Jesus of Nazareth (1977)
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An epic television drama serial dramatizes the birth, life, ministry, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus.
The story
Jesus of Nazareth is an epic television drama serial that dramatizes the life of Jesus Christ, blending all four New Testament accounts into a cinematic Gospel harmony. The narrative presents Jesus as both God and man, following his life chronologically. The story begins with the betrothal and marriage of Mary and Joseph, the Annunciation, and the Nativity. It covers significant events including the Baptism of Jesus, the Sermon on the Mount, and various miracles. The production aims to be ecumenical and acceptable to all denominations, depicting the familiar Christian episodes from the childhood of Jesus through his ministry.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
The narrative blends all four New Testament accounts to present Jesus as both God and man. It follows the chronological events of the Gospels: the betrothal and marriage of Mary and Joseph, the Annunciation, the Visitation, the circumcision of John the Baptist, the Nativity, the visit of the Magi, the Census of Quirinius, the flight into Egypt, the Finding in the Temple, and the Baptism of Jesus. The story includes the woman caught in adultery, the healing of Jairus's daughter, Jesus helping Peter catch fish, the Parable of the Prodigal Son, a dialogue with Barabbas, Matthew's dinner party, the Sermon on the Mount, and the curing of the blind man. It depicts the Raising of Lazarus, the Feeding of the Five Thousand, the entry into Jerusalem, the Last Supper, and the betrayal by Judas. At the Sanhedrin trial, Jesus is accused of blasphemy. The narrative concludes with Peter's denial, the judgment by Pilate, the Agony in the Garden, the Carrying of the Cross, and the Crucifixion. Following the discovery of the empty tomb, there is an appearance of the Risen Christ to his Disciples. The storyline ends with the non-Biblical character Zerah and his colleagues gazing into the empty tomb, with Zerah lamenting that it all begins.
- First release year
- 1977
- Runtime (minutes)
- 382
- Production countries
- Italy; United Kingdom
- Original languages
- English
- Directors
- Franco Zeffirelli
- Cast and characters
- Robert Powell · Jesus; Olivia Hussey · Mary; Anne Bancroft · Mary Magdalene; Ernest Borgnine · the Roman Centurion; Claudia Cardinale · the Adulteress; Valentina Cortese · Herodias; James Farentino · Peter; James Earl Jones · Balthazar
- Genres
- Biblical; Biography; Drama; History
- Themes
- Divinity and Humanity; Ecumenism; Sacrifice
- Tone and mood
- Epic; Religious; Dramatic
- Premise and plot tags
- Biblical; Historical Drama; Religious Epic
- Source material / true-story basis
- The Gospels
- Reception
- The production was a huge ratings success and received acclaim, particularly for Robert Powell's portrayal of Jesus. It was one of the most critically acclaimed and best-known productions about Christ's life.
- Awards and nominations
- Emmy Award · Outstanding Special Drama · Nomination; British Academy Television Awards · Best Actor · Nomination; British Academy Television Awards · Best Cameraman · Nomination; British Academy Television Awards · Best Single Television Play · Nomination; British Academy Television Awards · Best Editor · Nomination; British Academy Television Awards · Best Costume Design · Nomination; British Academy Television Awards · Best Sound · Nomination; Italian National Syndicate of Film Journalists · Best Cinematography · Win; Italian National Syndicate of Film Journalists · Best Costume Design · Win; Italian National Syndicate of Film Journalists · Best Production Design · Win
- Production trivia
- The film's likeness for Jesus was influenced by Warner Sallman's portrait painting 'Head of Christ'.; A malfunctioning R2-D2 from the nearby 'Star Wars' set wandered onto the set of 'Jesus of Nazareth' during filming.
Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.
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