4 Stars — Powerful
The life of Jesus is well known. However, the result of this reality is twofold: Many find little reason to either read the Bible again as they grow older and their perceptions change; others resist the opportunities to see him through new and fresh portrayals. The second response is even true for those of us who are followers of Jesus.
To see Jesus through the eyes of a screenwriter or a director is often of little interest to those of us who have a daily experience of his presence. But there are exceptions for all of us. From “Jesus Christ Superstar” and “The Greatest Story Ever Told” to “The Jesus Film,” artists have provided wonderful visual and cinematic treasures.
Another such work of art filled with engaging humanity and fresh authenticity is “The Chosen.” Produced, written and directed by Dallas Jenkins, the first season with eight episodes is available on YouTube or for purchase with plans in place to film additional seasons.
The power of this retelling of the life of Jesus is in its authentic humanity. The actors portraying Jesus, the disciples, the Jewish leaders and the Romans are ethnically accurate so that we can immerse ourselves in their humanity rather than having to translate their appearance. This is true of all the cast, but both Jesus and Nicodemus stand out.
Jesus is played by the good-natured Jonathan Roumie, whose smile and charm are believable at both the divine and human levels. Likewise, the conflict within Nicodemus as both a Sanhedrin leader and a true believer is played powerfully by veteran actor Erick Avari. He perfectly portrays a man torn between two worlds as his heart increasingly belongs to Jesus, yet he finds it difficult to leave his life of privilege and power as a Pharisee.
Likewise, the choice of the disciples shows a unique skill of the series to catch the essence of these people Jesus chose. Mary of Magdala (Elizabeth Tabish) is a tormented woman who Jesus frees of her demons, causing her lifelong gratitude. Simon Peter (Shahar Isaac) is a boisterous fisherman whose natural leadership skills have been misused until he meets the Messiah and becomes a fisher of men. And in an unusual decision that works well both biblically and cinematically, Matthew the tax collector (Paras Patel) is portrayed as a man on the autism spectrum with compulsive tendencies, including carrying a notebook and writing down what Jesus says.
The first season of the series is only the beginning of the public ministry of Jesus, but Jenkins links us back to Old Testament events that inform our experience and deepen the story. An example of this is the digging of Jacob’s Well (Amato D’Apolito) on a mountainside, which became the setting for the encounter with the Samaritan woman Photina (Vanessa DeSilvio) at that well. It is in this encounter that Jesus first publicly proclaims that he is the long-awaited Messiah.
There is no person who has affected history in the same way or at the same level as Jesus. This retelling of his life is worthy of every thoughtful person’s attention.
Discussion
» Do you find that cinematic stories of Jesus’ life enhance or diminish your appreciation of who Jesus is? What determines your experience?
» The decision to enact Matthew as a person on the autistic spectrum is in part because of Jenkins’ daughter. Do you find this believable?
» As Mary of Magdala follows Jesus, she is his disciple along with the men. Why do you think she is not listed as one of the 12 in the Gospels?
— Cinema in Focus is a social and spiritual movie commentary. Hal Conklin is a former mayor of Santa Barbara and Denny Wayman is the retired pastor of Free Methodist Church of Santa Barbara and lead superintendent of Free Methodist Church in Southern California. For more reviews, visit www.cinemainfocus.com, or follow them on Twitter: @CinemaInFocus. The opinions expressed are their own.