EighthSense
I just finished watching The Visual Bible's "Matthew", and it will be a while until I feel "normal" again. For almost 4 hours I was back in time, among his followers, totally transported by this movie, as close to the real thing as I could never imagine was possible. I can't describe properly how very real it felt. This movie, although very rich and lush visually, contains none of the marks of a Hollywood "production". For the first time, we get to hear all of Jesus' words and parables in everyday English, as Matthew wrote them in detail, which are delivered by Bruce Marchiano in the most lively, realistic way imaginable. His "Jesus" is as close to the real one as we can get-full of life, loving, affectionate, smiling, dynamic, persuasive, so human and so full of love, so approachable and realistic. His skin and that of the disciples is tanned from their days of walking and teaching in the sun, and if there is any make up, I can't even tell.I have collected all the movies made about Jesus, including Pasolini's-none vibrates throughout as strongly with Jesus's realistic presence and words as this movie. I have really no words to describe it adequately. I just feel like I'd like to thank all the people involved in this work, for they have created something wonderful for the world. Matthew's portrayal in his old age is absolutely masterful and enchanting. In a hugely artistic, entertaining way, Bruce Marchiano's unbelievable performance as Jesus makes every thought and word of Jesus in that Gospel readily understood-thank you for this incredible work! I saw at Marchiano's website that he is making "The Gospel According to John" -again word for word-entirely by his own ministry when they manage to get 250000 people to donate $100 each-how I wait for it!
texaszilaci
Yes, Christ was probably somebody like this movie shows.Loving people, loving life, very accessible, feeling sorryfor the people when when criticizing them. Word by word,the Gospel of Matthew. I would be very pleased to see theother 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.
Grog-9
I didn't like this movie at first. The production quality is that of a "B" movie and I let that get in the way of my objectivity. I was also not used to seeing Jesus portrayed as...well...human! This Jesus laughs and hugs and enjoys his friends. We are usually treated to a Jesus that is somewhat detached or "royal" in his bearing (think Jeffrey Hunter in "King of Kings"). This is not the case in this film. Once I got used to it (and IMHO this is a more accurate representation of Jesus) I really liked it!I couldn't believe that this movie follows scripture line for line. The scripture verses are actually displayed (in the lower left corner as I recall) as they are being portrayed. I expected that approach would make the film disjointed or uninteresting. But it really works well.This has become my favorite "religious movie", and I watch it with my family every Easter season.
