Mary Magdalene

Apparently Hollywood doesn't know how Middle Eastern people look like! Felt sorry for Judas though

I need to preface that I judged this film solely based on the merits of it as a film, and not as an adaptation of the biblical story. As a Catholic, I was curious and ultimately satisfied with what was portrayed here, since Mary Magdalene was not really the key focus of discussion in my theology class. Of course, there are inaccuracies, and calling this the "true" retelling of Jesus through Mary Magdalene's eyes would be heavily contested by many vocal individuals anyway. Yet, I was drawn in by the simplicity of this film, with decent actors/actresses that conveyed this tone well. The cinematography was calm but graceful, with great nuances and delicacy that made the viewing experience enjoyable. I immensely enjoyed the themes of this film, which tried to present Jesus in a more humane manner, with a greater emphasis being placed on Magdalene's ability to truly intrinsically understand Jesus' message. I do understand that bias was involved in this particular portrayal of the biblical story, but I do not think that this solely disqualifies or justifies knocking points off. Instead, my criticisms range from some parts of the film being too slow, to this film's ending, which while being simple and poignant, did not satisfy me as I had hoped. It was still an enlightening ending, but I still wished for more. Still, all the actors/actresses involved in this production were great, and I thoroughly enjoyed their portrayals of the Apostles, Jesus, and other pivotal figures. It may not be an objectively biblically accurate film, but for those that are not too dogmatic and a bit open-minded, it's an amusing experience that has a sense of freshness that I found to be splendid.

I enjoyed the journey , however, i am not sure casting Joaquin Phoenix as Jesus was the right choice. He just came across as some kinda stoned Hell's Angel. And as for the Passion scenes well these seemed lethargic against Mel Gibson's

_Mary Magdalene_ is feminist reinterpretation of the Gospel story through the eyes of Mary Magdalene. Rebelling against her family, a young woman from Magdala becomes a follower of a revolutionary rabbi named Jesus and forms a unique bond with him. Starring Rooney Mara, Joaquin Phoenix, and Chiwetel Ejiofor, the film has a strong cast that gives some impressive performances (especially Mara). Drawing from the 2016 Apostle of Apostles Vatican decree, Mary is depicted as a 13th apostle who sees Jesus’ vision clearer than the others. And, there are clear Gnostic influences in how Jesus’ teachings are interpreted. Still, the storytelling is remarkably well-done, as are the sets and costumes. It’s not the traditional Gospel telling and is a little theologically suspect, yet _Mary Magdalene_ is a compelling character drama that presents an interesting vision of this immortal tale.

A curious misfire; this is a dull telling of the story of Mary, which isn't a surprise as there isn't a lot of backstory in the Gospels to suggest a fully fleshed out story. Mara is good, but she isn't given a lot to work with. Phoenix doesn't get a lot to work with as Jesus either, and his portrayal has none of the passion and dynamism that must have existed in Christ himself. A muted work then, something akin to a Terrence Malick movie, and that's a shame. Some of the Gospel themes still shine through, despite the meandering nature of the film, but I hoped and prayed for something better.

Let's just take a look at my notes, shall we?
1) I saw it on Good Friday, so at least there was one good thing that day.
2) Joaquin Phoenix may have met his match in Jesus.
3) The only kind of "Jesus!" we see in the screen is the expletive.
4) There are more white people in the Middle East than at a Polo shirt sale in Sweden.
5) Watch The Meaning of Life again, instead.
6) Slacker hippy Jesus walks around in his bathrobe all day.
7) Before seeing this film I knew only half of the Phoenix / Mara duo would be watchable, I just didn't think it'd be Mara.
8) Tahar Rahim as Judas was inspired.
9) Ironic that Mara and Rahim are the ones that have the most faith...in this film.
10) Watch The Last Temptation of Christ again instead.
11) Or Mother!
12) Maybe they had Joaquin Phoenix walk around in a sheet all day to make it look like A Ghost Story for Rooney Mara.

Was boring. I hoped for it to become decent. But it was still boring.

Overall this film was a letdown, but honestly... expected it to be. Though obviously biblically inaccurate, a lot of thoughts and questions were raised in my head. And that, to me, is a good sign in media - that thought processes and behaviours are challenged. The end execution was a bit of a flop. FYSA: there are spoilers to the Biblical story & film ahead.

To see Jesus from the perspective of Mary of Magdela is not something I had considered before. The obvious turmoil of abandoning her family and rejecting societal expectations to follow *her* Rabbi was a good depiction and example of what the sacrifice the apostles made for Him. There were inaccuracies littered during the depiction of Jesus's ministry, however what was so blatantly missing was the emotion and trauma of passion week, crucification, and resurrection. When reading Scripture, those hit so hard, and I was devastated to see nearly all of it missing when Mary had such a vital role during that time especially, enough so Matthew, Mark, and Luke recorded her presence!

The performance of Joaquin Phoenix fell flat. Jesus was not an inspiring leader, savior, and teacher... he was an emotionally fragile and weak man with errant behaviour. Tahar Rahim, as Judas, did a fantastic job with the script he was given and gave a different light to Judas I had not considered before - in that, the disciple was desperate for the new Kingdom so much so that his betrayal was to force Jesus's hand. I look forward to rereading Judas Iscariot's role throughout to see if I find the fanatic follower within the Judas of Scripture. Finally, and the only reason this movie was not a 1 or 2... Ms. Rooney Mara. I had not found her very compelling in Carol (the only other film up until this point, that I had seen her in), but she knocked this out of the park. There was a quiet introspection and maturity to Mary that resonated. And in the end, I think she did an excellent job at cleansing the stain that Mary Magdalene has had on her for centuries now. For she is not a prostitute and lowly woman in the Bible, she was a devoted follower of Jesus and a strong feminine presence in the Apostles.

I've heard the story of Mary and Jesus in some different ways but this is the first time I've heard it like this!!
A new story of Jesus and Mary 2000 years after!!

Pretty scenery and great actors who tried to do their best with the script. But while I enjoyed the alternative viewpoint from Maria instead of the "normal" Jesus story, the story wasn't told well. I never really figured out who was who from the Apostels. Until the brother's kiss I never knew that Tahar Rahim's character was supposed to be Judas.