The Last Temptation of Christ (1988)

Director:

Martin Scorsese

Writers (WGA):

Nikos Kazantzakis (novel)
Paul Schrader (screenplay)

Release Date:

12 August 1988 (USA)

Genre:

Drama

Plot:

The life of Jesus Christ, his journey through life as he faces the temptations that all humans face during their lives, and his final temptation upon the cross.

Plot Keywords:

Temptation | Jesus Christ | Roman | Cross | Epic

Awards:

Nominated for Oscar. Another 1 win & 5 nominations

Cast

Willem Dafoe	...	Jesus
Harvey Keitel	...	Judas
Paul Greco	...	Zealot
Steve Shill	...	Centurian (as Steven Shill)
Verna Bloom	...	Mary, Mother of Jesus
Barbara Hershey	...	Mary Magdalene
Roberts Blossom	...	Aged Master
Barry Miller	...	Jerobeam
Gary Basaraba	...	Andrew, Apostle
Irvin Kershner	...	Zebedee
Victor Argo	...	Peter, Apostle
Michael Been	...	John, Apostle
Paul Herman	...	Phillip, Apostle
John Lurie	...	James, Apostle
Leo Burmester	...	Nathaniel, Apostle

Also Known As:

Passion (USA) (working title)

Runtime:

164 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

70 mm 6-Track (70 mm prints) | Dolby (35 mm prints)

Certification:

Philippines:(Banned) | South Korea:18 | Brazil:14 | USA:R (certificate #29344) | Argentina:18 (re-rating) | Argentina:X (original rating) | Spain:13 | Australia:M | Australia:R (original rating) | Chile:(Banned) (1989-2002) | Chile:18 (re-rating) (2003) | Finland:K-16 | Iceland:16 | Ireland:18 | Mexico:C | Norway:18 | Portugal:M/16 | South Africa:18 | Sweden:15 | UK:15 (video re-rating) (2000) | UK:18 (video rating) (1988) | UK:18 (original rating) | West Germany:16 | Singapore:(Banned)

Filming Locations:

Ait Benhaddou, Ouarzazate, Morocco

Company:

Cineplex-Odeon Films

Trivia:

The television premiere of the film on Channel 4 in the mid nineties used to hold the record for receiving the most complaints (1,554) about a broadcast on British television. That record was eclipsed by BBC2's broadcast of "Jerry Springer - The Opera" on 8 January 2005, which drew more than 50,000 complaints, many of which were submitted by Christians before the broadcast, offended by what they considered the blasphemous portrayal of Jesus in the programme.

Goofs:

Continuity: The state of Mary Magdalene's robe when confronted by Jesus at the beginning.

Quotes:

Judas: Rabbi, you broke my heart.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Night Court: The Last Temptation of Mac (#6.6)" (1988)

A beautiful, moving film.

This is a beautiful film. It is one of the most powerful and ultimately one of the greatest films ever made, without a doubt. The performances, especially by Willem Dafoe as Jesus, are amazing; the sets and costumes are realistic and never feel forced, glossy, or stylized (and were based on extensive archaeological and philological research); Peter Gabriel's score is absolutely unbelievable...I cannot possibly praise this film enough, as well as Mr. Scorcese's courage in making such a bold and beautiful work of art in the face of considerable opposition.

It is really best to avoid religious and theological arguments about this film - it is simply a portrait of Christ coming to terms with who he is and what he must do. If it occasionally portrays Jesus in a manner that is somewhat at odds with that of scripture, try to keep in mind that it is merely another take on a story that has no absolute and authoritative telling. That Jesus has difficulty coming to terms with the role he must play is something that scripture does not rule out.

Consider it this way: this is the sort of film that has the power to convince the irreligious or non-Christians out there (of which I am one) of the importance, beauty, depth, and truth of Jesus' vision of a world filled with love and compassion. Give this movie a chance. You will not be disappointed.