Review of Quo Vadis (1951) by Catherine T — 15 Dec 2012

This is one of the greatest religious films ever made: the stars are well cast; the sets and costumes are incredible; the script intelligent and interesting;the directing very good--with 2 notable exceptions. Nero's wife and the captain of the Praetorian Guard effect strane poses throughout the film. But compared to the richness of the film, that is a minor criticism indeed.

Taylor and Kerr are perfectly cast and are thoroughly believable. Taylor, as a conquering Roman general--very wordly at first (before Kerr gets here hooks in him)--is the consummate general, bold, peremptory,pround, brave, a leader;and kerr, the simple Christian whose strong faith eventually captures Taylor.

The lions feasting on Christians at Nero's orders, the burning of Christians, and the spectacular, unrepeatable man v bull scene (how the heck did they convince a stunt man to do that?)--such scenes will never again be allowed to be filmed so realistically--but boy do they add to the film's realism! We are indeed in Rome during Nero's reign.

Ustinov as Nero is superb--a madman whose insane whims are forever captured on film just as they must have been in real life.

This film is--along with The Robe--one of the top ten religious films ever made--a delight to the eyes, and a feast for the brain and heart. Five BIG Stars.--LenSive.