Themes: Miraculous Events, Message From God, Mothers and Sons
Main Cast: Pernilla August, Christian Bale, David Threlfall, Geraldine Chaplin, Melinda Kinnaman
Release Year: 1999
Country: US
Run Time: 120 minutes
Plot
"The Greatest Story Ever Told, As Seen Through a Mother's Eyes." Coproduced by Eunice Kennedy Shriver and her son Bobby Shriver, this reverent retelling of the Biblical story of the Madonna stars Melinda Kinnaman as young Mary, Perrilla August as the older Mary, David Threlfall as Joseph, and Toby Bailiff and Christian Bale as, respectively, the younger and adult Jesus. The film takes a decidedly Ecumenical approach, with Mary, already aware of her Son's role in the future of mankind, gently guiding and counseling Jesus as He launches His ministry and accomplishes His miracles. She must also stand by stoically as Her beloved Son is persecuted and crucified, knowing that what must be, will be. Filmed (incredibly) in and around Budapest, Mary, Mother of Jesus debuted November 14, 1999 on NBC. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Hywel Bennett - Herod; Christopher Lawford - Rueben; Simone Bendix - Mary Magdalene; Robert Addie; Michael Mears
Credit
Alistair Kay - Art Director, Zsuzsa Borvendeg - Art Director, Noel Davis - Casting, Maria Hruby - Costume Designer, Kevin Connor - Director, Barry Peters - Editor, Keith Wilson - Production Designer, Elemer Ragalyi - Cinematographer, Howard Ellis - Producer
The film emphasizes Mary's importance in Jesus's life, suggesting that his parables were inspired by stories she told him in his childhood. This, and similar details about Jesus's upbringing, cannot be confirmed, but are certainly not impossible. The resurrected Jesus also appears to his mother privately. This event is not found in the Gospels, but is probably based on an ancient Catholic tradition (not official teaching) that he appeared to her first of all people. The tradition influenced Ignatius of Loyola's Spiritual Exercises among others. The movie closes with Mary suggesting the disciples should start preaching about her son.
