The Robe (1953): Ancient Rome and the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ

     Directed by Henry Koster, based on the novel by Lloyd C. Douglas, The Robe (1953) was the first film to be made in the revolutionary CinemaScope format. The story is mostly set in the Roman province of Judea during the 1st Century, where Roman tribune Marcellus Gallio is ordered to crucify Jesus of Nazareth but is afterwards tormented by his guilty conscience and a newfound faith. The passion of Jesus Christ is only dealt with briefly, with much of the focus being placed on viewpoints in hindsight. The dramatic story plays out well against the staged backdrop. Historical accuracy is put aside for the sake of grand entertainment. The cast does a wonderful job, including Richard Burton, Jean Simmons, Victor Mature and Michael Rennie.

The Robe: Richard Burton

The Robe: Macedonian Slave Girl Twins

The Robe: Richard Burton and Caligula

The Robe: Victor Mature

The Robe: Richard Burton

The Robe: Richard Burton

The Robe: Caligula

The Robe: Richard Burton

The Robe: Richard Burton

The Robe: Richard Burton

The Robe: Richard Burton

The Robe: Jesus Christ carrying the cross

The Robe: Crucifixion of Jesus Christ

The Robe: Crucifixion of Jesus Christ

The Robe: Crucifixion of Jesus Christ

The Robe: Crucifixion of Jesus Christ

The Robe: Richard Burton

The Robe: Victor Mature

The Robe: Crucifixion of Jesus Christ

The Robe: Crucifixion of Jesus Christ

The Robe: Richard Burton

The Robe: Richard Burton

The Robe: Richard Burton

The Robe: Richard Burton

The Robe: Caligula

The Robe: Richard Burton

The Robe: Richard Burton

The Robe: Richard Burton and Caligula

The Robe: Richard Burton

The Robe: Richard Burton

The Robe: Richard Burton

The Robe: Richard Burton

The Passion of the Christ (2004): The Final Hours of Jesus (Mel Gibson and Jim Caviezel)

     Co-written and directed by Mel Gibson, The Passion of the Christ (2004) is both extremely powerful and highly controversial. The graphic violence and brutal realism depicted in the 12 final hours in the life of Jesus Christ are strong images to grasp… from the betrayal, to the condemnation and bloody scourging, to the crucifixion and resurrection. True to the period, the dialogue is all in Latin and Aramaic with subtitles. The cinematography is superb, dramatic and vibrant. All debate aside, the film is a magnificent cinematic achievement worthy of praise. Jim Caviezel is great as Jesus. Monica Bellucci is radiant as Mary Magdalene. 

Christ in the garden: The Passion of the Christ

The Last Supper: The Passion of the Christ

Jesus is arrested: The Passion of the Christ

The Last Supper: The Passion of the Christ

The betrayal by Judas: The Passion of the Christ

Jesus is arrested: The Passion of the Christ

Jesus, Pontius Pilate and Barrabas: The Passion of the Christ

the scourging of Christ: The Passion of the Christ

the scourging of Christ: The Passion of the Christ

the scourging of Christ: The Passion of the Christ

the scourging of Christ: The Passion of the Christ

Christ carrying the Cross: The Passion of the Christ

Christ carrying the Cross: The Passion of the Christ

Christ carrying the Cross: The Passion of the Christ

Christ carrying the Cross: The Passion of the Christ

Christ carrying the Cross: The Passion of the Christ

Christ carrying the Cross: The Passion of the Christ

Mary Magdalene and the Virgin Mary: The Passion of the Christ

nailing to the cross: The Passion of the Christ

Mary Magdalene: The Passion of the Christ

The Crucifixion: The Passion of the Christ

Virgin Mary before the Cross: The Passion of the Christ

Descent from the Cross. Pieta: The Passion of the Christ

The Resurrection: The Passion of the Christ

The Crucifixion: The Passion of the Christ

"The Passion of the Christ"- movie trailer