Customer Reviews

Magdalena: Released from Shame

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This movie is great for the entire family. It sparks discussion about Jesus' amazing miracles, His healings, and most of all, His sacrifice so that we may live with Him forever. It details how Jesus helped those who would otherwise be "cast-offs" of society. It shows that no one is beyond Jesus' reach once they submit their lives to Him. It is a must see!

Reviewed by Penny Zeller, author of "77 Ways Your Family Can Make a Difference."

This is such a beautiful story. Not only did I enjoy it as a woman, but my husband and 9 year son loved it too. It's not just for women, but also for men. It tells very clearly the story of Jesus. They have used pieces of the original Jesus Film, but tied them in pretty seamlessly to a new narrator. As a person who has seen the Jesus Film many times, I still enjoyed this movie tremendously and was moved by it.

It comes in many other languages too.

From the creation of the world, the entire Christian/Biblical world view is set forth in a logical fashion by Mary Magdalene via flashbacks. The life of Jesus is covered in total, and many of his teachings are set forth. The film's real excellence comes with its intended emphasis--on Jesus's compassion, especially for women but also for all who are oppressed. Jesus's compassion is illustrated to be in sharp contrast to societal norms in the stories of Jesus' healing on the sabbath, his mercy towards the woman caught in adultery, Mary Magdelene's healing from demons, the healing of the woman with a bleeding disorder, and his acceptance of the hated (by the Jews) Samaritans, starting with the woman at Jacob's well. Mary's case, that Jesus is the long-promised Messiah, and for becoming his follower, she bases upon events she witnessed, not emotion. God's Messiah is shown respecting women. Therefore, women have no reason to live in shame, hidden away, covered up, and without dignity, as in many countries today. The revolutionary nature of Jesus's teachings is underscored and Mary's words, "We didn't know until...Jesus" could be repeated many times. A great case for/explanation of Christianity, and an uplifting message of hope for anyone living under oppression.

Love the meaning behind the movie. The main actress played her part well but others needed more talent. It's odd how some scenes were spellbindingly professional and then suddenly, it was low quality acting. Would I watch this again? Not really, unless I'm super bored and have nothing to watch...maybe. Scenes were too drawn out. Many scenes were cut and pasted from the original Jesus movie, which made it less like a "new" movie.

The footage of Mary Magdalene and her associates is new footage interpolated into the classic film of "Jesus" from 1979. She bears personal testimony of Christ's divinity and is a special witness of his life, ministry and resurrection. She is depicted here as a righteous woman who was possessed with seven devils and is delivered from her affliction one day by Jesus. There is not historical evidence that Magdalene was ever a shameful woman. That aspect was mythology introduced later to discredit her for whatever reason. I was touched by the story and enjoyed the new angle given a re-edit of a classic familiar film. I gave a copy of this plus a copy of Dean Jones' one-man show of "St. John in Exile" to my folks for Easter. Powerful! Much better than hollow chocolate bunnies.

I have sent this film on two mission trips with my sister -- to Peru and Swaziland. It is a wonderful tool for women's ministry to help them know of Christ's great love and healing power for each of them.

Very down to earth and understandable movie. I really enjoyed it, and it doesn't come across as a movie "cheaply made" or corny, like some movies in the past do. Great to watch more than once!