1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A Passion Play gone bad, November 15, 2007
This review is from: The Passion of Joshua the Jew (DVD)
In 1492, Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand declared Spain to be a Roman Catholic country, and that the Jews and Moslems who had peacefully coexisted as Spaniards for centuries were now given three months to leave the country...for good.
THE PASSION OF JOSHUA,THE JEW is a very clever film that delves into the historical aspects of two families,one Jewish and the other Moslem,who had been friends and take different paths eventually in fleeing Spain.The script,though, centers on the Jewish family and they head for "safe haven." What essentially is the crux of this film is the family's arrival in a town where they must disguise themselves as Christians at the feast of "The Carazza" or Passion Play.This is the event of the Easter scene each year and everyone has a part.What so cleverly and sadly happens is when the son,Joshua, plays the the part of Jesus, The Messiah, actually believing that he IS the Messiah!.It ends up rather tragically.
This film is a clever and stinging indictment on the Catholic Church and their persecution of the Jews in following years leading into The Inquisition.This is an odd,yet very interesting twist on how the Spanish Inquisition was very much another 33AD Passion Play gone bed!.Unique and highly recommended.
That this film quotes and apology from the now deceased Pope John Paul with an apology to the Jews for The Catholics part in their mistreatment is all the more poignant at the conclusion of this film.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
5.0 out of 5 stars
Interesting version of Messiah story, July 2, 2010
This review is from: The Passion of Joshua the Jew (DVD)
This is a film which talks about a Jewish young man who has been asked to leave his country to avoid persecution.
He ends up in a new town, and he is asked to play the Messiah. But it has become a very complicated situation.
The story is interesting, as you are not sure how they will execute the familiar story line.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
