Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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444 of 461 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
SUBLIME AND HAUNTING MASTERPIECE, February 5, 2004
I just saw the DVD and was surprised at the power of this film.
The Book of John is treated like the finely wrought piece of literature it is. The material is adapted with fidelity as a self-contained work. Seeing it as a complete story is much different than taking elements of the life of Jesus out of context.
A lot can be said about the adaptation, directing, acting, production design and music -- but what stands out is that the sum of these parts is much greater than the separate elements, as fine as they are. Dare I say this is a work of inspiration?
The role of Jesus in world history deserves consideration in the light of the extreme religious fanatacism rampant today from the so-called People of the Book. Who was this person who claimed to be Son of God and Son of man? Factually, the apostle John details only a few points in the life of the Man who conquered death. But John says "Believe in the resurrection and you have eternal life now." How radical is that?
"The Gospel of John" does not shy away from a blunt account of the role of the Roman and Jewish powers in the murder of Jesus; however, the movie makes it abundantly clear why the Pharisees saw Jesus as a threat. In today's world He's still a threat to those who seek power alone,
For me, what jumped out of the film and still echoes in my mind is the several times Jesus asks, "Why do you hate me?" That question reverberates in today's headlines.
In a politically correct world, we no longer have public conversations about the subjective truth of the life of Jesus. Or the meaning of that solitary life. With advances in quantum physics, we consider the fundamental nature of of matter, time and consciousness. The Gospel of John touches on all these things with sublime power and insight.
Like in any other movie, this one richly rewards the suspension of disbelief. Surrender to a remarkable film that will haunt you long after final fade out. Finally I understand why those early followers of Jesus said: "We are not as those who have no hope."
The original DVD release (quickly out of print) has three discs with detailed extras that cover all the major production elements.
A later release has a two hour version of the film, very nicely edited, as well as the original three hour theatrical version.
Both versions of the film are beautifully transferred in a widescreen format that fills newer 16:9 screens.
I review DVDs for a local paper. I watch a lot of movies and "The Gospel of John" is among the best films I've seen in the last year. It's actually about something profound and acutely relevant. And it is rendered with style and grace.
If you've seen Jesus' crucifixion in Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ," see the rest of the story in "The Gospel of John."
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74 of 76 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Unvarnished truth, October 27, 2003
The Gospel of John is, in my humble opinion, the best Biblical-based movie since The Gospel According to St Matthew. The Gospel of John was filmed in Toronto using unknown actors and a British director. The intent of the Producers was to present the text of the book with no embelishments or viewpoints, letting the words speak for themselves and leaving the viewer to draw their own conslusions. The film accomplished this beautifully. The result is a powerful presentation that, while three hours long, seemed to fly by. I never got bored or tired, and felt like I had been there 2 hours or less.
Sadly, it gets mediocre reviews from the "sophisticated" reviewers who cannot appreciate the simple beauty and power of the words as written by John without the aid of post-modern interpretation.
I understand it is only showing in limited theaters in the South, then going straight to video. If it is in a theatre in your city, go see it. If not, get the video when it comes out. It is well worth the price.
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150 of 163 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
SHORTER VERSION'S GOOD -- LONGER VERSION'S GREAT, January 6, 2004
What a magnificent, unexpected film this is.
I've seen both DVD versions and am still surprised at the power of this film.
The Book of John is treated like the finely wrought piece of literature it is. The material is adapted with fidelity as a self-contained work. Seeing it as a complete story is much different than taking elements of the life of Jesus out of context.
A lot can be said about the adaptation, directing, acting, production design and music -- but what stands out is that the sum of these parts is much greater than the separate elements. Dare I say this is a work of inspiration?
The role of Jesus in world history deserves consideration in the light of the extreme religious fanatacism rampant today from the so-called People of the Book. Who was this person who claimed to be Son of God and Son of man? Factually, the apostle John details only a few points in the life of the Man who conquered death. But John says "Believe in the resurrection and you have eternal life now." How radical is that?
Mel Gibson's "Passion of the Christ" was assailed even before its release as fomenting anti-semitism. Yes, "The Gospel of John" does not shy away from a blunt account of the role of the Roman and Jewish powers in the murder of Jesus; however, "The Gospel of John" makes it abundantly clear why the Pharisees saw Jesus as a threat. In today's world He's still a threat to those who seek power alone.
For me, what jumped out of the film and still echoes in my mind is the several times Jesus asks: "Why do you hate me?" That question reverberates in today's headlines. What if for just one day, the world had a "Love your enemies and do good to those who hate you" day? Wonder what would happen?
In a politically correct world, we no longer have public conversations about the subjective truth of the life of Jesus. Or the meaning of that solitary life. With advances in quantum physics, we consider the fundamental nature of of matter, time, mind and existence itself. "The Gospel of John" touches on all these things with sublime power and insight. But more than anything else, it's about Love with a capital L.
Like in any other movie, this one richly rewards the suspension of disbelief. Surrender to a remarkable film that will haunt you long after final fade out. Finally I understand why those early followers of Jesus said: "We are not as those who have no hope."
The original DVD (out of print) has three discs with detailed extras that cover all the major production elements. A newer edition has both a two hour version (nicely edited from the three hour theatrical release) as well as the longer version. Both digital editions are beautifully transferred in anamorphic widescreen for newer 16:9 TVs.
I review DVDs for a local alternative paper. I watch a lot of movies and "The Gospel of John" is among the best films I've seen in the year it was released. It's actually about something profound and acutely relevant. And it is rendered with style and grace.
Don't believe the posted reviewers who mock this film. "The fool has said in his heart there is no God."
For me, after several viewings, this remains a majestic yet simple film of sublime and haunting power. Consider it art. Or consider it truth. It is both.
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