Mary Magdalene (2018)
Initial release: 15 March 2018 (Germany)
If a movie I've watched earlier in life is not here, it's probably lost in cyberspace or I was too overwhelmed to write about it or the magic went pfft or I simply have nothing good to say, so you may safely surmise that I do have something good to say about this film.
MARY MAGDALENE, as described above, is supposed to be an authentic and humanistic portrait of one of the most enigmatic and misunderstood figures in history. 82% of Google users liked it, while less than half liked it on other sites.
The cast is a very good ensemble of great actors, and I must say the description above and the actors made me excited to see this movie. Unfortunately, for me and the rest of the people in the cinema, at least those who made loud comments in the theatre and those in the restroom, the actors are the only saving grace of this film.
Other people walked out of the theatre in dismay. Others stayed, but had lots of snide comments.
"Ah, this version is definitely just the figment of imagination of the writer."
Mary Magdalene was the title character, but she was too clingy to Jesus and even if the story is not what The Da Vinci Code is trying to celebrate, it is implied that Mary of Magdala had strong feelings for Jesus of Nazareth.
Mary here had a more important role than Peter. So I get it. This is about empowerment of women. I am a woman and I should be thrilled, but I am not. There's a funny feeling in my stomach and I'm not liking that feeling.
Another thing...they pointed out that it is the C.E. year 33, that means it's the year of Christ's crucifixion, death and resurrection. Jesus is supposed to be thirty-three years old. He may look a little older because he is tired and he walks miles and miles, but Joaquin Phoenix looked twice his age here, at the very least. I mean, twice the age of Jesus. Joaquin Phoenix is forty-three years old and he could look younger than his age if he wanted to, but they did not even attempt to make his features softer and more charismatic. At any rate, Mr. Phoenix did act well.
Shucks. I am trying NOT to say this is LOOSELY based on the Holy Book, but my goodness. How else could I describe it? It is indeed based on the Holy Book, but this is a work of fiction. A lot of scenes are not Biblical even if the towns are. They created a lot issues involving Mary. Mary, the Mother of Jesus, was there as well. They had a short chat on how Mary Magdalene loved Jesus.
Variety's Guy Lodge described this as the Director Garth Davis's revisionist religious biopic and I think it's a perfect description of it.
If you are intending to learn history and Biblical facts, this is NOT the movie to watch, but if you are prepared to see a different perspective on Mary Magdalene and Jesus of Nazareth, then go ahead and watch this.
Oh, by the way, the actors are NOT the ONLY saving grace of the film. Please click the link below:
Actor Joaquin Phoenix Talks How Starring in Mary Magdalene Movie Changed His Thinking About Forgiveness
Yes, an actor described it too, but...
;-)
If you could see great chemistry between Phoenix and Mara, it's because they are real life sweethearts. Yes, that's why.
Another thing. Dad said that even if this is a work of fiction I should remember that Jesus elevated the role of women is society.
"...servant or free, woman or man no more."(One Bread, One Body)
In dignity, men and women are equals and should respect one another.
I argued that it is indeed true, but he did lessen Peter's role and the other apostles looked like decorations. Judas did not hang himself on a tree. He hung himself, yes, but not "there". Jesus did not baptize people in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit(well, the Great Commission has yet to happen and it was only then Jesus told them that), but some mantra.
I am babbling already.
It's still up to you if you wanna watch this or not anyways.
Added on Easter Sunday(A neighbour who loved the film posted the link):
Another thing. Dad said that even if this is a work of fiction I should remember that Jesus elevated the role of women is society.
"...servant or free, woman or man no more."(One Bread, One Body)
In dignity, men and women are equals and should respect one another.
I argued that it is indeed true, but he did lessen Peter's role and the other apostles looked like decorations. Judas did not hang himself on a tree. He hung himself, yes, but not "there". Jesus did not baptize people in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit(well, the Great Commission has yet to happen and it was only then Jesus told them that), but some mantra.
I am babbling already.
It's still up to you if you wanna watch this or not anyways.
Added on Easter Sunday(A neighbour who loved the film posted the link):
The Real Reason Why Mary Magdalene Is Such a Controversial Figure
After all, I'm NOT a critic. I am just an OBSERVER.
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