Family Movie Night: Paul the Apostle

This week family movie night was just for the me and the hubby in the evening. Our mass scripture readings are covering the Acts of the Apostles during Easter, so it was fitting that we got this movie in the mail this week from Netflix.com:

Paul the Apostle

What a well done movie. A little long at three hours, and liberally close to scripture. One reviewer commented at Amazon that this movie portrayed the essence of Paul, and I think this is an apt description. "Also represented and well handled are all the internal and external conflicts and intrigues of religion and politics of mid first century Palestine that impacted so much on the fledgling new church." This is not a movie for learning scripture, nor was it for very young people. There was some brief nudity(Jewish baths, and a husband and wife love scene) as the movie attempted to be true to the time period(they were not Puritans). Although probably not necessary it did reveal the characters' humanness and vulnerability, making them more accessible as real flesh and blood people.

It was a visually sumptuous movie evoking mood, and the acting was very good. From an Amazon reviewer: "Shot on location in Quarzazate, Morocco and Malta, the cinematography by Giovanni Galasso is excellent, and it has a lovely score by Carlo Siliotto. The interiors and costumes are also good, and give a feel for ancient times." Described as a worthwhile "sword and sandal" movie.

It made a strong enough impression on me, that I am remembering portions of the movie as I read the Acts of the Apostle. It came to life, although I have a pretty vivid visual memory. The movie will irritate you if you enjoy viewing only scripturally accurate films. This is an art film purely for entertainment.