I recorded this movie from Showcase a few weeks back and have yet to watch it.
I've always heard stuff about this movie.
I know Criterion has put out this movie now.

...for a review of the DVD go here:

http://www.dvdmg.com/lasttemptationofchrist.html

. . .

I think it's a great film, and the DVD more than does it justice.

I think it's a must-see, and it offers a refreshing interpretation of the life and purpose of christ.

A great film and the Criterion disc is one of my favorites.

How "religious" is it? Obviously it deals with a major figure from Christianity, but does it assume the audience is Christian / promote Christianity? I'm a huge sucker for historical movies, but as an atheist, I dislike being preached at. For comparison: I really like The Ten Commandments (except that I skip over Cecil B. DeMille's speech at the beginning!), and I thought Ben Hur is lots of fun, but there were some definite preachy parts that detracted from the movie (fortunately not too much... I'm definitely looking forward to it coming out on DVD). So, will I like The Last Temptation?

quote:<HR>Originally posted by ordway:
How "religious" is it? Obviously it deals with a major figure from Christianity, but does it assume the audience is Christian / promote Christianity? I'm a huge sucker for historical movies, but as an atheist, I dislike being preached at. For comparison: I really like The Ten Commandments (except that I skip over Cecil B. DeMille's speech at the beginning!), and I thought Ben Hur is lots of fun, but there were some definite preachy parts that detracted from the movie (fortunately not too much... I'm definitely looking forward to it coming out on DVD). So, will I like The Last Temptation? <HR>

I'm an atheist too; I didn't find the film preachy at all... I just found it incredibly boring. About a half hour into it, I started fast-forwarding through small chunks of it. I think it's the only DVD I've bought and then promptly traded away (on DVDTalk's DVD Exchange Forum!!). I don't know how much of my dislike of the film can be attributed to being an atheist and how much should be attributed to my personal taste in movies, though. Maybe you should rent it before buying???

Bobubott and ordway, I'm an atheist too and I don't think my dislike for this film has anything to do with my lack of religion. I think it's just incredibly boring, at times inane, and horribly miscast. On the other hand, I read the book years ago and, in spite of my unbelief, found it quite profound and beautifully written.

BTW ordway, I like The Ten Commandments and Ben-Hur too. Hell, I even liked Keeping the Faith.