Customer Reviews

Revelation (Faces Art) [VHS]

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

Revelation sheds light on the search for a missing relic called the Loculus. Having been in the hands of the Knights Templar for 700 years its secret was lost. Forces are now vying to unlock things better left undisturbed...
There are slight hints of the Ninth Gate (starring Johnny Depp) and the X-Files, and strong/obvious elements of the Da Vinci Code so the movie falls into the action/adventure/mystery/thriller/horror type of category.
It's an adventure that includes some pretty exciting and exotic locations such as Britain, France, Greece, and Malta.
In short, the acting and the dialogues are extremely weak, while the plot and the setting, are really very good, therefore, the potential for a great movie was definitely there if only the actors and writers could... act and write!
Overall, though not a masterpiece, it will surely provide for an evening's entertainment, as it is one of those films that gets you and keeps you thinking long after it's over!
In conclusion, the film establishes a GREAT cliffhanger for a sequel, which I would definitely line up to watch!

Any movie that looks at the end times through the lens of Christianity (even as badly focused as this one) deserves at least a look.

It does help to know a little about the Knights Templar/Masonic order to follow the story line, but only a little. The movie has a lot of faults scripturally yes, but the whole..."I can't tell you now...but decode the disk and you will understand" plot was really the lamest part of the movie.

For folks who have their own theories or conjectures about end time events... the conception of a new christ by a Wiccan priestess on top of a Star of David floor mosaic, is probably not one of the more popular ones.

The chick did have a nice bum though.

There was something about the movie though that did raise some interesting points. The struggle for power using Christ as a tool rings true for nearly 2000 years.

Nice to see something different - intelligent, thought provoking and multilayered, stitching together 2000 years of history, myth and magic in the thriller/horror genres. Alchemy, religion, secret societies, astrology, sacred geometry, ancient relics mixed with murder, ritual and mayhem (burning, barbecued and flayed bodies abound)- it's a heady brew and you need to keep your wits about you to take in all the detail, but its worth it - then look through the 1 hour of explanatory extras/documentaries on the DVD to find out just how much you missed and watch it all over again. A great historical/mystical/spiritual puzzle with loads of special effects. Recommended if you want more than the standard Hollywood fare. Also a must for Udo Kier fans.

Just saw this movie and thought it was outstanding. By coincidence, I had recently finished reading Dan Brown's novel "Angels & Demons." I was struck by the similar feel of the stories and heartily recommend this movie to anyone who has read the Robert Langdon novels by Dan Brown. If they ever get around to turning Dan Brown's books into movies, I don't think you could find a more perfectly suited director than Stuart Urban. Revelation shows he has a feel for the style and understanding of the content. Great flick!

The concepts that this movie is based on are intriguing. and some very interesting facts that link paganism and Christian practice and symbolism come out. Shocking and at the same time thought-provoking. but these, and the presence of Terence Stamp and Derek Jacobi are the only star worthy aspects of the movie.

because storyline and scripting are weak... before you read further, beware of some moviespoilers in this paragraph!!! weakness: storyline lead characters are made out to be reincarnations of Mary Magdalene and Jesus, they look the same way they did from 2 K years before, they will birth the returning Christ... wasn't played out convincingly enough in the script or the acting.

semi-strength: the desire to know what the Loculus, the central item of great interest and conspiracy, is the device of the story that is supposed to keep us hooked into the movie until the end...

weakness: quickie pre-climax story line--- choppy feeling scenes about blood and tissue residue ...cloning... floating baby in a tank... orphan left on steps of Vatican...evil cardinal raises Antichrist... needed more thought and depth on the part of the scriptwriter... too many holes in that treatment.

special effects... although i appreciate the efforts put into the special effects (as evidenced by making-of docu), their overall effect is rather 2nd rate.

again, the presentation of various symbolism, pagan ties of Christianity's beginnings and divisions, planet Venus' path in the sky, feminine and masculine principles of Divine, secret societies, little-heard-of( that is, to us Western Christians in the U.S.) early and medieval Christian sites and traditions in the mediteranean were the star aspects of this movie. for these little-known facts pointed out that there is more to Christianity's history and its development than the mainstream U.S. has since known and accepted so far, far away from the land and time of the Man known to be the Christ.

If you want to discover more facts along these lines, AND if you want a better, more satisfying storyline experience with these same sort of Christian curiosities and facts then try reading the book Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown. (curiously enough, these fiction pieces about the secret Christian traditions have both come out at around the same time.)

This movie creates more questions. So be bold and ask them. Be brave enough to seek answers outside of what you already know.

This had a Da Vinci Code feel, though it was out before it... and was MUCH better. It was easily understandable, and a fun ride. There are moments you definately don't see coming, and the story itself is a great idea. It's low tech, and all the cgi and such, is really beleiveable. Nothing over powers in this film. It is a good old fashioned character peice. You can get attached to them, and still be pulled deep into the story without too many effects or computer images. I highly enjoyed this film. James D'Arcy is definately an unrated actor. He was very good in this.

Revelation (2001) is one of those movies that you enjoy as long as you don't think too much about the logic behind it. Almost two hours can be easily spent with this film, although it's not one of those movies you remember much about afterwards.

Revelation is the story of an ancient relic known as Loculus which dates back to the time of Jesus Christ. The good forces has battled the evil through the centuries and the final solution is going to take place in present day. Lord Martel (Terence Stamp, "The Limey") has eventually got a hold of Loculus to unlock the artifact's mystery that no one has managed to solve.

When the Loculus is sent to be hidden for all time, some people want to get hold of it again. James D'Arcy ("Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World") plays Martel's son who has to fulfill his father's last wish. Udo Kier ("Blade") is the leader of an ancient order who has a whole different purpose for the artifact. This leads to a race around Mediterranean in Europe for clues to find Loculus.

Revelation is something of a cross between thrilling adventure and religious mumbo jumbo. Despite parallels to Dan Brown's "The Da Vinci Code" it was earlier released with less artistic and commercial success. The director Stuart Urban has managed to create some stylish visual contribution, but also a lot of unexplained storylines and passable special effects. Udo Kier gives once again a good performance as the leader of the order. One might just wonder how many times has Kier played this kind of a role before...

*** (3 out of 5)

An alternate title for this film could've been, 'Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About The Occult But Was Afraid To Ask.'

All joking aside, the real strength of this film is found in director Stuart Urban's admirable effort to incorporate over 2,000 years of esoteric and occult teachings into one unified plot. So much information in one film; early pagan practices, primal male/female energy systems, ley lines forming a transcontinental power grid connecting sacred sites, the role of Mary Magdalene and the grail in Christian esotericism, alchemical symbology and magical formulations, astrological calculations and the planet Venus, secret societies (the Knights Templar), reincarnation and a myriad of other occultic associations coalesce into the image of a small ornately decorated box known as the Loculus. Combine all this with modern day scientific DNA discoveries and you have the basic storyline of 'Revelation.'

Another real plus in this production is the on-location shooting at such wonderful sacred sites as the Rennes-le-Chateau in France and the island of Malta in the Mediterranean. The imagery found in the paintings, sculpture and mosaics in these very early Christian churches will serve as a rather rude awakening to those in Western Christianity who are unaware of how deep and inseparable the connections were between first and second century Christianity, the old ways of paganism and the underground stream of occultism.

Fine performances by James D'Arcy and Natasha Wightman as Jake and Mira (SPOILER: or should I say Jesus and Mary Magdalene). Also featuring Udo Kier as the Grand Master and Terence Stamp as Magnus Martel. The 'Revelation' serves as a good companion piece and prerequisite for those planning to see 'The Da Vinci Code.'

one of the better movies i've seen here recently, great acting and a really great story! a couple go after a box to see what it withholds. does it contain christ's DNA and will they try a cloning experiment? have to check it out to find out that answer.

In order to apreciate this type of film, one does need to have a bit of a foundation in the metyphysical, some history of the Knights Templar and a wee bit of what Roman torture was about. As with all things in this world, there are the two streams, that of good and of course, evil, which of course is conveyed in all movies, including life.

Another reviewer made a comment on the Church, and unfortunately, many associate churchianity, with the real Christianity that Christ taught, which are two totally separate streams of thought. Christ was very simple, he wore basic linen, and not the red silk regalia and fineries found in the Vatican and on the Cardinals & Pope. Let me move to say that the story of Troy was thought to be "just a story", until the real treasures were actually unearthed. Therefore, it can also be possible that the Book of Revelation and its mysteries, will too, eventually unfold, but to those whom are spiritually evolved to hear it. I prefer keeping an open, positive mind to all.

Overall, we thought the film to be rather interesting, but sadly it only touched on certain facets of the Templars and the Apocrypha, which again is why one needs to have some exposure to it prior to viewing this film.

As with many things...Careful consideration must be given prior to handing over the "Philosoper's Stone"/information, as they are both equal in power.