I just saw the DVD and was surprised at the power of this film. The Book of John is treated like the finely wrought piece of literature it is. The material is adapted with fidelity as a self-contained work. Seeing it as a complete story is much different than taking elements of the life of Jesus out of context.
A lot can be said about the adaptation, directing, acting, production design and music -- but what stands out is that the sum of these parts is much greater than the separate elements, as fine as they are. Dare I say this is a work of inspiration?
The role of Jesus in world history deserves consideration in the light of the extreme religious fanatacism rampant today from the so-called People of the Book. Who was this person who claimed to be Son of God and Son of man? Factually, the apostle John details only a few points in the life of the Man who conquered death. But John says "Believe in the resurrection and you have eternal life now." How radical is that?
"The Gospel of John" does not shy away from a blunt account of the role of the Roman and Jewish powers in the murder of Jesus; however, the movie makes it abundantly clear why the Pharisees saw Jesus as a threat. In today's world He's still a threat to those who seek power alone,
For me, what jumped out of the film and still echoes in my mind is the several times Jesus asks, "Why do you hate me?" That question reverberates in today's headlines.
In a politically correct world, we no longer have public conversations about the subjective truth of the life of Jesus. Or the meaning of that solitary life. With advances in quantum physics, we consider the fundamental nature of of matter, time and consciousness. The Gospel of John touches on all these things with sublime power and insight.
Like in any other movie, this one richly rewards the suspension of disbelief. Surrender to a remarkable film that will haunt you long after final fade out. Finally I understand why those early followers of Jesus said: "We are not as those who have no hope."
The original DVD release (quickly out of print) has three discs with detailed extras that cover all the major production elements.
A later release has a two hour version of the film, very nicely edited, as well as the original three hour theatrical version.
Both versions of the film are beautifully transferred in a widescreen format that fills newer 16:9 screens.
I review DVDs for a local paper. I watch a lot of movies and "The Gospel of John" is among the best films I've seen in the last year. It's actually about something profound and acutely relevant. And it is rendered with style and grace.
If you've seen Jesus' crucifixion in Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ," see the rest of the story in "The Gospel of John."
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Product Description:
An epic in the spirit of THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST, this widely acclaimed motion picture is a meticulous recreation of the turbulent era of Jesus and the events that changed the course of history! Narrated by Golden Globe nominee Christopher Plummer (Best Supporting Actor, AMERICAN TRAGEDY, 2000), it's the bold and powerful story of Jesus as told by his disciple John. The best-loved but least understood of the gospels, John presents a uniquely human portrait of courage and passion encompassing Jesus' entire three-year ministry, the final years of his life. Intimate and reflective, THE GOSPEL OF JOHN offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the incomparable life and times of Jesus Christ.
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