A.D.

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.

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 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.

I saw A.D. a few years ago on television. It was the only series/film about the Roman empire I saw, in which the Forum Romanum was rebuild realisticly. Although it is very difficult (not to say impossible) to revive the past, I would say that the cast and crew of A.D. managed to recreate the first decades of the Roman Empire in a realistic and believable way. If one wants to learn more of the history of this period, A.D. provides a good history lesson.

I liked also the way in which the several stories are set. Not only do we get a view of the lives of the first Roman emperors and the deciples in Israel, the series also follows the lives of a few common people in these times. The mixture of these stories (although this is fictious) is very good.

I find A.D. a very good series. It is a pity that there are no reruns of the series. I understand A.D. is on VHS, but I did not find it yet (Maybe someone can help me with this). Hopefully one day it will be released on DVD. I am looking forward to that.

I thought that this movie was excellent in that it shows the events surrounding the early church as well as what was going on in Rome at the same time.The acting was superb and the details flawless.I thought that John McEnery looked very much like the bust of Emperor Gaius Caligula that I saw in the museum in Alexandria,Egypt.This movie has not been rivaled since.I highly recommend it for all Christians who are interested in the history of the church.