The Last temptation of Christ

Martin Scorsese struggled for fifteen years to translate the Kazantzakis novel into film, believing that its story had profound relevance to today's world. I had hoped it would be the kind of film that would engender very healthy discussions on the nature of God and man and how the Church should change to meet today's needs. The director's controversial film eschews the biblical spectacle in favor of the more intimate and incisive form, the psychodrama. The Jesus of this cinematic study is earthy, not ethereal, self-doubting rather than sublimely confident. When he preaches the Sermon on the Mount, it is delivered with caution to a small and sceptical gathering. In the film's most challenged sequence, Christ is rescued from crucified martyrdom by a guardian angel and permitted to live in domestic tranquility with Mary Magdalene. Berated by Judas for abandoning his heavenly calling, however, Christ returns to the cross and destiny. (Does not circulate).

Jesus of Nazareth is a carpenter in Roman-occupied Judea, torn between his own desires and his knowledge that God has a plan for him. He collaborates with the Romans to crucify Jewish rebels. After saving Mary Magdalene from a mob gathered to stone her for prostitution, Jesus starts preaching. With newfound confidence he performs various miracles and raises Lazarus from the dead.