The Last Temptation of Christ

Martin Scorsese (1988)

163min

bbfc_rating|ages_18_and_over Certificate

Review

Our Score

by Alan Jones

Ignore all the controversy and see this moving adaptation of Nikos Kazantzakis's novel for what it is - a challenging essay on the life of Jesus had he ignored his divine destiny and chosen to pursue human aims instead. Certainly neither blasphemous nor offensive, Martin Scorsese's film re-creates the biblical milieu in a highly evocative manner and the all-star performances are welcome modern reinterpretations of scripture stereotypes. It's slightly too long, and Scorsese does pull some punches in deference to the subject matter, but these are minor criticisms; one should take any opportunity to cut through the contention and reappraise this sincere work.

Summary

A self-doubting Jesus dreams of the life he could have if he were to escape his destiny and live as an ordinary man. Martin Scorsese's Biblical drama based on Nikos Kazantzakis' novel, starring Willem Dafoe, Harvey Keitel, Barbara Hershey and David Bowie.

Cast & Crew

Jesus Christ Willem Dafoe

Judas Iscariot Harvey Keitel

Mary Magdalene Barbara Hershey

Saul / Paul Harry Dean Stanton

Pontius Pilate David Bowie

Mary, mother of Jesus Verna Bloom

John the Baptist Andre Gregory

Girl angel Juliette Caton

Aged master Roberts Blossom

Zebedee Irvin Kershner

Peter, apostle Victor Argo

James, apostle John Lurie

Lazarus / Voice in crowd Tomas Arana

Rabbi Nehemiah Persoff

Director Martin Scorsese

Other Information

Language: EnglishColourTheatrical distributor: U.I.P. (UK)Guidance: Contains some violence and nudity. Available on: video, DVD and Blu-ray

Drama

Full Episode Guide

Martin Scorsese (1988)

Review

Summary

Cast & Crew

Other Information

Latest News