The Gospel According to Matthew

Let's face it; if you have ever read a book before you saw the movie, the movie always paled in comparison. Some say that's because the movie could never do justice to what our own minds have pictured. The movie is destined, to some degree, to disappoint our vision of what things looked like as we read the authors words, and none of the actors will look or say things just as we envisioned it. Well if that's true, what would be the hardest book to film in the history of mankind? You guessed it, the Holy Bible; the best selling, and most widely read book of all time. And making matters more difficult is the fact that even those who haven't read the book will be comparing your portrayals to any of a half dozen that have come before.

Well, considering such extreme challenges, somehow director Reghardt van den Bergh, producer Dan Johnson and adapter Johann Potgieter have served up a miraculous production. It simply is a movie that rises above others on this near and dear topic. From the actors they selected to the locations, the resulting movie is simple and unadorned, and in this critic's opinion, the most easily received rendition ever produced. Devout and skeptic alike can enjoy this portrayal of a loving and greatly empathetic Christ. Bruce Marchiano, who plays Jesus, plays Him full of love and compassion. He's down to earth (no pun) and personally involved in the well being of everyone He meets. The viewer can feel His caring. It's simply the best portrayal to date. The supporting talent is also excellent in this production, which is so realistic it seems to be quiet. Now, as we all know, there is trauma in this story, and when appropriate, it does get uncomfortable to watch. but not gratuitously. They simply got it right. I realize that in the millions, or billions of other readers of this story, there's room for differing opinions, but upon second or third viewing, I think many would lean in this reviewer's direction. and I score this film a perfect 10.

I don't know how often I have watch this movie over the last few years. Bruce Marchiano's portrait of Jesus was inspired. His Jesus is wonderfully human, you can literally feel his love, anguish, pain, etc. He heals people and then is not above sharing their joy by rolling in the dust with them, hugging and kissing. Non-Christians who watch this movie might not understand, but he certainly helped to strengthen my faith. The crucifixion scene is very powerful and real and left a lasting impression on me as to what crucifixion was like, the pain, humiliation, filth etc. The cast was well chosen and complimented the movie; after all the people it depicts where mostly simple people, fishermen, farmers etc. and I don't believe that more well-known actors could have brought the characters to life the same way, especially Simon Peter.

I've seen many of the movies made about the life of Jesus from the "Greatest Story Ever Told" to "Jesus Christ Superstar". I would have to say that Bruce Marchiano's portrayal makes Jesus as being very humane and compassionate about the suffering of the community. The Jesus he plays steers away from the stoic Shakespearean-type portrayals by Max Van Sydow and Robert Powell, making the character very accessible and someone you care about. In addition to Bruce Marchiano's pretty watchable performance, it was good to hear the late Richard Kiley's narrative of the Gospel, his rich unique voice (we'll miss it) enhancing the treatment of the story. Overall, I liked this film which is underrated and less-watched in comparison to the other more famous depictions of Jesus' life.

Having watched this film recently has encouraged me to want to watch Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ" when it comes to Singapore next month. It would be interesting to make comparisons between the two films. I speculate that the films probably would complement each other, providing different perspectives to Jesus' character and life.

Forget the Passion - THIS is the film to view if you really want to know more about who Jesus is, and His life here for 33 years on this planet. Unlike any other version I've watched, the producers, directors, most of the main actors and supporting staff of this film were ALL Christians themselves, who prayed regularly over every single scene AND again unlike any other edition, they held EXACTLY to what scripture said as the ultimate script - absolutely nothing was added in - some occasions required a voice over where to reenact the scene may have proved somewhat inappropriate (e.g. the Angels at the Tomb), but other than that, this is absolutely categorically the best one in my view. Sad that it's often neglected or overshadowed by more 'secular' versions. Bruce Marchiano who played Jesus in this one continues on to have an awesome ministry following his portrayal of a 'different' Jesus to the stereotype.

Yes, Christ was probably somebody like this movie shows.

Loving people, loving life, very accessible, feeling sorry

for the people when when criticizing them. Word by word,

the Gospel of Matthew. I would be very pleased to see the

other Gospels from these film makers and actors. I hope, they will make them. It is also a great idea that the name of the actor who is playing Jesus is not shown anywhere. Even International Movie Database does not show that. I had to search the internet to find the actor's name out.