It's Easter Sunday and I could think of
no better day to do a movie review of “Risen”. I saw it a number
of weeks ago and debated whether or not to post about it, as religion
tends to be a controversial topic. But whether you are religious or
a non-believer I felt the movie had something to say. We are
inundated with violence in real life and at the movies. And this
movie is no exception, as it starts with the crucifixion of Jesus,
and the search for his followers after his death, in connection with
the disappearance of his body. The reaction of the Roman government
to the possibility of a Messiah that could encourage an uprising of
the people was believable. Anything that could threaten their rule
was to be snuffed out.
In the story line what struck me was
not the belief in the power of Jesus to heal, nor even that he could
rise from the dead, but the belief in non-violence as the answer to
life everlasting. As I watch the terror attacks on the news, or the
bigotry and hatred seemingly espoused by some of our presidential
candidates, it's nice to think that once upon a time there might have
been a movement that really believed that there was an alternative to
the violent lives of humans on this earth, and that everyone had
value and were deserving of respect.
This clip actually leads up to one of
the best lines in the movie. But for some reason whoever uploaded it
cut it off at the critical moment. I guess you'll just have to see
the movie to find out what I mean. :)
Happy Easter Everyone!
