Risen – Film Review by Pat V.

Director: Kevin Reynolds
Writers: Kevin Reynolds (screenplay), Paul Aiello (screenplay)
Stars: Joseph Fiennes, Tom Felton, Peter Firth

In time for the Easter market we have the latest film from director Kevin Reynold (Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, Tristan+Isolde) set in 33AD which follows Roman Tribune Clavius (Joseph Fiennes) as he investigates rumours that Jesus (here called by his Hebrew name Yeshua) whom he watched being crucified, has risen from the grave. The film is presented as a police procedural with interrogations, clues being investigated, suspects being tailed etc but as we know the outcome from the start, it lacks tension or any sense of mystery.

The opening shots show Clavius, having discarded his Tribune’s uniform, stumbling about in the desert and telling the tale of his conversion to an innkeeper. Fiennes presents the Tribune as a conscientious, taciturn man who is revolted by some of the scenes he has to witness and takes no pleasure in the punishments he is forced to inflict. At the gruesome crucifixion scene he shortens the suffering of the prisoners and in his interrogations, while he threatens violence, he never inflicts it. He is constantly at the beck and call of a petulant Pontius Pilate (played with great panache by Peter Firth) who in turn is trying to placate a very sinister looking group of Jewish Pharisees.

There are no surprises in the film, most Irish people will be familiar with the story from childhood, but it is well told and very watchable. This is a film that will find great success in Bible Belt America. It sticks closely to the gospel version of the events and Yeshua and his disciples, as presented here, will appeal greatly to “born again” Christians, constantly hugging, smiling, laughing and showing off their perfect teeth. Their nonchalance in the face of persecution is, at times, hard to swallow as when the apostle Bartholomew (played by N.I. actor, Stephen Hagan), grins and laughs dementedly throughout the tough interrogation by Clavius and in today’s world would certainly have been considered “unfit to plead”.

However, there is nothing to offend in this film and it will certainly have its admirers. Though difficult, the director has brought elements of humour into the story and there is a lightness of touch that is totally lacking in older biblical epics. The scene where Mary Magdalene is tailed and then chased through a tavern by Clavius and his elite team would not be out of place in any police drama.

The film has already been the source of conspiracy theories among some fundamental Christian groups in the States. According to reports from Godvine.com and jesusdaily.com (you should check them out), Hollywood has been trying to sweep this movie under the rug. They even claim that one film studio was looking to purchase the rights to the movie solely for the purpose of making sure it was never released because of its religious content.

Risen is not a bad film but it is unfortunate that it was released just a couple of weeks after Hail, Caesar! It is impossible to watch some scenes, particularly when Clavius stands at the foot of the cross, without conjuring up images of George Clooney’s fumbling in a similar scene in the Coen Brothers’ movie. In years to come we are sure to see Risen alternate with Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ and The Greatest Story Ever Told as required TV screening during the Easter season.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucUbAAMEF8M