Most helpful customer reviews
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5.0 out of 5 stars
A cinematic masterpiece and true blessing to all Christians, Jul 10 2006
Calling The King of Kings a cinematic masterpiece barely begins to do it justice, and this Criterion Collection release is absolutely beautiful, turning the widespread notion of silent movies completely on its head. This print looks like it could have been made yesterday, not 1927, boasting some incredible special effects for its time. Cecil B. DeMille was a genius who helped turn moviemaking into an art form. With The King of Kings, he also retold the story of Jesus Christ in a serious and emotionally powerful way that has effectively helped spread the Gospel for over seventy-five years. This Criterion Collection release is itself a heavenly release that gives viewers the chance to own the film in its original, uncut form for the first time.
While DeMille's film is a reverent retelling of life and heavenly mission of Jesus, it does take some liberties with the Gospel accounts, sometimes combining different events into one and introducing several of its own elements in an attempt to emphasize the linear nature and importance of the story. Mark, for example, is presented as a child healed by Jesus who is there to witness the ministry and ultimate sacrifice of Christ. Judas Iscariot is constantly shoved to the forefront of events, heavily emphasizing his misinterpretation of the Messiah's mission and ultimate betrayal of Jesus. He is depicted as a selfish and ruthless man who only joined Jesus' band of followers because he expected to be made a great man in the traditional kingdom he expected Jesus to found on earth. Most interestingly, Mary Magdalene is depicted as a consort to Judas who first comes to Jesus in order to confront Him for having stolen Judas' attention away from her. The film also shows Judas witnessing the events his kiss of betrayal set in motion, hanging himself only after witnessing Jesus' death on the cross.
The film begins strangely, with an extended scene of Mary Magdalene living lavishly among a group of male admirers and then zooming out on her zebra-driven chariot to steal her man Judas back from Jesus. As for Jesus, His first appearance could not be more beautifully done, as we first see His face through the eyes of an adorable blind girl as she is healed by the Master. H.B. Warner looks a little too old to be playing Jesus, but he gives a masterful performance, one heightened by the constant aura of slight luminescence DeMille gives him throughout the film. One of the most memorable scenes is the release of the seven demons from Mary Magdalene - the special effects are just incredible and seemingly decades ahead of their time. Speaking of incredible special effects, one has to mention the earthquake scene that follows Jesus' death on the cross - again, it's just incredible to watch. The resurrection scene is also memorable for the Technicolor aspects DeMille gave it to emphasize the awe-inspiring magnificence of Jesus' victory over death.
The 1928 general release of The King of Kings was 112 minutes long, but the film that first debuted at the opening of Grauman's Chinese Theatre in 1927 was 155 minutes. Both versions of the film are included in this set, and I must say the original, uncut version of the film, rarely seen by the public over the decades, is the definitive version presenting a much richer, detailed account of Jesus' ministry. This Criterion Collection release boasts a number of extras, including new film scores alongside the originals, documentary materials on the making of the film and its reception by the public, trailers, portrait galleries, and a 40-page commemorative booklet on this Biblical masterpiece. Have I mentioned how pristine the digital transfer is? This film looks better than many films I've seen from the 1970s and 1980s.
Christians will be awe-struck and inspired by the wonderful message of The King of Kings, but no one can watch this film and not be impressed by the cinematic artistry and genius on full display. This is easily the most impressive silent movie I have ever seen.
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1.0 out of 5 stars
Jesus Christ Never Existed., Jun 14 2004
'King of Kings' made in 1927 is a famous film some people have seen or at least heard about. Most people fail to realize all of that doesn't matter because Jesus Christ never existed!! Jesus Christ is a mythological figure the church has exploited for hundreds of years and now the film industry has for almost a hundred years. There is absolutely no archeological or historical evidence that Jesus Christ existed. Even if he did exist, it would be highly unlikely he would have received that kind of punishment.
It is a shame that con artists like these filmmakers are using this mythological figure to make millions of dollars. People have to start swaying away from the manipulations of the church and the filmmaking industry and start looking at the hard facts. Jesus Christ and his crucifixion never happened.
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1.0 out of 5 stars
nubian slaves, harness my zebras!, April 22 2004
By A Customer
H.B.Warner plays Jesus as a hallmark card and Magdalene has a romance with the traitorous Judas. When she gose to look for him, she rushes out to her chariot, looks at her slaves and delivers the most funny silent title of all time;
NUBIAN SLAVES, HARNESS MY ZEBRAS!priceless!
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