Watch Barabbas

Barabbas is a 1961 film that tells the story of the infamous thief and murderer who was set free in order to fulfill the wishes of the Roman citizens who wanted the release of a prisoner of their choice during the time of Jesus's trial. The film stars Anthony Quinn in the titular role, with Silvana Mangano and Arthur Kennedy playing supporting parts.

The movie begins with Barabbas being sentenced to death for his crimes. However, when Pontius Pilate offers to release one prisoner during the Jewish festival, the crowd chooses Barabbas over Jesus Christ. The latter is then tortured and crucified, causing Barabbas to question his own worth and existence.

Barabbas is then sent to work in a sulfur mine for the next 20 years of his life. During this time, he witnesses and experiences the harshness of slavery and the unforgiving conditions of the mine. Despite his status as a hardened criminal, Barabbas finds some form of comfort in his fellow slaves, Thessalonika (Mangano) and Sahak (Vittorio Gassman).

After the mine collapses and Barabbas is taken captive by the Romans, he is sent to Rome where he becomes a gladiator in the arena. His reputation as a criminal precedes him and he becomes a formidable force in the arena, defeating all his opponents. His success leads to his eventual meeting with the Emperor Nero (Kennedy) who becomes obsessed with the concept of death and resurrection.

Barabbas soon discovers that the Emperor is deeply interested in Christianity and wants to understand the concept of resurrection. Nero believes that Barabbas has the answers and wants to use him to understand the religion better. He tasks Barabbas with finding out all he can about the mysterious 'Nazarene' who was crucified.

Barabbas's journey eventually takes him back to Jerusalem where he meets with the early Christians and witnesses the miracles of Jesus for himself. Through his experiences, Barabbas is forced to confront his own beliefs, his past, and his future.

The film is a powerful portrayal of the struggles and inner conflicts of the human spirit. It examines the themes of faith, redemption, and the hope for a better life. Through Barabbas's experiences, the movie highlights that hope is not lost, even in the most desperate of situations.

The film features stunning visuals and impressive performances from its cast. Anthony Quinn is captivating as Barabbas, conveying the character's inner turmoil convincingly. Silvana Mangano shines as the enigmatic Thessalonika, providing Barabbas with a beacon of hope and kindness throughout his struggles. Arthur Kennedy is equally impressive as the troubled Emperor Nero, giving a layered performance that reveals the complex motivations of his character.

Barabbas was directed by Richard Fleischer and adapted from a novel by Pär Lagerkvist. The film's cinematography was by Aldo Tonti and its score was by Mario Nascimbene. The film's production design, costume design, and visual effects were all praised by critics upon its release.

In conclusion, Barabbas is a thought-provoking film that explores themes of spirituality, faith, and redemption while also featuring stunning visuals and impressive performances. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in historical and biblical dramas.

Barabbas is a 1962 history movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 24 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9.