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Jesus (1979) is a historical drama film that follows the life of Jesus Christ through his birth, ministry, betrayal, trial, crucifixion, and resurrection. The movie is directed by John Krish and Peter Sykes and stars Brian Deacon as Jesus, Rivka Neuman as Mary, Alexander Scourby as Luke, and many other actors in supporting roles. The movie begins with the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem and the visit of the three wise men who bring gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The scene then shifts to John the Baptist baptizing Jesus in the River Jordan, after which Jesus begins his ministry of preaching, healing the sick, and performing miracles.

The movie depicts some of the most famous scenes from the New Testament, such as Jesus feeding the five thousand, walking on water, calming the storm, and raising Lazarus from the dead. We see Jesus preaching on the Mount of Olives, debating with the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and teaching the parables of the Good Samaritan, the Prodigal Son, and the Lost Sheep.

The movie also shows some of the key moments leading to Jesus' arrest and trial, such as his betrayal by Judas Iscariot, his Last Supper with his disciples, his prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, and his confrontations with Pontius Pilate and Herod Antipas.

The crucifixion scene is one of the most powerful in the movie, as we see Jesus carrying his cross to Golgotha, being nailed to the cross, and uttering his famous last words: "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." The movie doesn't shy away from depicting the violence and brutality of the crucifixion, but it also emphasizes the spiritual and emotional impact of the event on Jesus' followers.

The resurrection scene is another highlight of the movie, as we see the stone rolled away from Jesus' tomb and his appearance to Mary Magdalene, Peter, and the other disciples. The scene is uplifting and hopeful, and it brings the movie to a satisfying conclusion.

One of the strengths of Jesus (1979) is its attention to historical detail and cultural authenticity. The movie was shot on location in Israel, and the costumes, sets, and props are all faithful to the first century AD. The movie also features a diverse cast of actors, including many Middle Eastern and Mediterranean performers, which adds to the realism and richness of the movie.

Another strength of the movie is its performances. Brian Deacon is excellent as Jesus, conveying the character's compassion, wisdom, and humanity with nuance and subtlety. Rivka Neuman is also impressive as Mary, bringing warmth and depth to the character. The supporting cast is also strong, with actors like Alexander Scourby, Joseph Shiloach, and Niko Nitai adding complexity and depth to their roles.

The cinematography and music of Jesus (1979) are also noteworthy. The movie is beautifully shot, with stunning vistas of the Judean desert and the Sea of Galilee. The music, composed by Patrick Gleeson, is haunting and evocative, capturing the mood and tone of each scene.

One potential weakness of the movie is its tendency towards sentimentality and melodrama. Some of the scenes, such as the Resurrection and the Crucifixion, can feel overly sentimental or manipulative. Additionally, the movie's dialogue can be simplistic or clichéd at times, with characters spouting platitudes or aphorisms that sound more like Sunday School lessons than realistic conversation.

Overall, Jesus (1979) is a faithful and engaging retelling of the life of Jesus Christ. It is a movie that will appeal to Christians and non-Christians alike, as it offers a compelling and poignant look at one of the most important figures in human history. The movie is not perfect, but its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses, and it stands as a classic of religious cinema.