Review of Risen (2016) by Bob F — 09 Mar 2016

Great movie! We see it all through the eyes of Clavius the roman tribune.

The disciples and other characters are not developed much because again, it is through the tribune's eyes.

The movie uses this vehicle in this way because it is exactly how we relate to the Apostles. We think we know them, but we don't really - we know so little about them.

So the director shows everything through the tribune's eyes - he did not know the Twelve - the Apostles - and neither do we. So the apostles are not developed beyond what Clavius experiences with them.

And the miracles are casual, just 'there' so to speak, as they were encountered by the followers - the fish tipping the boat, Jesus being there and then not there, the leper's healing, the Ascension.

It is a period piece, but it also for the here and now. It is about searching for Jesus, searching for the truth of Jesus. We too are searching, and we too try to be followers, as per the words of Smon (Peter) in the movie: "We don't understand everything, we follow. We are followers.".

The symbolism is great too - the world seen through the window of the little hut where Clavius stops to eat, with a cross of wood in it at the beginning, and end, of the movie - we see our world through a window, and through the cross of Christ. And at the end, the tribune hands over his Tribune's Ring with the words, "My payment." His world of the Roman Tribune is over. Indeed, our lives of this world are changed, lost, once we find the truth of Christ. We lose our lives to Christ.

What does Clavius want? A day without death. It is what we all want. It is what we can have - with Jesus. That phrase sums Jesus up - He gives to us a day without death - eternity in Heaven - if only we choose to follow Him.

The Bartholomew scenes were over the top - a failed attempt to introduce some levity into the plot. Other than that, a first class movie that delves deeply, albeit subtly, into the meaning of Christ.

We watch as the tribune is transformed by what he sees, how he struggles to believe what his own eyes are seeing. And Jesus even points this difficulty out - you have seen it with your own eyes and cannot believe, how difficult it will be for them (meaning how hard it will be for the believers, the disciples, to spread the Gospel to others who do not get to see what Clavius has seen.).

I recommend it without reservations. A first class movie on the meaning of Christ to all mankind. Go and see!