“Son of God” Movie Review
It was heartwarming to see an initially happy, carefree Jesus who laughed and smiled with his friends. I believe this to be true to his nature, considering his original teachings as they were intended. A loving, healing and genuinely kind person usually has a lighthearted yet soothing disposition, and this Jesus fulfilled those criteria for me.
I was yet surprised to see a relatively low imdb rating for this movie and believe the cast was chosen well, although one of the main criticisms appeared to be that Jesus and the other actors weren't played by Middle Eastern actors. But Darwin Shaw is half Afghan, Adrian Schiller was Jewish, and, although she is not Middle Eastern but could be mistaken as such, Amber Rose Revah is half Kenyan-Indian; just to give a few examples. Taking this into account, I think Portuguese performer Diogo Morgado and the other more Mediterranean looking and diverse cast members were a realistic enough choice and they all did a fine job depicting their individual characters.
It wasn't difficult to feel animosity and frustration towards Caiaphas (Adrian Schiller), feel Nicodemus' (Simon Kunz) struggle, Peter's (Darwin Shaw) and Judas' (Joe Wredden) shame and both Marys' pain. Mary Magdalene in particular gave me goosebumps. I don't know if Amber Rose Revah follows Jesus but if she doesn't, her performance is extra impressive. She actually made me cry, screaming at Pontius Pilate for Jesus to be saved from crucifixion in lieu of the murderer.
I also felt as if the movie cautiously hinted at Mary Magdalene and Jesus having been romantic companions, which historical sources actually back up but which is rarely mentioned and mostly met with outrage due to the very un-messianic concept of the church's purity culture.
Mother Mary was depicted by "Touched by an Angel" actress Roma Downey, who mentioned she and her husband had produced the movie in her book, "Be An Angel," which is how I even learned of "Son of God" in the first place. It's always lovely to see her again, since I found her depiction of Monica in "Touched by an Angel" so inspiring and hopeful.
The special effects remind me of early 2000's adventure movies á la "The Librarian," and while I've seen it criticized, it made me nostalgic. I also am of the mind that for a relatively low budget production (considering historical movies are quite costly) the CGI was actually surprisingly well done. I think it's wise to adjust one's expectations to reality. This isn't Marvel, after all.
I read that this movie basically mainly consists of scenes that weren't used in the ten-part series, "The Bible," which was also produced by Downey and Burnett. This makes the whole project even more fun because only once I learned of this did I remember that there were a few abrupt cuts here and there. For instance when Jesus teaches his followers the "Our Father" prayer and the last line is omitted. Still, I don't think this is a tragedy, as most people either know it, plus I doubt anyone would substitute a film for the Bible to start practicing Christianity.
In the same vein, I don't mind that the film took some creative liberties by slightly changing wording or combining Biblical scenes. Some people would be so much happier if they lightened up and appreciated how much love, dedication, time, money and energy goes into the making of such a vast undertaking. It's also so lovely to see how each generation always brings a little something personal and to their understanding of the Jesus movement story, showing that this is still a living and vibrant faith. Jesus told us to come as we are, not to deny our personalities. And likewise, we see this reflected in the disciples' personalities, who couldn't be any more different from each other. Jesus accepted and loved them, just as he loved the sinners he sat and broke bread with. Living your best God-conscious life is meant to be a joyful experience, as God all created us as individuals with a different appearance, skin, hair, eye color as well as different mental and emotional features. I feel that "Son of God" showed the truth of this sentiment.
It's heartbreaking to see someone who has spent her life doing as much good as Roma Downey has being attacked for allegedly being a "New Age Christian." Downey was an ambassador for Operation Smile and advocate for Compassion International, was engaged in Race to Erase MS, Project Cuddle, Conservation International, and other causes. How many philanthropic causes have those whose heart was hardened by dogma supported, be it financially or hands-on? Something humbling for all of us to think about as we give thanks that people exist who rejoice in helping others, giving glory to God by doing so.
