Just watched a Spanish language dubbed version of this on TV in a four hour time slot. Keep in mind that criticism is of the abridged version as no doubt some of the content was edited out to fit in more commercials. Well done overall with a good pace(very important for a 4 hour program) and a fine performance by Allisa Jung as the Virgin Mary. Yes this movie does focus on the two Mary's, and yet it also covers the same ground done in previous versions(although in some parts moves along a little too quickly) of the life of Jesus. Among both Mary's, less time is with Mary Magdalena. Andreas Pietschmann was an excellent choice for the part of Jesus. Some of the variations in comparison with other film treatments are the fact that Allisa Jung as Mary doesn't seem to age, has a very long speech near the end, and also the character of Erodiade, while very interesting, almost seems to be a villainous character from a different story. She might fit in better in an episode of Stargate! And yet I enjoyed watching the actress who portrayed her, Antonia Liskova. It really is the cast that makes this movie worthwhile!
10 Reviews
Engaging but far from perfect
jamestakisblain23 August 2023
I believe that much effort has been put into this rendition, but there are scenes with Herod's brood and entourage that are distracting and seem to be purely imagined rather than based on reliable sources. I think that extra-biblical sources were consulted, which is certainly ok but I sometimes had trouble distinguishing what came from a reliable source and what was made up.
The best character depiction, in my opinion, is that of Joseph. The least credible depiction, to me, is Jesus. While most everyone else seems to "fit" the region, Jesus looks purely "Anglo" or Germanic--anything but Middle-Eastern. Worse, as a baby he is somewhat dark; as a child he is much lighter; as an an adult, quite Aryan. I was thrown off by this casting.
The best character depiction, in my opinion, is that of Joseph. The least credible depiction, to me, is Jesus. While most everyone else seems to "fit" the region, Jesus looks purely "Anglo" or Germanic--anything but Middle-Eastern. Worse, as a baby he is somewhat dark; as a child he is much lighter; as an an adult, quite Aryan. I was thrown off by this casting.
A Bowdlerised Gospel
GwydionMW17 June 2021
Amazing!
moozie121730 June 2014
We just saw Mary of Nazareth last evening and it was wonderful! Our church rented the screen for the evening. The experienced was enhanced by our praying the Rosary as an audience prior to the movie beginning. What a shame that a movie like this is not readily available to the public. The portrayal of Mary was done so beautifully - her purity and innocence just shone through! The role of Joseph was realistic and heartfelt. I loved the respect that St. Joseph was shone in this portrayal as protector of his precious family. We loved the portrayal of Mary's relationship with Jesus which is very emotional at times. I have seen so many biblical movies but this one was the most tender, gentle and beautiful witness of our Mother and her Son. I would see this movie again in a heartbeat and would strongly recommend it to all believers.
a voice
Kirpianuscus15 April 2023
The temptation to be very critic about it or to appreciate it very much are the basic traits. Few scenes are more than beautiful. The rhytm is too alert and it represents only a sketch. Paz Vega offers a splendid performance and the short portrait of Pilat of Pont , well acted by Remo Girone is a charming surprise .
Yes, it is a personal perspective about life of the Savior , with few serious licences.
No doubts, the clothes, rooms, atmosphere of first century in the Middle East are just seductive.
And the smile of Alissa Jung in the role of Mother of God or the clothes and jewels of Antonia Liskova as Irodiada are fundamental good points, like the powerful references to religious paintings.
It is a beautiful film. In fact, this is the only matters thing because it has the gift to offer a voice among so many adaptations of the life of Jesus. The perspective of Mother of God about His Son activity, sufferance and death, resurrection and words is not new and the temptation to compare with the work of Pernilla August is not strange.
But it gives more than a formalistic fresco. And this makes it more than interesting.
So, a voice, not bad at whole.
Yes, it is a personal perspective about life of the Savior , with few serious licences.
No doubts, the clothes, rooms, atmosphere of first century in the Middle East are just seductive.
And the smile of Alissa Jung in the role of Mother of God or the clothes and jewels of Antonia Liskova as Irodiada are fundamental good points, like the powerful references to religious paintings.
It is a beautiful film. In fact, this is the only matters thing because it has the gift to offer a voice among so many adaptations of the life of Jesus. The perspective of Mother of God about His Son activity, sufferance and death, resurrection and words is not new and the temptation to compare with the work of Pernilla August is not strange.
But it gives more than a formalistic fresco. And this makes it more than interesting.
So, a voice, not bad at whole.
Disappointing (No Spoilers)
dishlady6912 March 2018
Those who have read about the story/history of the Virgin Mary know that her family's story is a remarkable one. Mary of Nazareth simply tells the story of Jesus Christ's birth to death all over again -- which of course anyone who wants to see that should watch the famous Zeffirelli version, where the actors, costumes and sets are more authentic. The leading actress seems rather fake in many instances.
The saving grace of the film is St. Joseph, who is relatively well portrayed as the humble and loving husband and father. (No spoilers, but this is literally the best part of the film.)
The film should have focused much more on the story of the title character... through her remarkable death, which does not happen at all. A very disappointing film.
The saving grace of the film is St. Joseph, who is relatively well portrayed as the humble and loving husband and father. (No spoilers, but this is literally the best part of the film.)
The film should have focused much more on the story of the title character... through her remarkable death, which does not happen at all. A very disappointing film.
The Life of Christ, Mary's Version
joshuaokoresokoh3 February 2014
A wonderful telling of one of the most famous stories in history, the life of Christ, even though interestingly, there is a twist - the story is portrayed from the perspective of Mary, Christ's mother even to the point where a fragment of Mary's childhood is shown; the fact were she narrowly escapes danger sort of tells that the battle of Christ's work on Earth was fought from even when Mary was a little girl. All in all despite the suggestive scenes most of which indicate the element of truth in the story, this story delivers a message, and many of these suggestive scenes are dwarfed by the numerous touching scenes that deliver the message in this film. It's one of those movie where parental guidance is advised for younger viewers, but it is a MUST WATCH.
Wonderful Movie!!!
gilbert-869-39474413 December 2013
Wonderful movie! For our family, the author and movie director employed their gifts and talents from the Holy Gospels to create another telling of the "Good News". On a sad note, did anyone notice the beginning of the movie, the husband had to approve the stoning of his unfaithful wife? That's something to ponder. I always wondered why Joseph wanted to break off the marriage proposal in secret. Perhaps to save Mary's life? The staged scenes of the second temple and homes made the movie realistic. All of the actors and actress preformed excellent. Christmas 2013 is just days away. We wish to thank the entire production organization and special gratitude to Netflix for offering us this selection!
Mary of Nazareth
a_starling4419 October 2014
Warning: Spoilers
One of the best movies on Mary's life that I have seen and immensely enjoyed. The portrayal of Mary is superbly done and very true to the Gospel's story. Her immaculate and yet realistic humanity shines through the whole movie. Alissa Jung renders perfectly Mary's "fiat",her faith and her conviction that she has been chosen to be a vessel for the incarnation of Messiah. Campiotti portrays Mary in a very captivating way that makes the viewer appreciate her role in the life of Christ and at the same time invites the viewer to emulate Mary's "yes" in one's spiritual life. A charismatic movie that will certainly enrich and inspire the viewer to grow their devotion to the Mother of Christ.
read this paragraph please
fsrca20 November 2019
Good day: The Father and the Son are the Parents of the Holy Spirit, if many churches are correct. The Trinity is a Family-- two Parents and an Offspring, if many churches are correct.In the Book of Job which is part of the bible,the Lord is compared to a father and also a mother with a womb. "From whose womb comes the ice? Who gives birth to the frost from the heavens"--Job 38:29. What is written in this paragraph (before this sentence) is compatible with Catholic Church doctrine. Saying that the "Father and the Son are the Parents of the Holy Spirit" is simply another way of saying that the Holy Spirit "proceeds from the Father and the Son" which has been official Catholic Church teaching for centuries. Of course, The scriptures are vague if the Holy Spirit is the 3rd or 1st or 2nd Person of the Trinity--whichever of these is true,the First Person and the Second Person may be the Parents of the Third.
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