Review by Jeniffer Gomez
The story of Jesus Christ has been told countless times on the big-screen, TV and in books; but this is the first time that the most famous story ever told shows the resurrection through the eyes of a non-believer.
In this version, a Roman military officer named Clavius (Joseph Fiennes) and his aide Lucius (Tom Felton) are asked by Pontius Pilate (Peter Firth) to witness the crucifixion of a Nazarene name Jesus (Cliff Curtis). Clavius’ main task is to ensure that the Nazarene is dead. After a crucifixion, all the bodies of the crucified criminals are thrown into a mass grave, but in this particular case, Jesus’s father Joseph (Luis Callejo), got permission from Pilate to put his son’s body into a grave. Of course Pilate wants to disprove the rumors of a risen Messiah and prevent an uprising in Jerusalem. He decrees that the tomb be closed with a giant stone using the seals of the Roman Empire, and to have the tomb guarded for three days following the crucifixion.
Upon the third day Jesus’ body went missing, so Clavius and Lucius are tasked with solving the mystery. There were many rumors about what happened, but the church and the government believed that the body was stolen. Thus begins a Roman Army hunt for all of Jesus’s followers but the greater mystery for Clavius is the puzzling discovery of followers of Jesus who are inexplicably joyful and firm in their conviction that Jesus will rise from the dead.
Through Clavius the film shows an interesting perspective of the story, and how these events changed Clavius’ life. This film offers action, drama, adventure and religion with moments that’ll give you goosebumps, making it enjoyable even for non-believers. The cinematography truly makes you feel transported to Jerusalem and Galilee.
It is gripping to see Clavius struggle and start to doubt his deeply ingrained Roman beliefs, a questioning that began with his assistance in the murder of Jesus. In his search for facts and truth, he begins to realize why real faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. I was expecting a documentary or a biblical spectacle of a film about the life and death of Jesus, but I can honestly say the compelling storytelling of Clavius’ journey was a pleasant surprise.
3 of 5
