this film be neither preachy nor pedantic and and be a welcome surprise for me . a a non christian who nevertheless respect the historical figure of jesus christ and the beauty of his philosophy and teaching and i find this to be a powerful portrayal of much that i think be worthwhile about the christ story . i know the film have be malign for anti semitic content ( perhaps because jew make mistake in the film and be see a persecutor instead of victim . it could have be anybody . ) and and for various other problem but let face it any movie portraying this subject be bind to face strong reaction . and kudos to jean claude la marre for not shy away from the subject by create a sterile and gutless and disney story out of what really be a good example of the everyday horror of life on the fringe of the roman empire . la marre invents a new genre with color of the cross that of historical horror . the performance in this film be inspire . i felt that the film bring out the cowardice of the apostle very forcefully and and the courage and love of the two mary in jesus life be palpable to the very end . the effect of aramaic and latin and with the moody soundtrack and be spellbind . again kudos to la marre for his courage and artistic integrity on the decision involve in these element of the film . final word this be not a film for the whole family nor be it a feel good film . don not see it if youre not willing to confront the bad aspect of human nature up close . and do not go in look for your own version of the story it not your film . this be what la marre believe and and it his own revelation and not necessarily to be share by all .