DCSIMG
 
 

The Last Temptation of Christ (1988) Reviews

The Last Temptation of Christ (1988)
Play Trailer and Clips
Member Rating:  
Willem Dafoe plays Jesus Christ in this extraordinarily controversial adaptation of Nikos Kazantzakis's novel. The film depicts a sometimes reluctant, self-doubting Jesus, gradually coming to accept His divinity and the inexorability of His ultimate fate. The much-maligned sex scene with Mary Magdalene (Barbara Hershey) occurs as an hallucination experienced by Jesus as he suffers on the cross. This particular sequence was what infuriated the film's most rabid critics, but in fact it is just one of many iconoclastic musings to be found in the film and its source novel. Equally volatile are the intimations that, as a carpenter, Jesus indifferently shaped the crucifixes for other condemned prisoners long before his own fate was sealed, and that Judas (Harvey Keitel) was literally manipulated into betrayal by a Christ whose preoccuption with his own destiny compelled him to "use" others. None of these departures from the normal interpretation of the scriptures are offered as any more than theory; as such, it was accepted as food for thought by the more open-minded clerics and Biblical scholars who recommended the film. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

 Read More


Starring:
Willem Dafoe, Harvey Keitel, (more)
Director(s):
Martin Scorsese
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R
Format(s):
DVD
View All Versions to rent and buy
 
 
 
 
 
 

Average Ratings

(31 member reviews)  

Member Reviews

John L.

Most reviewers are missing the point of this film. This film is an exploration of Christian doctrine of the hypostatic union as defined by the Catholic Church’s Council of Chalcedon in 451 A.D. The text at the beginning of the movie even says that it's not based on the gospels but on a book that goes in depth into the little-understood doctrine of Jesus' hypostatic union. The doctrine states that Jesus is both 100% man and 100% God. He experienced hunger, pain, and all the emotions that we as humans feel as well, arguably except the negative emotions such as hate and pride. Sexual attraction is an emotion as well. Jesus was 100% man, and as with any human being he must have had sexual desires (which isn’t sinful at all unless you are still living by Puritan ethics). I think "The Last Temptation of Christ" gives a unique perspective that is rarely seen, a Jesus with flaws, temptation, and desire to sin by his human nature, while knowing it's wrong by his God nature.

Yes   |   No


Carrie W.

Since believable history, stripped of myth and dogma, tells us very little about the real Jesus (there was a Jesus some 2000 years ago, and he was crucified), to me one fictional account is as good as another. This one is quite good. Jesus is wracked by self-doubt, Judas is the only strong-willed fellow about, and Satan's temptations are very sophisticated indeed. It is admittedly fiction, which should not offend the beliefs of anyone but those brainwashed by organized religion. Christians, Jews, and others, open your minds and watch this movie! You might enjoy it, and you might learn something about your own beliefs. I did. (By the way, I didn't find the movie overlong, the conclusion confusing, or the soundtrack irritating.)

Yes   |   No


Linda F.

Although I consider myself to be a faithful Christian, I was intruiged when I read the description for this film as well as by the severity of the reviews listed. Always open for controversey, I decided to rent it. The film is very interesting, and offers a unique viewpoint to approach Jesus and his humanity. I had always envisioned a confident and assured Christ during his lifetime on earth, but the film portrays Jesus as an unsure, fearful, and confused leader. I did not agree, however, with the mixture of fact and fiction in the plot, including Jesus being portrayed as a carpenter of crucifixes. In my opinion, I think this movie brought me even closer to Jesus spiritually because it enabled me to identify with him as a human The only things I disagree with are the film's lenth, which is ridiculously long and not needed, the confusing storyline at the finale, and the blending of fact and fiction.

Yes   |   No


Candi B.

it's so funny when the holy rollers take a dump on this movie. the film depicts what COULD HAVE BEEN(NOT 100% GUARANTEED) the different emotions and struggles he went through. the acting is phenominal. for someone to believe that jesus was someone who oozed perfection and couldn't have possibly THOUGHT about sinning or have an internal struggle is simply blinded by their own interpretation of the bible. the reason jesus had followers in the first place is because they each saw a little of themselves in him. i'm sure jesus had his doubts at many points in his life......especially when he asked god why had he foresaken him(which is in the bible), but in the end his faith and strength is what allowed him to complete his mission on earth(if that is your belief). if the so called jesus lovers truly loved jesus they would 1) judge not, lest ye be judged......and 2) give the man some damn breathing room, he was a man too. even jesus used the toilet.....remember that.

Yes   |   No


Richard R.

A thougt provoking, interesting film. The concepts of temptation being approached are to symbolize Christ's own experience in dealing with being made of human flesh. While in a human state Christ had to undergo the same physical pains and desires that the rest of humanity experiences. This story is a "what if" Christ chose a different path or what if he considered sin, and if so what did he fantasize about. The film also questions the true aspects of living a "full" life and whether Christ's crucifixion was a valuable event. There are many interesting concepts approached that should be discussed by everyone, whether you're religious or not. The only flaws of the film is the pacing is slow at times and some of the acting is not as powerful as it should've been.

Yes   |   No


Bryan L.

The Bible is certainly and interpretive text...one which has been attempted to be explained on film in a number of ways. But never before like what we see in "The Last Temptation of Christ". Scorsese brilliantly depicts Jesus as a reluctant Messiah...one who never understands his true path until the final stages of his life. I'm unclear why some consider this film "offensive". It shows how men are tempted in life. At the end of the film, Jesus is tempted to not experience the pain of crucifixion, and he takes the offer. Who among men wouldn't do this? And the film also shows Jesus experiencing mortal pleasures...as a human being, I find it hard to believe he did not. Overall - Scorsese's vision is a brilliant one...religious or not....the film is worth a view to help you delve into what Jesus, the man, may have experienced near the end of his short life.

Yes   |   No


Debbie S.

dafoe is christ

Yes   |   No


Mark S.

Although this may have been the point of the movie. Jesus is kind of portrayed as a weak wimp. (maybe he was) The movie really drags. (I sat through it, but I did have a 12 pack during the 2.75 hours.) If it weren't for all of the radical fundie protests upon its release, it would have died very quickly at the box office BUT, the Christians kept giving the film a whole lot of free publicity! DEFINATLY do not buy this film!

Yes   |   No


Marylee R.

Pure fiction, and highly offensive.

Yes   |   No


John H.

This movie is pure fiction. There is absolutely nothing true about this portrayal of Christ. Jesus is the Truth. Read the bible and you will find the Truth. If Mr. Scorsese would seek the Truth, he would regret ever making this film.

Yes   |   No


 
 
 

BY MAIL

Monthly Subscription
 
BuyPreviously Viewed   $2.39
(disc only) 

New  $30.99
 

IN-STORE

 

ON DEMAND

Blockbuster Instant Video

Watch thousands of movies instantly on your TV, tablet, mobile phone or computer with no monthly subscription. You pay only for what you watch.
 

What's Your Take?

Add to FavoritesIn Favorites  |  Share:     Email to a friendShare on FacebookShare on Twitter
    YOUR REVIEW
    WRITE A REVIEW
     
    1000 
     
    Member Reviews
    Read all (31)
     
    John L.

    Most reviewers are missing the point of this film. This film is an exploration of Christian doctrine of the hypostatic union as defined by the Catholic Church’s Council of Chalcedon in 451 A.D. The text at the beginning of the movie even says that it's not based on the gospels but on a book that goes in depth into the little-understood doctrine of Jesus' hypostatic union. The doctrine states that Jesus is both 100% man and 100% God. He experienced hunger, pain, and all the emotions that we as humans feel as well, arguably except the negative emotions such as hate and pride. Sexual attraction is an emotion as well. Jesus was 100% man, and as with any human being he must have had sexual desires (which isn’t sinful at all unless you are still living by Puritan ethics). I think "The Last Temptation of Christ" gives a unique perspective that is rarely seen, a Jesus with flaws, temptation, and desire to sin by his human nature, while knowing it's wrong by his God nature.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Carrie W.

    Since believable history, stripped of myth and dogma, tells us very little about the real Jesus (there was a Jesus some 2000 years ago, and he was crucified), to me one fictional account is as good as another. This one is quite good. Jesus is wracked by self-doubt, Judas is the only strong-willed fellow about, and Satan's temptations are very sophisticated indeed. It is admittedly fiction, which should not offend the beliefs of anyone but those brainwashed by organized religion. Christians, Jews, and others, open your minds and watch this movie! You might enjoy it, and you might learn something about your own beliefs. I did. (By the way, I didn't find the movie overlong, the conclusion confusing, or the soundtrack irritating.)

    Yes   |   No

     
    Linda F.

    Although I consider myself to be a faithful Christian, I was intruiged when I read the description for this film as well as by the severity of the reviews listed. Always open for controversey, I decided to rent it. The film is very interesting, and offers a unique viewpoint to approach Jesus and his humanity. I had always envisioned a confident and assured Christ during his lifetime on earth, but the film portrays Jesus as an unsure, fearful, and confused leader. I did not agree, however, with the mixture of fact and fiction in the plot, including Jesus being portrayed as a carpenter of crucifixes. In my opinion, I think this movie brought me even closer to Jesus spiritually because it enabled me to identify with him as a human The only things I disagree with are the film's lenth, which is ridiculously long and not needed, the confusing storyline at the finale, and the blending of fact and fiction.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Read All 31 Reviews
       

      Rating Systems

       

      Blockbuster

      Find Us Online: BLOCKBUSTER Blog - BLOCKBUSTER Widgets - BLOCKBUSTER RSS FEED - BLOCKBUSTER Facebook Page - BLOCKBUSTER Twitter Page - BLOCKBUSTER Wiki

      Email Exclusives

      BLOCKBUSTER name, design and related marks are trademarks of Blockbuster L.L.C.
        2013 Blockbuster L.L.C. All rights reserved.

      Portions of Content Provided by Rovi Corporation.   2013 Rovi Corporation.