3 of 3

Patricia Paddey (Faith Today) investigates how the movie manifesting The Gospel of John came into being.

Michael Elliott (Movie Parables) says, "The Gospel of John is exactly what its title suggests: a word for word rendition of the book of John using The Good News Bible as its sole textual source. The result is a faithful, reverential version of what remains to this day to be the greatest story ever told."

Hal Conklin (Cinema in Focus) nominates The Gospel of John. "In all of the hype about the release of The Passion of the Christ, this film is remarkably honest and convincing, and has made no waves at all." This film is now available on DVD. Mixed responses from mainstream critics are posted here.

In the midst of Passion mania, Christian moviegoers should not miss the opportunity to see the other major film about Jesus recently released. Phillip Saville's The Gospel of John presents the whole story of Christ as it is narrated in one book of the Bible. The actors provide the dialogue, while the narration is read by Christopher Plummer. This three-hour production may not have the big budget or the notoriety of Mel Gibson's film, but it deserves attention and will reward viewers with its careful dramatization of Scriptural events. Henry Ian Cusick is a passionate, human, persuasive Christ, and he makes the dialogue work even though he has to say, "I tell you the truth … " dozens of times.

Peter T. Chattaway (Canadian Christianity) writes, "The film suffers a bit from a common tendency in this genre to make nearly everyone sound like a well-educated Briton (though the traitor Judas is played by a Canadian). But Henry Ian Cusick delivers one of the more charismatic, confrontational and compassionate interpretations of Christ around; and Christopher Plummer's subtle, supple narration is a treat for the ears."

Christianity Today Movies reviewed the film in March.

A ready-to-download Movie Discussion Guide related to this movie is available at ChristianityTodayMoviesStore.com. Use this guide after the movie to help you and your small group better connect your faith to pop culture.

Copyright © 2004 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

first page |  3 of 3