Watch The Power of the Resurrection

The Power of the Resurrection is a 1958 American drama film directed by Daniel Mann and starring Richard Kiley, Jon Shepodd, and Jan Arvan. The film explores the events leading up to and following the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, and his resurrection. It is a story about love, faith, and the ultimate sacrifice made for humanity’s salvation.

The film opens in ancient Jerusalem where we see people preparing for the Passover feast. We are introduced to the main characters: Peter (Jon Shepodd), James (Ned Glass), and John (Nelson Leigh), who are followers of Jesus Christ (Richard Kiley). Peter, who is the most outspoken of the three, is depicted as a somewhat skeptical and timid man who questions his own belief in Jesus and his teachings. James is timid and a lover of money while John is the most faithful of the three, yet he too struggles with the complexities of religious devotion.

Jesus Christ, the central figure of the film, is shown performing miracles, healing the sick, and preaching to the masses. His growing popularity and influence on the people threatens the religious leaders of Jerusalem who see him as a threat to their authority. Judas Iscariot (Robert Patten), one of Jesus’ disciples, is also shown to be a source of tension throughout the film, portrayed as a conflicted man who ultimately betrays Jesus.

As the story unfolds, we see the political machinations of the Roman authorities and the complicity of the Jewish leaders in Jesus’ arrest and eventual trial before Pontius Pilate (Raymond Massey). The film explores the famous scene where Pilate asks the crowd to choose between Jesus and Barabbas, a convicted criminal. The people call for the release of Barabbas and the crucifixion of Jesus.

The film does an excellent job of depicting the emotional and psychological turmoil experienced by the apostles following Jesus’ crucifixion. Peter, who had earlier expressed his doubts about Jesus, is shown to be wracked with guilt over his denial of Jesus before the crucifixion. John, on the other hand, is depicted as a man deeply disturbed by the loss of his beloved teacher and friend.

The climax of the film is the powerful scene depicting Jesus’ resurrection. The scene is masterfully directed, with the camera capturing the awe and wonder of the apostles as they see a resurrected Jesus walking towards them. The scene is followed by another scene showing the apostles preaching the message of Jesus to the people.

The film’s themes are universal and timeless. It explores the concepts of faith, hope, and love and the redemption that comes through these emotions. The film also sheds light on the complex and often ruthless world of politics and religion during the time of Christ. It shows how the actions of human beings can have far-reaching consequences, and how the seeds of hatred and cruelty can bear bitter fruit.

The film also draws attention to the selflessness of Jesus’ teachings, and the ultimate sacrifice that he made for mankind. It is a reminder that through faith and love, humanity can find redemption and hope in the midst of tragedy and suffering.

Richard Kiley delivers a masterful performance as Jesus, capturing the nuances of the character and infusing the role with a deep sense of compassion and humanity. Jon Shepodd shines as Peter, depicting the character’s inner turmoil with great sensitivity and nuance. The supporting cast is also excellent, bringing depth and complexity to their respective roles.

In conclusion, The Power of the Resurrection is a powerful, emotional, and deeply moving film that explores the fundamental aspects of the human experience. It is a timeless tale that continues to resonate with audiences today. Whether you are a person of faith or not, it is a film that is sure to leave you with a profound sense of hope and meaning.

The Power of the Resurrection is a 1958 drama with a runtime of 1 hour. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9.