SimonJack "Jesus of Nazareth" is a nearly 6½ hour 1977 epic TV film about the life of Jesus Christ. It aired in different countries as a mini-series, from two to five parts. The film was directed by Franco Zeffirelli and today is considered a classic. In making this film Zeffirelli departed from his usual way of casting. Instead of mostly all new, unknown actors, he has nearly two dozen prominent names of stage and screen in the major roles. Indeed, this film may hold the record for a cast with the most major acting awards and nominations. Seventeen of the performers, from Anne Bancroft to Peter Ustinov, have won 56 major awards, and have had another 119 major nominations. The awards of the various performances in this film include 9 Oscars, 14 Golden Globes and 14 BAFTA awards, 13 Emmy's and 6 Broadway Tony awards. The film itself, received 2 primetime Emmy nominations and 6 BAFTA nominations. Generally, this is a very good condensed portrayal of the life of Christ. Even at more than six hours, much of what the Bible has about Jesus in the four gospels had to be condensed. Zeffirelli doesn't try to create the more spectacular scenes that would require heavy special effects. So, such things aren't included -- the calming of the storm at sea, Jesus walking on water, temptations by the devil, and appearances of angels in the annunciation and at Christmas. The many miracles Jesus worked are condensed into just a few. He cures a blind man, raises Lazarus from the dead, and multiplies the loaves and fishes.Still, a great deal of the drama in the life of Jesus had to do with the signs - the miracles he performed. His miracles, and word of them drew crowds beyond Christ's public teaching. And, these were what the rulers of the time feared and objected to the most. Christ worked his miracles out of love and to teach. Zeffirelli said that he wanted to focus on Jesus the man, which the film does. Yet, the signs, wonders, and works of the man also help one understand him. Especially as his manhood relates to his divinity as well. So, the film might have shown a little more of the exceptional works as they inspired awe among the people. That is something that the film does not portray much, if at all - the awe, the wonder of the people, the crowds and his disciples at times for what he did. And, one specific thing that should have been included but wasn't, was the tearing of the temple curtain when Christ was crucified. That should not have been too difficult or costly to set up and record. The addition of the fictional character, Zerah, seems to be a connection that the director uses to embellish the Sanhedrin plot to kill Jesus. This glosses over a number of references in the Bible about the Pharisees and Scribes plotting and wanting to kill Jesus. Instead, it's presented in the film as a reasoned outcome after much discussion. The story also embellishes greatly the character of Judas Iscariot. This goes far beyond the Biblical information and tradition. The embellishment of the three kings, or wise men (magi), while fictional, is not as far afield because of the references to them in the Bible. On that basis, audiences may better grasp the significance of their roles in the story of Jesus Christ. The film has several other additions that are not in the Bible, and alterations or embellishments of some things in the Bible. Generally, it's a good condensed story of the life of Jesus, if not of his mission and its significance. And, that's what Zeffirelli said he intended with this film. It was to show the human person of Jesus Christ, in his ministry. All of the cast give very good performances. The costuming and makeup are very good. And the locations shooting in Tunisia, Morocco and Mexico closely resemble the countryside and locals of the Holy Land.

tankace Jesus of Nazareth is the best incarnation of the story of Christ that is ever produced. Everything from its cinematography to its characters and dialogues are perfectly made and with great respect to its source material, the Bible (the series of 2014 is hilariously boring) . It is common myth that Porbert Powell was so in to the character that after the end of the series he killed himself , due to the difficulty of the character, this fact is totally false ,if you go now to his IMDb page it shows him alive and well. During the production they were theologies send by Pope Paul the Sixth himself in order to ensure the faithfulness of the series and it definitely paid of, also the setting pitch perfect . In the end either you believe or not this is one of the best mini-series in television history and definitely check it out, dispute its monstrous run time of 6 hours and 20 minutes!

brandywine-19670 In my opinion Jesus of Nazareth is the best Jesus movie on record. It has an excellent cast and the acting is exquisite. You can actually feel the Spirit of Jesus in Robert Powell, and you feel emotionally touched by this movie when you realize the love God showed us by living among us as a human in the form of Jesus Christ, Son of God. Jesus gave His life for us so we could be reconciled with God, and God returned Him to life to reign forever as Lord and King. I recommend this movie for all.If you have not seen Jesus of Nazareth yet or if you are thinking of using it to help rekindle your relationship with the Lord, then I strongly advise you to obtain an uncut version online if one is not showing on TV. The cut version due to commercials denies the chance for you to see the whole story as it was meant to be told. There is a strong message of love and discipline in this movie, and in the uncut version you get it all.I feel Jesus in the scenes where He is showing love and compassion, and sorrow in His eyes for the people who clearly are lost to His message and seek His death. This movie is a must-see for those who want to know the Lord and in the uncut version, which is close to six hours long, you won't be disappointed.I

agonzalezep I do not understand why Lionsgate is delaying for so long a Blue Ray edition for this magnificent production. A high definition treatment for this miniseries is expected worldwide because it is the best movie ever filmed about Jesus of Nazareth. Most of the cast are still alive and it will be great if they were interviewed. After 36 years from the television success, this miniseries is still touching the hearts (for good) of everyone who see it. There is also a lost extended version of 8 hours aired in 1979 that contains important key scenes that will improve the current 6 hours cut. People who see this edition speak in the forums about scenes of the temptations in the desert, Jesus washing the feet and extended last supper scenes, a shot of the head of John the Baptist, the transfiguration and an alternate resurrection deleted scenes. Franco Zeffirelli let know in an interview that he need to cut several scenes to his original version. Please, Lionsgate, do this miniseries the justice it needs and bring us a Blue Ray extended version of Jesus of Nazareth for the old and new generations enjoyment of this great cinema masterpiece.