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.

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

amber_van_den_bos As the passion of Christ was a bit extreme,where you'd think that in that film they could have take a nudge down.. this film is just the opposite.. It annoyed me deeply that this film was way to brave, the way Jesus gets angry, I was waiting for the temple scene, but even in that scene he couldn't -or maybe wasn't allowed- to get angry. You don't even see him get hit a single time,since that's also a 'big' part of the movie I think they could have done a better job on that part. Jesus suffered for us, but if you see this movie you'd almost start to wonder.. It's not even a problem to let children watch this movie, to learn about Jesus.

Dr_Sagan There are, literally, no words to describe this. A depiction of life of Jesus Christ that touches your soul in every imaginable way.The cast is so brilliant that you forget that you are seeing a TV mini series. Robert Powell is like he was destined to play the part of the son of God.The direction of Franco Zeffirelli leaves you with awe. The music of Maurice Jarre is majestic and fills you with emotions. The script...well...the script it was written by God through the apostles.This is on TV every year, and every year people sit and watch it again for the nth time! A masterpiece.