The New Media Bible: The Gospel According to St. Luke (1979)

User Rating:

8.1/10   

Release Date:

1979 (USA)

Genre:

Biography | Drama | Family | History

Plot Keywords:

Christian Film | Character Name In Title

Cast

Richard Kiley	...	Narrator, St. Luke (voice)
Brian Deacon	...	Jesus Christ
Niko Nitai	...	Simon Peter
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Mosko Alkalai	...	Matthew
Kobi Assaf	...	Philip
Eli Cohen	...	John the Baptist
Eli Danker	...	Judas Iscariot
Nisim Gerama	...	Thomas
David Goldberg	...	Judas, Son of James
Miki Mfir	...	Simon the Pharisee
Yitzhak Ne'eman	...	James
Gad Roll	...	Andrew
Talia Shapira	...	Mary Magdalene
Shmuel Tal	...	John
Michael Warshaviak	...	Bartholomew
Leonid Weinstein	...	James, Son of Alphaeus

Also Known As:

Word-for-Word, the Bible on Video: Gospel of Luke (USA) (video box title)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Filming Locations:

Israel

Company:

The Genesis Project

Movie Connections:

Edited into Jesus (1979)

Very Scripturally accurate, but rather poor acting.

The really good value in this movie is its accuracy. If you wish to research it, you'll find great effort was made to do just that in many details, though my comment is specifically referencing the dialog being accurate to the version of Scripture that was used.

The weak points are the film quality is not outstanding and much more importantly, the acting and directing leave very much to be desired.

When this was originally produced, it was hoped (and planned) that this would be the first of a long line of Biblically accurate films but the money just didn't come in and the project was eventually sold and this film became a major evangelism tools around the world. Many millions of people have seen this film and it has accomplished much good for the Gospel.

My personal opinion is that the original vision didn't succeed because of the film's glaring weaknesses and those who would have financed more endeavors didn't, because they felt those in charge simply didn't have the skills to produce the quality of films that would warrant their investment.

The Gospel of John, made in 2003, and also faithfully representing the version used, is far superior, primarily in communicating realism in the film. Every time I watch The Gospel of John, I'm moved by the actor representing Jesus. His words are so powerful, it's like Jesus Himself is really speaking. Of course this is what every movie about Jesus has wanted to accomplish and I think none does it better than "The Gospel of John." I did not like, however, the Bible version they chose to use, but nevertheless, it's a powerful presentation of God's Word and I recommend it to everyone, regardless of your opinions about Jesus. For the believer, they'll be blessed and for the scoffer, they may for the first time in their lives really perceive the very powerful claims of Jesus. This is a moving film.

I know this was supposed to be a review of Luke (and it was) but I wanted to especially point you to John, since it is, IMO, so much better in its delivery.

Bear in mind when you see voting on Christian films, you see a wide disparity because God-haters don't like the Gospel. I noticed that on this film, all who voted before I, gave it either a "10" or a "1." A perfect illustration of my point. It deserves neither extreme.