Gardner, Anthony Andrews, James Mason, and Paul Freeman. However, there is an equal number giving uninsipired performances, particularly among the fictional main characters.

The dialogue verges between passable and ludicrously embarrassing. That some great actors had to deliver ham-fisted lines is somewhat of a travesty. It also becomes overwhelmingly preachy and sentimental at times, so don't look for an objective view of the historical period.

The best thing going for A.D. is the production values, which are top-notch. Moreso than any movie up until that point, it conveyed a real sense of what it was like to live in that time period. But that and the few inspired performances aren't enough to save this from being a missed opportunity.

I don't know much about ancient Roman history, but I thought the A.D. film was very good and moving. I really liked the portrayal of Paul and Peter. I thought the actors who played them did a marvelous job. I have the 9 hour version on 5 VHS tapes. It is a nice movie to watch during the cold winter months. It was really sad and touching when the early Christians are thrown into the arena and when Valerius picks up the dead child in his arms. That scene moved me to tears. The girl that played Sarah, Amanda Pays was also good. I liked the character that played Caleb. The sets and costumes were very nice too. I wish that they had this on DVD. It's too bad that they don't make movies like this anymore. I give it an 8.5 out of 10.

If there is any better way to enjoy a day I know it not! This mini-series won an Emmy for good reason! Christian history is pretty accurate, but the addition of Roman history is exceptionally amazing. It's great to see how history and Biblical history coincide. The fictional heroic characters add to the exceptional drama -- two Jewish persons (brother and sister) and Romans they each become attached to. The all-star cast (James Mason as Tiberius, Anthony Andrews as Nero, Colleen Dewhurst, Susan Sarandon, Ava Gardner, Ian McShane, etc.) is extensive. The acting and storyline are very well-cast and the acting well-done. Stirring and excellent soundtrack follow as well. Definitely go for the longest series possible, as the shorter versions are VERY condensed! Begins with Christ being taken off the cross during the reign of Tiberius and follows the lives of the apostles and the fictional characters through the decades under the reign of Ceasars Caligula, Claudius, to the reign of Nero. Follows the historical aspects of Roman politics and treason, the senate, and the Biblical histories such as Peter converting the Ceaserean, Paul on the road to Damascus and Luke's written works. All in all, a historical dramatic gem!

I was surprised how good this movie actually was. I've watched this almost ten hour movie twice already. As a christian I just loved to see Peter and Paul in action. There acting was just great. Peter was so great, and Paul too. You could almost see, that the Holy Spirit was working in them, and the message was very Biblical and good... This one is released on VHS in three parts. So it is possible to get it on VHS. But I hope it will be released on DVD soon. This movie is highly recommended. I give it 9 out of 10.