Jesus of Montreal (Jésus de Montréal)
When attendance at a church's annual Passion Play flags, a troupe of young actors is hired to stage a newer interpretation of the teachings of Jesus. While their newer, more modern version brings the house down, it also brings down the condemnation of church hierarchy, creating a strange parallel between the actors--now persecuted believers--and the authorities. But the actor, who is beginning to feel at peace with the character he plays (Christ), insists that the show will go on... no matter what happens to him in the process.
Member Reviews
JESUS OF MONTREAL - jadis
I was surprised to find that this film is in FRENCH ( albeit with English subtitles ) AND THINK YOU SHOULD MAKE THIS CLEAR IN YOUR DESCRIPTION .
It is a very good film but if there is no English version then zip.ca members should at least be advised of this before renting.Unique take on Christ - zaakistan
This is an early film of Québecois film icon Denys Arcand (The Barbarian Invasions). Arcand offers a modern take on who contemporary, secular culture says that Jesus is.
A brilliant actor is offered a role as Jesus Christ in a yearly passion drama at a Catholic diocese and as a producer of the play. He is given license to modernize it's wooden lines and so he begins to fill the cast with derelicts and sidelined actors. He also spends time researching facts about Jesus, crucifixion, and the beginnings of the Christian church. While his play, infused with doubt, is a hit among the viewers, it is not well received by the hypocritical supervising priest.
Some Christians could easily take offence to this take on Jesus, but I was refreshed by the message of the film: Jesus was compassionate and just.Oustanding in Every Way - bleeper
The most famous story of all time re-told in a contemporary, passionate, and compelling manner, never over the top. I truly think this is one of the finest motion pictures I have seen, certainly the finest Canadian movie. No wonder the established order was so upset upon its release. But I also wonder why it took me so long to see it; I know I am not alone. Words cannot properly its excellence...just rent it! (I wish the quality of the DVD was better though.)
Member Reviews
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JESUS OF MONTREAL - jadis
I was surprised to find that this film is in FRENCH ( albeit with English subtitles ) AND THINK YOU SHOULD MAKE THIS CLEAR IN YOUR DESCRIPTION .
It is a very good film but if there is no English version then zip.ca members should at least be advised ...Unique take on Christ - zaakistan
This is an early film of Québecois film icon Denys Arcand (The Barbarian Invasions). Arcand offers a modern take on who contemporary, secular culture says that Jesus is.
A brilliant actor is offered a role as Jesus Christ in a yearly passion drama at ...Oustanding in Every Way - bleeper
The most famous story of all time re-told in a contemporary, passionate, and compelling manner, never over the top. I truly think this is one of the finest motion pictures I have seen, certainly the finest Canadian movie. No wonder the established order was ...