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By Sr. Marie-Paul Curley<\/strong><\/i><\/p>\nRisen <\/i>is a drama set in Biblical times centering around the mystery of Jesus\u2019 Resurrection.<\/p>\n
It is the story of Clavius, a fictional Roman tribune brilliantly portrayed by Joseph Fiennes, who is tasked by Pontius Pilate (Peter Firth) first with overseeing Jesus\u2019 Crucifixion, then sealing Jesus\u2019 tomb, and finally hunting for Jesus\u2019 body after the Resurrection to prevent the Jewish disciples proclaiming Jesus as the Messiah.<\/p>\n
The outer story of Clavius\u2019s search for\u00a0Christ provides the framework for his inner journey of growing fascination with who Jesus truly is. Risen <\/i>is a solid, though not flawless, effort at a film about one of the greatest mysteries of our Christian faith.<\/p>\n
Risen <\/i>attempts an epic tone, but the story is too narrowly focused to achieve a truly epic scale, in its relatively brief timeline, lack of complexity, and limited cast of characters. Outwardly, the story is primarily about the hunt for Jesus\u2019 body. But Clavius\u2019s inner journey of how he comes to see Jesus gradually takes main stage as the confusion, rumors, and lies surrounding the Resurrection convince Clavius that the disappearance of Jesus\u2019 body is a mystery he must get to the bottom of.<\/p>\n
Risen <\/i>naturally requires many fictional scenes because the protagonist is fictional and the main plot device of the film\u2014the search for Jesus\u2019 body\u2014is fictional, although somewhat plausible. Biblical events are portrayed with respect and in fidelity to the Bible overall, although taking liberty with certain details.<\/p>\n
The acting throughout the film is well-done and makes it stand as one of the better-made Christian films over the past few years. In fact, the film works overall because of the great acting, in particular the intensity of Joseph Fiennes, who carries most of the scenes with his utterly credible, obsessive search for the truth. The film\u2019s portrayals of the biblical characters are well-done, succeeding in their attempts to portray their characters\u2019 Jewishness. Apart from Clavius, Peter is my favorite character in the film, and the portrayal of Stewart Scudamore well represents the blustery, loyal apostle who leaps vividly from the pages of the Gospel.<\/p>\n
Going to see this film, well-made on many levels, can definitely support Risen\u2019s <\/i>filmmakers and encourage others to produce films of faith. Catholics and Christians should definitely consider seeing\u00a0Risen.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n From here on, my commentary contains a few spoilers. (Scroll down to continue.)<\/p>\n However, the script of Risen is<\/i>\u00a0somewhat lacking in subtext and depth. When Jesus finally does appear in the film, his words are frequently not <\/i>taken from his resurrection appearances nor even from the Scriptures. The disciples of Jesus are mostly limited to the Apostles and Mary Magdalen (we only get a glimpse of the Mother of Jesus at the Crucifixion), and for the most part seem blandly uniform\u2014even na\u00efve\u2014in their joyful faith. Important elements or moments of growth in faith for Clavius were lacking or invisible. Clavius\u2019s journey towards faith is convincing mostly because of Joseph Fiennes\u2019s superb performance. For example, early in the film Clavius shows that he has faith in the Roman gods. The film never addresses how his eventual faith in Jesus is different, since it seems to mostly revolve around seeing Jesus alive\u2014a man whom he helped put to death and seal in a tomb. Clavius\u2019s faith is based on his senses\u2014a point which Jesus makes to him in the film.<\/p>\n The fact that Clavius\u2019s acceptance of faith feels inevitable throughout the film seems to direct Risen <\/i>as a film more meant for Christian believers than for nonbelievers. However, the ambiguity surrounding where Clavius\u2019s faith will lead him\u2014what consequence it will have on his life\u2014is one of the best moments of the film.<\/p>\n Risen <\/i>is definitely a film with potential to help viewers raise questions or deepen their faith. While the faith of characters like Peter and Mary Magdalen is assumed, Clavius\u2019 journey towards faith does not feel automated, but a genuine search. Reflecting on Clavius\u2019s nascent faith\u2014his witnessing the risen Jesus\u2014can help us to ask questions about the source of our <\/i>faith, and how our faith can grow, especially in times of darkness and doubt. What consequence does our faith have in our lives? What does our relationship with Christ mean to us, and how do we witness to Christ with our lives?<\/p>\n Various encounters of the disciples with Jesus after his Resurrection can open the door to beautiful insights and prayer on the related Scripture passages. Personally, I found the portrayal of Peter\u2019s faith, humility, and openness especially inviting in this way.<\/p>\n In many of the scenes with Christ, the apostles physically touch Jesus. This emphasizes the reality of Jesus\u2019 bodily Resurrection, but can also be a doorway into reflecting on the great mystery of the Incarnation.<\/p>\n Risen\u00a0<\/em>may not be the\u00a0masterpiece it tries to be, but it is certainly a solid film on many levels, a movie whose artistry\u00a0can touch our minds and hearts,\u00a0and open doors to deepening faith.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Stay in touch! Like Pursued by Truth on Facebook:<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n![\"mariepaul_sm\"](\"https:\/\/wp-media.patheos.com\/blogs\/sites\/485\/2015\/04\/mariepaul_sm.jpg\")
Marie Paul Curley, FSP, finds inspiration and joy in daily Eucharistic adoration and in the Pauline mission of communicating Christ through the media. Sr. Marie Paul is currently missioned in Boston, MA, where she writes for the digital departments of Pauline Books & Media, and occasionally fits in a new book. Her most popular book is\u00a0See Yourself Through God\u2019s Eyes: 52 Meditations to Grow in Self-Esteem<\/a>, and her newest book\u00a0is\u00a0Soul of Christ: Meditations on a Timeless Prayer<\/a>.\u00a0Sr. Marie Paul has a B.A. in communication from Emmanuel College, Boston and she blogs at\u00a0Windows to the Soul<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0CoauthorYourLifeWithGod<\/a><\/em>.<\/p>\n