Customer Reviews

Last Temptation of Christ [VHS]

5 star:		(146)
4 star:		(57)
3 star:		(36)
2 star:		(17)
1 star:		(39)

 

 

First of all, this area is SUPPOSED to be for reviews of this movie, not dire warnings of damnation if one watches it. It is JUST a movie....something tells me Jesus and his believers can survive it. Please don't turn this forum into a religious debate.

I think anyone who purchases this DVD edition of the film should definitely go back and listen to the director/actor/screenwriter commentary included with the film. In it, Marty and the screenwriter explain why they used the actors they did, and why they used today's vernacular. They had the characters speak this way so that the viewer is more aware that the players in the New Testament WERE human, just like us. Marty believed that the stilted English of the King James Court, with its "thou's" and "ye's" (and having absolutely NO relation to the way people spoke at the time) serves to distance modern viewers from the pain and doubt that both Jesus has his followers underwent.

Marty also was desperate to counter the prevalent depiction of Jesus in film that has him 100% "divine", with a golden light shining behind his head, with the divine little smile and the gentle words. He wanted to use the idea in the Bible that Jesus was also fully human, subject to both physical AND mental anguish. The latter is the point that Gibson missed in his film. Anyone who has ever lost a child or had to make an agonizing decision knows that mental anguish can be as painful as any physical torment. This movie is about the true temptation Jesus underwent, to deny God and run away from his destiny. All of us can identify with that.

I find this Jesus far more compelling than the Jesus I grew up with in Sunday school. This Jesus is not perfect. He hurts and has soubts and depressions like I do. And yet he gives his body and mind to God in the end.

This film has stayed with me for 10 years, and I grow fonder of it with repeated viewings. My tastes are broad - I will happily sit down and watch the cheapest genre flick and the subtlest arthouse... so while I can see that this film can be picked apart on an intellectual level, I also feel that film should be "felt". Even if you forget the beautiful performances (so human!), the incredible narrative, poetic direction, great music that grabs hold of your gut and drags you down into it -- what you're left with is amazing. I am not a religous man, yet this film touches me very deeply - from the moodswinging jesus curled up on the shore hearing footsteps to the triumphant jesus joyous on the cross... what part of being alive does this film not talk about? What modern mainstream film has trod paths so high and low? Take this film for what it is -- a celebration of man, not a condemnation of christ.

While the film is not as authentic as the upcoming "The Passion of the Christ" (where Aramaic is used), it was much more realistic and gritty than previous film portrayals. What really adds to the drama of the film is the soundtrack by Peter Gabriel.

Having received 12 years of Catholic school education, culminating when this film was released, I was amused to read the incredible outpouring of emotions by narrow-minded Christians against this film, both at the time is was released and in the reviews. To me, a sure-fire sign of narrow-mindedness is their utter inability to appreciate art for what it is and the fact (evident from their reviews) that they have not even seen the movie. My faith was not so weak as to refuse to entertain artistic explorations and alternative viewpoints.

Although not wholly based on the scriptures, the theme of this film IS based more upon the very nature of Jesus Christ himself. That is, the film and the book both attempt to dramatically explore the contradictions associated with the dual identity of Jesus as both God and man - a schitzophrenic combination indeed.

SPOILERS AHEAD:

In this film, Jesus as man resists God's call, at age 30, to take up his role as spiritual savior. Jesus-as-man IS tempted by his own thoughts and doubts (manifested by Satan), the last temptation occuring in a stupor as he hangs dying on the cross - the opportunity of becoming all man. This post-death illusion sequence, where Jesus goes on to marry Mary Magdeline and see the dire consequences of such a course of action, covers the last 3rd or so of the film. What is most interesting is the confrontation between Jesus and Paul, the latter of whom is the most signficant evangelical Christian of all time - which turns out to be an express of the argument that the idea of Jesus Christ as savior may have been more important (at least politically) that the historical facts. In any case, for those who find this sequence blasphemous, they need to remember that it is a DREAM. (e.g., The crowds are still cheering at the cross as he is taken down by a lovely little girl.) In the end, Jesus triumphs over the evil of human frailty to assume his position in Christian beliefs.

Other interesting factors include the expanded role of Judas (played here by Harvey Kietel), as Jesus' true right-hand man. In an interesting twist, Judas is at least as interested in political revolution as a spiritual one, and Jesus manipulates Judas' anger and convinces him to turn Jesus in for persecution.

In any case, I give it a firm thumbs up. Too bad that this is too expensive for any casual observer to pick it up on DVD, though.

The deep spiritual feelings that this movie makes me harbor have changed the way I see the world forever. I can almost feel the pains that Jesus must have went through on the cross physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Even though this account of Jesus' life is fictional, the viewer can see and feel the true sacrifice that Jesus made by giving His life on the cross and the struggle it took to get there. Although this movie is condemned by many (most of whom didn't even see it), my personal relationship with God was strengthened by it, and I'm sure I'm not alone. Willem DaFoe was strong, passionate, and yet vulnerable as the Son of God, and Harvey Keitel was masterful in his portrayal of a very believable Judas who helped Jesus in ways many never realized possible (fictional of course). The soundtrack by Peter Gabriel is haunting and moving, and is just one more reason that makes this Scorsese film a true work of art. Though it is not the greatest movie ever made, it is a great movie just by the way it makes you think and feel. I love to watch this movie around Christmas and especially Easter because it always brings me closer to God through Christ. All I have to do is think about this movie and it makes my heart warm, and all the cares of the world are made that much lighter. The role of Satan in this movie really hits home with how tricky he can be, and I think it gives me just another weapon in my own struggle between good and evil - spirit and flesh. You must remember that this is not the true story of Jesus Christ... this story is symbolic of our own personal struggles to become more Christ-like. Christ never faultered in His destiny... but we have, and we will.

I will first say that my father, a Lutheran minister, took me to see this film when I was in high school. Brilliant in nearly every aspect. The Biblical Jesus, I've found, is a religious figure that people worship without approaching any closer. Here, we are given a Jesus that talks like us, feels like us, struggles with us. This opened my eyes to many aspects of Christ that I had never considered before.

Many people didn't like Jesus portrayed as "weak" or "indecisive." Maybe that really is just Dafoe, but seeing him in other movies I find that hard to believe. If Jesus seems indecisive, maybe that's because he is struggling so hard to find himself and his purpose that he has no time to worry about his outward appearances, something all the disciples are caught up in throughout the film. Weak, not at all. The scenes of Jesus being carried and supported by his disciples may give this appearance, but I tend to think that Jesus is simply so caught up in his revolutionary vision and hope for the world that he completely forgets that his body is even there... his disciples, being grounded firmly in more earthly things, cart him away because of their petty fears of violence and death.

As for Keitel's Judas, don't even get started on the accent issue. Where is it written that the ancient Hebrews spoke to each other in English with Hebrew accents? I find this a ridiculous aspect of several movies, that actors and directors seem compelled to make foreign characters speak to each other in English with accents, when the English is there simply because they are too lazy to worry about subtitles! Think about it... Judas didn't speak English. Jesus didn't speak English. Pilate didn't speak English. So how realistic would it be to have them speak English with Hebrew accents?

In fact, the accents add something to the characters. Bowie's British accent makes Pilate sound haughty, confident, arrogant... just like a Roman governor. Keitel's New Yawker makes him sound earthy, brash, uncouth, uncultured... just like an illiterate zealot.

Lastly, the complaint that the miracles of Christ are made to feel like parlor tricks. This comes as a result of the scenes where Jesus heals someone, and the disciples parade the healed man like a tent-revivalist might parade someone that he just "healed". Well, take a careful look at those scenes and watch how Jesus reacts. He doesn't stop it, but neither does it interest him... he clearly sees this kind of advertising as one of the many weaknesses of men. The disciples want so badly for people to believe in Jesus that they will take something like the healing of the blind and focus everyone's attention on that one act, not the message the Jesus brings or the life he promises. That's how people would act and react today. What makes us think that people 2000 years ago would be that much different from us?

At any rate, buy this movie. Be prepared, though, to not be entertained so much as challenged to think and feel.

I stated once before that this film is incorrectly taken. Jesus never sins in this film. So when he dies he is absolutely sinless thus allowing biblical prophecy to be fulfilled. He has not sinned because these events that occur through the film are a TEMPTATION presented as a HALLUCINATION. Satan is tempting Christ to reject the cup he has to bear. Dying for the sins of all is a very serious "cup to bear," so Satan finds Jesus an easy target. Remember the other part of the prophecy, Jesus must suffer. This is a part of that suffering, making the agonizing decision to die for all. And I refer to "religious zealots" as the ones who automatically killed this film from the beginning instead of seeing it for what it really is, but religious people in general are not "zealots". I consider myself a religious man. Of course you all are entitled to your opinions as to the actual quality of the film (some said it was boring) but I found it a thoroughly engrossing film, another hit for Scorcese.

The Christ of the book is not the Christ of the film. That has to be stated right out. And Scorsese's literal take on the titular last temptation makes the finale into some sort of Good verses Evil climax which is an interesting take, but not the torturous psychological sledgehammer Jesus takes in the book.

This aside, THE LAST TEMPTATION OF CHRIST is a stunning, deeply moving film. Still widely ignored in the United Kingdom and regarded as a blasphemy, it saddens me to think that I got more of a spiritual message from this film (and book) than I ever did back in my youth in the church.

Scorsese's direction is magnificent. The acting, both Dafoe and Keitel, remarkable. But aside from the actors, another major player is the score by Peter Gabriel that manages to infuse a struggle between the spirit and the flesh into its by turns uneasy and triumphant music.

And for the last time, the Last Temptation Jesus endures is the level, easy road of men - family, kids, respect...nothing found hanging from a cross upon Golgotha.

Scorsese's "Last Temptation" is a great and challenging film. This is NOT some salacious, blasphemous movie! Quite the opposite, this is a serious, very spiritial examination of the great sacrifice that Jesus made. In fact, if detractors of this film(most of whom have never even seen this or are seriously misinformed)would take a look they would see a highly original, reverent film that presents a very personal view of Jesus and the sacrifice he made for us. Martin Scorsese is probably our finest filmmaker. His very best work has always tackled "Catholic" themes. Mean Streets, Taxi Driver, Raging Bull are all brilliant examinations of sin, guilt, and redemption. So it's no wonder Scorsese chose to adapt Kazantakis' book. Last Temptation ranks as one of his VERY best films, right up there with the aforemntioned films if not of a piece with them. This is one of Scorese's most personal films (then again, all his films are, Scorese being the most personal of American fimmakers). We are taught that Jesus was the Son of God and the Son of man. If he is both, then Jesus was subject to the same pain, guilt, and temptations that we all have. Scorese presents most of the major events of Jesus' life: the Sermon on the Mount(a GREAT scene), the passion in the desert, the Last Supper, ect. Through this all Jesus continually questions why he must suffer, why must he be the One with this "burden". Willem Dafoe is incredible in this most difficult role. The final 40 minutes of this film are absolutely powerful when Jesus is on the cross and in absolute agony he is presented with one final temptation. This is the scene that most people question or are offended by. The scene is fascinating, not offensive, and presented by Scorsese in a very careful and tasteful fashion. I dont want to reveal what occurs, that's for you to discover. Let's just say, that Jesus rejects this temptation presented to him and resumes his place on the Cross and fulfills his destiny. The way Scorsese presents the events in the film, makes this final scene all the more powerful. Scorsese really shows us the sacrifice Jesus made for us, he shows us what Jesus gave up for us and how much he really loved us to do this for us. This doesnt sound blasphemous to me at all. Ironically, this is probably the most "devout" religious film Ive ever scene. Technically, the film is brillant. Scorsese really does'nt know how to make a boring shot. The camera work is incredible! Peter Gabriel's music is astonishing, the acting is GREAT (esp. Dafoe, Hershey, and yes Keitel's rather eccentric performance) This is a great film, please give it a chance.

I find all the hoopla surrounding Mel Gibson's new film "The Passion of the Christ" to be oddly deja vu. It seems like anytime some unlucky sod decides to make a film about Christ, people are going to complain and picket. In 1988 (was it that long ago?) director Martin Scorsese made an extraordinary film that was greeted with equal fervor - "The Last Temptation of Christ."

The film "The Last Temptation of Christ" is an incredible achievement, with earnest performances, thoughtful dialogue (based on the Nikos Kazantzakis novel of the same name) and the always-imaginative direction of Scorsese. I applauded how human and identifiable Jesus Christ was portrayed.

When watching "The Last Temptation of Christ," one has the feeling if this story truly did happen, then it would have happened much as it did in this film. It is violent, coarse and inspirational. The great controversy was its portrayal of Christ having an affair with prostitute Mary Magdalene (Barbara Hershey). But it's not really an affair more than it is Christ, at the moment of death, imagining life's choices. Just what if he had chosen a life of domestic simplicity and warm security with Mary, rather than take responsibility for his calling?

I think people are so used to Christ being portrayed as this superhuman being, eyes ocean blue and unblinking, gliding across the desert swan-like (like TV's "Jesus of Nazareth"). In one of the great film epics of all time "Ben-Hur," director William Wyler doesn't even show Jesus. Oh, we see his back at one point, his hand in yet another scene. But Jesus is left to our imagination, which is probably the best way to go about this subject matter anyway.

So for Jesus to be played by a relatively awkward looking man in Willem Dafoe, human, with genuine insecurities and fears, is an inspirational and unique stance. For the first time, Jesus was one of us rather than a primping GQ model with the sun behind his back.

When I first saw this film, I was expecting an absolutely scathing look at Christ. After all, many of the major religious figures in America were blasting the film. The thought was how blasphemous that Christ would have had any human feelings when hanging from the cross. What I found, instead, was a well filmed, but largely boring piece of celluloid.

The film is taken from a book by Nikos Kazantzakis, and does very little justice to the wonderfully poetic prose Kazantzakis writes. While true to Kazantzakis' gnostic telling of the life of Christ, the film feels much too contemporary in many parts. This is largely due to the Scorsese touch.

If you watch a film to see its imagery, this film is beautifully filmed. If you like to watch good acting, you will also have a pleasant experience. If you want to be moved, as only art can do, you will come away a bit empty.

As for the controversy, the points on which biblical leaders attacked the film on are largely inconsequential. Realistically, had they actually watched the film, they would have been more shocked by the subtle points, rather than the last temptation. This leads me to believe that few of the detractors even knew what the film stood for.

Compared to many of the films of the past 15 - 20 years, this one certainly fairs better than most. This is primarily due to the fact that so much of the tripe Hollywood puts out contains characatures rather than characters. Rating this film based on what Hollywood puts out, one would have to rank it higher, as it shines in comparison. I choose, however, to rate it based on the elements that I feel makes good art; as such, average is about the best I can rate this.

I find that most people that feel strongly one way or another on this film do so on their own personal belief of Christ rather than the merits of the film. Overall, it is average. Had Scorsese cut the film a bit rather than plod on, I might be tempted ;-> to give it more stars.