Reviews

Very funny send-up of action movies which is also exciting and has good special effects. Every cliche you've ever encountered is utilised: the corpse that won't die; the meeting which, unbeknownst to the protagonists, gives vital information to the killer; the drug-addict with the heart of gold; the mild-mannered, pre-occupied father who becomes a super-hero to defend his daughter; the vulnerable victim who effortlessly thwarts her vicious attackers. Add killings of violent comic book intensity, thrilling chases, some nicely observed satires on American hypocrisy and European laisser faire. Throw in some well judged, tongue in cheek performances from the starry cast, some good visual gags and witty one-liners and there you have it! Thrilling, funny entertainment that doesn't insult its viewers' intelligence by demanding that they take it seriously.

Although specifically telling the story of Jesus and the beginnings of Christianity, the film does, I think, have something to offer people of all faiths and those of us who have no religious faith beyond a commitment to humanity and humanitarian principles. It achieves this by telling the story from the view point of ordinary people who witnessed the events. It is the effect that Jesus' life and death has on them that provides the "heart" of the film and their disbelief, emerging wonder, sorrow and final joy are extremely moving - and gives us something with which we can all identify.

This film has no state of the art effects. It provides no adrenalin rush of excitement. But it has been made by people whose belief in the enterprise shines through and as such provides all the satisfactions of any well-crafted work of art.

This is a deeply shocking and moving film. The senseless persecution of the Jewish race in the last century is depicted by Szarbo with a sensitivity and restraint which makes the impact of key events extremely powerful. Nor does he take the easy route and portray the Jews as saint-victims. The obsessive and soul destroying ways they cope with social alienation and discrimination are meticulously conveyed. Here the sexual liaisons of the Sors' hero in each of the three time slots are crucial. Ignatz' relationship with Valerie is at first, passionate and life-enhancing- until his obsessive pursuit of power kills their love. Adam, obsessed with the power of conquest indulges in a liaison with his sister-in-law because it flatters his self-esteem: an esteem he has compromised by renouncing his jewish identity. Ivan has been so brutalised by his experiences that his couplings are almost animalistic - lacking truth and sensitivity. Only after the death of Valerie when Ivan reclaims his Jewish name is there any sense that "sunshine" ( symbolic of belonging to the family of man) can enter his life.

Such a beautifully acted movie. Fiennes of course. Ehle and Harris. And what good use William Hurt makes of about 7 mins. screen time to create a complex, believable human being.

If you only see one movie this year, make it this one. It isn't perfect but it addresses serious issues with passion and integrity - pretty rare in today's "give 'em a quick buzz" film world.

I found this a moving and refreshingly upbeat "take" on the "flawed hero" theme. The pursuit of power has led all the characters to make ruthless and morally dubious choices yet they still strive for some sort of decency in their relationships and by the end of the film have just about achieved this. Yes it's a bit melodramatic but unrealistic? - the more I learn of American politics the more real it seems ( Clinton? Kennedy?) Don't be put of by those reviewers who claim the plot isn't clear. If you pay attention it is! Pellarin's body guard for example is a Vietnam veteran & turns against Blake when he discovers he draft-dodged. The performances are all excellent, particularly William Hurt's as Blake. For the first time I realised I may actually have something in common with these larger than life politicians and they may be as interested as I am in making the world a little better for us all.