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Secrets of the Code is one of the better documentaries obviously basking in the glow of Dan Brown's mega-success with his novel The Da Vinci Code. Narrated by Susan Sarandon and featuring some of the most ubiquitous experts within the mini-industry of videos examining The Da Vinci Code from a number of angles, Secrets first offers a brisk re-introduction to the major thesis in Brown's story, i.e., that Jesus Christ had descendants through his wife, Mary Magdalene, and the Holy Grail is not a cup but rather the Jesus-Mary bloodline. From there, Secrets goes on a hunt for ancient signs (the Glastonbury Tor, cave art) that the sacred feminine was once paramount in the thoughts of men and women, and claims that crucial to the foundation of all religions--including Christianity at its deepest roots--is the mystery of procreation. The great variety of ideas and beliefs among early Christians is also touched upon in Secrets, especially the alternative views of Gnostic Christians. There's also the whole sordid history of Magdalene's demotion from tactit apostle to prostitute in the Catholic church. Da Vinci’s "The Last Supper" gets yet another look, and the same debate about whether the figure to Christ’s left is St. James or Magdalene is invoked again. If this all sounds familiar, there are some noteworthy sub-topics here, too, including the attributes of pagan gods that were ascribed to Jesus long after his death (making him something of a superhero) and a section on a fascinating, modern-day Magdalene cult that goes on annual pilgrimages and believes that Mary was actually Christ’s teacher on the subject of the divine. --Tom Keogh
Product Description
Actress Susan Sarandon narrates this all-new visually-stunning and thought-provoking documentary based upon New York Times best-selling author Dan Burstein’s book "Secrets of the Code," which takes a look at the controversy surrounding the best-selling book and blockbuster film "The Da Vinci Code." Secrets of the Code is a sweeping exploration of some of the world’s greatest mysteries. This feature-length documentary includes interviews and commentary by renowned scholars, theologians, scientists and historians, including Timothy Freke, Richard Leigh, Sean Martin, Rabbi Irwin Kula and Elaine Pagels.
Burstein’s book - and now the film - explores the global obsession inspired by Dan Brown’s phenomenally successful novel The Da Vinci Code, the fastest selling adult novel in the history of publishing. Secrets of the Code film takes a provocative look at the controversy surrounding Brown’s novel examining the importance of religion in today’s world, and is a sweeping tour of the mysteries surrounding the ancient signs and symbols, the true identity of Mary Magdalene, Leonardo da Vinci, the Gnostic Gospels, the meaning of the Holy Grail in history, the facts concerning the so-called secret societies including the Freemasons, Priory of Sion, Opus Dei and more!
First published in hardcover in 2004, "Secrets of the Code" book has been a best-seller worldwide, appearing in 28 foreign editions, with two million copies now in print and has outsold all the other guidebooks to The Da Vinci Code combined. Secrets of the Code is a sweeping, cinematic journey that delves even deeper into the mysteries of mankind's past and the origins of our religious beliefs, making this newly released feature-length documentary a powerful companion piece to the best-selling novel and blockbuster film.
