Paul, Apostle of Christ [DVD]

too many people have a Christian bible on the bookshelf and know little and think little about how it got there. Too many people in libraries and colleges and comfortable arm chairs and dissect the writings of a certain Paul of Tarsus , a Hellenised jew of the First Century AD and sadly make up lots of teachings and rules that their own church or denomination teach to their local congregations. Many can rehearse minute sections or sentences or even words to create teachings or doctrines that are generally about excluding others, and creating barriers. Their congregations often become places of rule keeping and conformity, crushing the healing and freedom of communities that show people that they are valued and precious to others .If you have ever felt Paul and his recorded collated writings have been hijacked, and distorted and would like to find more of the real Paul, you can can do a lot worse than watch this film.Yes It is conjecture, guesswork , the screenplay writers interpretations. Luke, the traditionally accepted author of the ' Acts of the Apostles finishes his account in chapter 28. Paul is under a form of house arrest . Clement of Rome's epistle to the Corinthians (late 1st/early 2nd century);Ignatius of Antioch's letter To the Romans (early 2nd century);Polycarp's letter to the Philippians (early 2nd century); have traditions of Paul being executed in Rome. Set aside the analysis for a while and Let the film help you imagine and enter the dangerous atmosphere of being around Paul, an incredible inspiring leader amongst the early followers of THE WAY, followers of Jesus the Christ from Nazareth, the risks, the pressures, the tensions, the brutal challenges, the negotiations, the compromises, the pain and the inspiration of a spiritual path that continues to turn the World upside down.

Thank you, excellent service.

Great movie how a man in prison could be encouraging those outside of prison and was still happy and full of life inside true freedom is in the heart and mind not in physical things

Considering its limited budget and production costs (it was shot on location in Malta), this is a good effort at telling a Biblical story. At least the director and producers have made a concerted effort to stick to (some of) the historical facts. Yes, there are a few flaws in it (like modern idioms and expressions which did not come into use until the early or late 20th. Century, but this is the fault of the script writers and dialogue coaches not paying attention to historical detail). But if you can get past these discrepancies, then it won't distract you from enjoying this movie, or from the message this film conveys, or from the effectiveness of the plot. Sets, costumes and lighting techniques are all convincing and add to the authentic 'feel' of the film. The horror of Nero's persecution of the Christians is effectively conveyed without it being graphic, gory or bloodthirsty and the fear and terror Christians were living under during this time is equally convincing as well. James Faulkner's experience as a Shakespearian actor is a bonus and is evident in his portrayal of Paul, and Olivier Martinez as the head jailer in charge of the Roman prison where Paul is kept is also suitably cold, uncaring and ruthless. The fear and persecution experienced by the early Christians portrayed in this film is quite emotional and realistically portrayed and could be a bit upsetting for Christians, especially the scene where Christians are being herded out into the arena amid a brass fanfare, the sound of roaring lions and a jeering, cheering bloodthirsty mob. The fear factor experienced by the Christians in this movie reminded me of the fear and terror the Jews must have had for the Nazis.There are some very interesting monologues outlined in the EXTRAS menu regarding how they made and put the film together, many people may find interesting. All in all, I really liked this film despite its obvious discrepancies. I've only had the DVD four days and already I've watched it a few times. This film is bound to end up in every Christian's DVD library. Enjoy!

Great acting by Jim Caviezel.

Bon produit

This is truly a beautiful film; well writen, directed and acted, and takes you into a period and specific time in history, that is both fascinating and true. I love dramas that are based on truth - it always makes a thing much more interesting for me when it is based on fact. There are some fictional people and situations mixed in with the story here, but nothing that detracts from the essential truth. Paul was in prison in Rome at that time, and was beheaded after this, his second imprisonment; Luke was his friend and companion on many of his missionary journeys, and did visit him in prison; and Paul was indeed "Saul" the Pharisee who persecuted the "Jewish sect" who followed Christ, until his vision of Christ on the road to Damascus changed him utterly.At this time in Rome, Nero was at his worst, feeding "Christians" - as they were later called - to the lions and other savage beasts in the circus, and using them as human torches to light up his gardens, - they soaked them in oil, tied them up to long stakes, and set them alight, as they show in the film. (How could any human being do that to another? Its beyond my comprehension.)There is a fine supporting cast, including Joanne Whalley and John Lynch as Christians in hiding, feeding, caring for, and giving spiritual comfort to others in the same danger, and Olivier Martinez as the Roman Prefect who cannot understand why such a broken old man is such a threat to Nero; but he is not factoring in Paul's spiritual power which is what Nero is threatened by. I particularly liked Martinez. His is not the usual standard, cardboard figure of a Roman officer, but brings a measure of compassion to his portrayal.But James Faulkner as Paul, and Jim Caviezel as Luke are truly memorable in their roles, conveying a deep and touching care for each other, without in the least being sappily sentimental or gooey with it. There was great chemistry beween them, which made their scenes together truly believable. I can't really convey how deeply they touched my heart, particulary Faulkner, who so beautifully portrays a Paul who suffered so very much all through his life for the sake of Christ and and the "Good News" of the Gospel, and lost all of his former status of "a Pharisee of the Pharisees" but who says himself in Philippians 3:8 "(I) do count them but dung, that I may win Christ." One feels no such thing as self pity, or "woe is me" in the least. In fact, here is a single minded man, of such great courage, endurance, and self-sacrifice that he puts the rest of us to shame. And Faulkner manages to convey all this, without ever saying a word about it. His portrayal is really inspired.I loved this film, and have already watched it several times, and am still moved to tears. Highly recommended.

Grace and peace from God, be with you all!(^^)/

Great movie.

Découvrir en image les vérités bibliques que Paul nous a laissées sous l'inspiration du Saint-Esprit. C'est fort, vraiment marquant, il y a des passages que je n'avais pas vu sous cet angle, en ce sens le film est enrichissant. uN Gros travail de reconstitution historique, et sur l'atmosphère à la fois délétère, anxiogène mais exaltante des temps de l'Eglise primitive. Le sort réservés aux chrétiens du 1er siècle accusés de tous les maux est d'autant plus poignant qu'il fait malheureusement écho à notre actualité...