Chasing the Star

I was hoping for a different perspective... but I am always open to screenplays taking license with a very "open" subject. Almost nothing is known about the (3) wise men, other than they came from the "east", they brought gifts, and they left Judea without "touching base" with Herod. If you expect and find a screenplay that is "biblically accurate", you will end up with The Passion of the Christ; nothing else in western filmography is even close. It may be useful to reread your bible, folks. What you will find here is putting some background to (three) men's lives that in no way conflicts with what is known about them. I was especially drawn to the evil that enveloped Herod. He was a real piece of work, custom made for a place in hell.

I enjoyed this film and the different perspectives on the Christmas story. It was well made and the story well told.

I cannot fathom in my wildest dreams why anyone would give this more than a couple of stars. The acting was horrible, the fictional story completely implausible, there was no passion, no inspiration, and no resolution to the drama invented for the story. You will not see the magi get anywhere near Christ. The films spends most most of its time telling the backstory for each of the three magi, all of them traumatic and completely without anything that would draw a viewer to them. Did I mention it is completely fictional? Oh, and don't miss the references to Herod's incest with his sister. Ugh. A really gross waste of time.

I admitt, I like it. Yes, it is far to be a great movie and accuracy is not exactly its basic virtue. But it has the gift to propose a new perspective about a very familiar story. And it represents a puzzle of personal stories, touching and dramatic in some measure. And it does a reasonable job in this sense. In essence, no surprises because, from the first part, you know the tone and the vision and the idea of director about manner to tell the story. The big problem - the didacticism of the dialogue between Archangel Gabriel and Devil and the actor in the role of Archangel . But that are only details. The result - it represents more than a Christmas film but a nice portrait of vulnerability and reconciliation with yourself.

As CHASING THE STAR follows the Three Magi (Wisemen) on their predestined quest, instead of the epic Biblical story we're familiar with, it provides wonderfully intimate portraits of humanity caught up in larger cosmic themes of power, pride, status and duty weighed against individual choice. Though the breathtaking scenery and some very nice effects capture an arduous journey, the focus is on small moments of personal struggle, often done in poignant flashback, as each of the very different trio comes to terms with the surrender of his own dreams (and demons) to embrace the sacrifice their faith demands. From main cast to brief cameos, the acting is top notch, earnest and emotional, with refreshing hints of humor. The decisions are heartrending and real. My personal favorites: The appearance of warrior angels (no wings or halos for these all business fellows!) and the slickly seductive tempter weaving in and out of the story offering dreams like forbidden fruit. My only peeve: The sound track, though appropriate, got a bit heavy at times. A thoroughly entertaining and enlightening film I would recommend to all viewers.