Good Friday and Easter Sunday are just around the corner, so I thought I would use this weekend to review Risen, directed by Kevin Reynolds.

Clauvius is a war weary Roman Tribune assigned to see to the death of Yeshua of Nazareth who has been on the cross since before Passover. Pontius Pilate tells him to put the “Nazarene” out of his misery. However, when Clauvius arrives to Golgotha, the Earth shakes as if angry. He finds the Nazarene already dead. 

A Rabbi named Joseph comes to bury him, but the Sanhedrin want more. Clauvius assigns guards to the tomb, but after a short time, they find the grave is open. Clauvius is put under pressure to find the Nazarene’s body in an effort to stamp out any rebellion that Pilate foresees.  

The film has a very intense crucifixion scene in the beginning and that was hard to take. While not as gruesome as Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ, it did take me by surprise. It definitely took great lengths to get everything accurate, not just to the crucifixion, but on small details about Rome and Jewish culture. Though the movie took some Biblical liberties, it did its best to stay true to the story. 

Aside from that, the film is a great story. Joseph Fiennes was a little wooden in his portrayal of Clauvius, but I thought it went with the character. The scenery, the story, and the eventual reveal is an amazing story. 

PARENTAL CONCERNS: Violence and gruesome images

CAST:

• Joseph Fiennes as Clavius
• Tom Felton as Lucius
• Peter Firth as Pontius
• Cliff Curtis as Yeshua
• María Botto as Mary Magdalene
• Luis Callejo as Joses
• Antonio Gil as Joseph of Arimathea
• Joe Manjón as Bartholomew
• Pepe Lorente as Thaddeus
• Stewart Scudamore as Peter

If you enjoyed this review, be sure to subscribe for more movie review like this.