Review of The Greatest Story Ever Told (1965) by Will D — 09 Apr 2009

The Greatest Story Every Told... even if it does say so itself. Talk about arrogance. Seriously though, this is an epic scale chronicle of the life of Jesus of Nazareth, just as the synopsis posits. I suppose if I wanted to point someone in the direction of a film obsessive about being the definitive biblical film, as accurate to scripture as possible, this'd be the one.

But it's dull and tedious, every single major scene tainted by a poorly generated sense of serenity. Maybe this is a bit harsh, but the way these characters are portrayed here seems so traditional - to the point of being irritating.

It doesn't enhance understanding, or throw new light on the way scripture could be interpreted. It's too conventional, but it's a product of its time.