'Jesus: His Life' [DVD]
(Houda Echouafni, Cassie Bradley, Greg Barnett, et al / 2-Disc DVD / NR / 2019 / History Channel - LGF)
Overview: 'Jesus: His Life' explores the story of Jesus Christ through a unique lens: the people in his life who were closest to him.
Each of the eight chapters is told from the perspective of different biblical figures, all of whom played a pivotal role in Jesus’ life including Joseph, John the Baptist, Mary Mother of Jesus, Caiaphas, Judas Iscariot, Pontius Pilate, Mary Magdalene, and Peter.
DVD Verdict: OK, let's get something straight here from the off: This is not a documentary. Rather a dramatization supported by commentary about life in Biblical times.
Whenever a dramatic production approaches the Christ story people become outraged. Such is the way of the world. They responded the same way with Jesus Christ Superstar.
If any aspect plays contrary to the way they want to know the characters and events involved, emotions take over, of course.
That all said, onward and upwards now as this series 'Jesus: His Life' is spectacularly cast and produced, in my humble opinion.
For one of the first times the viewers get to see what people in that time and era might have actually looked like. And the first person perspective is a unique and different view on the greatest story ever told.
That being said, the content was confusing a good deal and contradicting the sources which it claims to have sited. I can only speak from a Biblical point of view, being a scholar myself, and say that many of the portrayals contradict things that are portrayed in all the gospels (therefore should be included/referenced, at the very least).
As opposed to portraying characters as being confused when all sources indicate they were sure. I speak primarily of the John the Baptist episode that portrays John as not knowing who Jesus was after baptizing him let alone claiming Jesus did not know who He was until he was baptized - which contradicts the primary sourcing of this docuseries.
Anyway, this 6 hours and 44 minutes long production is supposed to ONLY cover what others could have thought and does not have the authority to say Jesus thought anything aside of what the Bible says of him.
But, we will never likely see a perfect piece of this genre in this mode ever in our lifetimes (how could we) so for now I'm rather happy to say that the makers have made the story and the words have power again.
The actor who plays Jesus is wonderfully believable. He manages to portray Jesus as a real individual, a combination of divine love and purpose, but filled with joy and sorrow and compassion.
So, for those who have not yet seen this docuseries I HIGHLY recommend it and hope you watch it with loved ones throughout all its chapter. This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.78:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs.
The remarkable 'Jesus: His Life' DVD will be available for the suggested retail price of $19.98.
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Official 'Jesus: His Life' Trailer