Mary of Nazareth (2012)

Wonderful Movie

Just what I expected

Fun premise, good actors, bad writing. This film seemed to have potential at the beginning but it quickly devolves into a trite action film. Ultimately it's very boring.

It’s not bad or unwatchable but despite the amplitude of the spectacle, the end result is underwhelming.

German actress Alissa Jung stars in a TV movie about the Mother of Christ in this European production called Mary of Nazareth.It also stars various actors and actresses from Europe such as Andreas Pietschmann,Alissa's real-life and current boyfriend Luca Marinelli, Paz Vega and Antonia Liskova.This 2-and-a-half hour movie presents the life of Mary from her childhood until the resurrection of Jesus.While it was evident that there were creative licenses taken in the film like with Paz Vega's Mary Magdalene,who was portrayed to be a prostitute connected to King Herod and closely associated with Queen Herodias when all people who have read the Bible or Christians from different denominations know otherwise,it was a great film about the Blessed Virgin Mary for many reasons.First,the relationship between Jesus and Mary was definitely highlighted throughout the story.It definitely felt compelled to tell how valuable their relationship have been from the moment Jesus was conceived until he resurrection from the dead.We get to see the joy that Mary felt when Jesus have started to preach the gospel as well as the positive he has had to many people and how sad she was when she was going through his passion until the death on the cross. It just made sure that viewer would realize that Mary was definitely a big part of Jesus's life.Second,the bond between Jesus and Mary was also showcased in it and how much importance Mary was in Jesus' life.This was shown well when Jesus performed his first miracle unexpectedly at the wedding in Cana.Aside from that,the viewer also got to see how Mary took care of Jesus when he was young after their escape from Egypt when King Herod started killing young children below 2 years old and how vital she was in her public ministry as she would tag along with him all the time.Finally,Alissa Jung did a wonderful performance as Mary.We can see through her various emotions at different points of Jesus' life and feel for her character in both her joys and pains as the mother of Christ.The viewer will definitely feel for her character throughout and a viewer will have a better appreciation for the mother of Jesus.With all these reasons stated,there is no reason not to give it a perfect rating.

Mary of Nazareth is a film about the Mary,the mother of Christ.It provides us her life from her childhood to the resurrection of Jesus based on the four gospels.Alissa Jung stars in the title role together with Andreas Pietschmann as Jesus, Luca Marinelli as Joseph, Paz Vega as Mary Magdalene and Antonia Liskova as Herodias.Italian director Giacomo Campiotti is at helm in making this film and whom should be credited for great cinematography.Alissa Jung was special in her portrayal as Mary.One will definitely empathize with her character.We get to see a special person who has shown what the Mother of God would be like in real life.She was extremely happy when the angel of the Lord appeared to her and gave her the mission of becoming the mother of Jesus despite the fact that she was unaware of the probable consequences that it would present like death with respect to the law of Moses and the fact that he was to be abandoned by Joseph.While growing up,she formed a very strong bond with her son that one parents would definitely envy as there was closeness between them that could probably be characterized as an unbreakable bond.Also,she was a strong and compassionate presence when her son Jesus began his public ministry.She shares with her son's both joyful and painful experience.Finally,the viewer will definitely feel in her pain particularly during the passion and death of Jesus.This is one film that is both inspiring and entertaining.It will definitely give us an appreciation of who Mary is and what she is all about.Also,her role in Jesus' life was definitely given such great importance that any Christian regardless of denomination will definitely appreciate.A masterpiece indeed!!!

We just saw Mary of Nazareth last evening and it was wonderful! Our church rented the screen for the evening. The experienced was enhanced by our praying the Rosary as an audience prior to the movie beginning. What a shame that a movie like this is not readily available to the public. The portrayal of Mary was done so beautifully - her purity and innocence just shone through! The role of Joseph was realistic and heartfelt. I loved the respect that St. Joseph was shone in this portrayal as protector of his precious family. We loved the portrayal of Mary's relationship with Jesus which is very emotional at times. I have seen so many biblical movies but this one was the most tender, gentle and beautiful witness of our Mother and her Son. I would see this movie again in a heartbeat and would strongly recommend it to all believers.

Just watched a Spanish language dubbed version of this on TV in a four hour time slot. Keep in mind that criticism is of the abridged version as no doubt some of the content was edited out to fit in more commercials. Well done overall with a good pace(very important for a 4 hour program) and a fine performance by Allisa Jung as the Virgin Mary. Yes this movie does focus on the two Mary's, and yet it also covers the same ground done in previous versions(although in some parts moves along a little too quickly) of the life of Jesus. Among both Mary's, less time is with Mary Magdalena. Andreas Pietschmann was an excellent choice for the part of Jesus. Some of the variations in comparison with other film treatments are the fact that Allisa Jung as Mary doesn't seem to age, has a very long speech near the end, and also the character of Erodiade, while very interesting, almost seems to be a villainous character from a different story. She might fit in better in an episode of Stargate! And yet I enjoyed watching the actress who portrayed her, Antonia Liskova. It really is the cast that makes this movie worthwhile!