Movie Review of Risen by Affirm Films

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Risen is one of the latest faith-based movie that hit theaters in 2016. It is a Sony/Affirm production and did a fantastic $11.8 million in opening weekend ticket sales.

 “The best film about the life of Jesus since THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST.”
~ Patrick Novecosky, Editor-In-Chief / Legatus magazine 

“An UPLIFTING Masterpiece!” ~ Dave Morales, FOX TV/HOUSTON

“Epic” ~ Mike Androsky/ Entertainers

This is not just the story of Christ's death and resurrection, like motion pictures such as The Passion of the Christ. It is the story of an unbelieving Roman Soldier tasked with finding the missing body of the Nazarene after his tomb is found empty. This Roman tribune must find the body and prove the resurrection gossip is a hoax. 

Instead of a huge cover-up and scandal this Roman soldier finds the Savior.Ge

First, as my husband commented, it is basically an episode of CSI: Jerusalem. The story begins as Christ is dying on the cross. Clavius, the Roman soldier arrives on scene to verify, much like a detective or coroner arrives on a crime scene. Then he follows protocol (in excess) to avoid any "chance of a body snatch" by the crazy Christ followers. In a couple days when word gets out that stone has been moved from the tomb, the body missing and the Pharisees panicking, Clavius engages in a man-hunt, digging up corpses, interviewing suspects and witnesses and studying the crime scene to find all the answers.

I really enjoyed the integrity of Clavius, played by Joseph Fiennes. He is portrayed as a valued soldier, high in rank. He is shown to be brutal in his work, but also to have a conscience enough not to enjoy his tasks. He has ambition to move up the ranks of the Roman Army but also states he dreams of "a day with no death".

He seems to find the task of hunting done a dead body to be silly. Yet he carries out his duties with loyalty and purpose. As the pressure to find a body - any body - builds, the viewers can see the dilemma building in Clavius. He sees all the questions unanswered yet pointing to the impossible truth of a man rising from the dead. When he is re-assigned, he asks for a few more days to complete his investigation. He needs to follow the loose ends a little longer. When he finally discovers Jesus and his disciples hiding out he is forced to choose. The real truth, as unbelievable as it appears or the safest "truth" to protect the Empire.

He abandons his post citing that he has seen two conflicting truths that he cannot reconcile. A dead body he verified with his own eyes and a risen body he has seen with his own eyes. At this he decides to follow Jesus' followers. He witnesses the passion of the disciples, a healing done by the hands of Christ and the ability Jesus has to appear and disappear from any spot. Eventually Clavius speaks directly with the Savior and hangs around long enough to see the Ascension.

The movie is compelling in its purpose and scope. The scenery is awe-inspiring and the characters are real to life. This is definitely a movie I would have in my DVD collection.

As of today, the movie Risen is available in digital format. Blu-ray and DVD become available on May 24th, 2016.

Bonus content includes three featurettes:

• “The Mystery of The Resurrection: Making Risen,” director Kevin Reynolds, his cast and crew detail the making of the compelling film.
• “A.D. Jerusalem,” fans learn how the production brought the ancient settings to life.
• “Script to Screen,” producers discuss the making of RISEN. 
• Also ... Blu-ray and digital exclusive content includes deleted scenes and “The Battle of the Zealots Deconstructed,” a featurette that goes behind the scenes to see how one of the film’s most epic sequences was shot. 
• A commentary is included on the Blu-ray and DVD formats.

As well, on May 24th, a 4K Ultra HD option will be available. This" format features four times the resolution of high definition, high dynamic range (HDR)--which produces brilliant highlights, vibrant colors and greater contrast on compatible displays--and Dolby Atmos audio, remixed specifically for the home theater environment, delivering captivating sound that places and moves audio anywhere in the room, including overhead."
(Information taken from press release by Lovell/Fairchild Communications.)

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