"Risen" (movie critique)

RISEN
movie poster

The Friday Movie Mavens and The Travelling Toe decided to see the new movie titled "Risen". Most movies in the past that were taken from the Bible and focused on Jesus and his life, usually ended at the crucifix scene.  However, this movie pretty much starts at that point.

The movie tells the story of a Roman military Tribune, named Clavis, who has served in the army for 25 years.  The opening scene shows his squad fighting a band of locals who are using sling shots and arrows against the Roman soldiers.  Clavis rallies his men and finally wins the battle.  But at what cost to him.  You can see the weariness of war and death in in his eyes. He returns to Jerusalem and even before Clavis can wash the blood and grime off his body and uniform, Pontius immediately summons him.  Pontius, along with the Jewish leaders, want Clavis to ensure that the supposedly Messiah, who is still alive on the Cross, make the ending come quicker. Clavis is not thrilled with the task but goes to do what is required.  Pontius tells him to take a young officer, Lucius, with him.  

At this point of the story, we know Jesus (Yeshua as he is called in the movie) has died.  But his body is claimed by Joseph of Arimathea to be placed in a private tomb.  However, the Jewish leaders are not satisfied with the end result.  They want assurances that Yeshua will not rise after death as was foretold.  Clavis is once again tasked with going to the tomb to ensure that the body of Jesus is still there and to seal the tomb.  Clavis enters the tomb and sees the linen wrappings that envelopes the body.  With the aid of several soldiers, Clavis 
re-seals the tomb with a large boulder.  It is tied with ropes and Clavis places his own personal seal on top of it.  He leaves 2 guards there to watch the tomb throughout the night.

The next  morning, Clavis is called to the tomb to find the guards gone, the stone rolled away from the tomb, the ropes broken (not cut) and of  course Yeshua is gone. He finds the linen wrappings bearing the image of a man on them.  (Shroud of Turin, perhaps?)

Pontius tells Clavis, he has to find Yeshua and end it once and for all.  As Clavis begins his investigation, he eventually finds himself at a crossroads questioning his own beliefs, 

He locates the Disciples and there he finds Yeshua.  Clavis can not believe his eyes as he saw Yeshua on the Cross died.  When Clavis does not return, Pontius sends Lucius to find Clavis. Does Lucius find Clavis and the Disciples?  Does he take Clavis back to face Pontius? What does Clavis do with his life now?  How can he go back to the life he had before?  Well, Dear Readers, you will just have to see this movie to have all your questions answered.

CAST

Joseph Fiennes
Clavis

Tom Felton
Lucius

Peter Firth
Pontius

Cliff Curtis
Yeshua

The group agreed it was a very good movie, some parts a little draggy but over all a good viewing experience.  Also the ascension scene where Yeshua is with Clavis and the Disciples and returns to Heaven, was extremely well done. Additionally, Joseph Fiennes, who plays Clavis, was excellent in his role. Cliff Curtis who plays Yeshua has more of a Mediterranean look similar to what many think Jesus really looked like rather than blonde hair and blue eyes.

The Travelling Toe gives this movie 1 big toe up with a  Easter Lily plant to celebrate the Easter season.

Disclaimer:  The Travelling Toe is not a professional critic and ny opinions expressed are for entertainment purposes only.