VHS CASE/SIDE
Length of film: 260 Minutes (Edited: 199 Minutes), (Re-released: 141 Minutes)
Rated: G
Genre: Biography, Drama, History
Director: George Stevens
Starring: Max von Sydow, Dorothy McGuire, Charlton Heston, Jose Ferrer, Telly Savalas, Martin Landau, Donald Pleasance, John Wayne
IMDB Rank: 6.6/10
Part 1 Time: N/A, (Edited: 120 Minutes), (Re-released: N/A)
Part 2 Time: N/A, (Edited: 79 Minutes), (Re-released : N/A)
Where does the first part end? Aram, the Paralytic man and Lazarus approach the gate of Jerusalem.
Final line of dialogue on the first part: “I was blind now I see, who has numbers? The man called Jesus.” Aram shouting to Roman soldiers at a gate of Jerusalem.
First line of dialogue on the second part: “There is a rumour in the streets.” Members of Pharisees speak in Jerusalem temple.
How jarring is it when the first part ends? Somewhat, at this point in the film the audience has witnessed many miracles preformed by Jesus, he has enlightened many people and has thorough knowledge of religious texts. Tension and fear is growing among the Romans as well as the Pharisees who see Jesus as a threat to their control of power in the Middle East. Jesus and his followers are under threat by those who want to silence them.
Which part is better? Part one explores the rise of Jesus, documenting the birth, baptism, emergence of disciples, and performance of multiple miracles. Part two displays the cruelty and punishment Jesus endures at the hands of the Romans and the Pharisees. Jesus’ ability to be pure and forgiving even when faced with unbearable suffering gives part two an edge over part one.
Academy Awards: Best Cinematography- Colour (Nominated), Best Art Direction-Set Decoration Colour (Nominated), Best Costume Design- Colour (Nominated), Best Effects- Special Visual Effects (Nominated), Best Music Score- Substantially Original (Nominated).
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