March 21, 2024
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Crucifixion is the execution of a criminal by nailing or binding to a cross. It was a common form of capital punishment from the 6th century BC to the 4th century AD, especially among the Persians, Egyptians, Carthaginians, and Romans.

The purpose of crucifixion was to provide a particularly painful, gruesome, and public death, using whatever means was most expedient for that goal. The Romans used crucifixion for slaves and criminals but never for their own citizens.

Roman law provided that the criminal be scourged before being put to death; the accused also had to carry either the entire cross or, more commonly, the crossbeam from the place of scourging to the place of execution.

The practice was abolished in 337 by Constantine the Great out of respect for Jesus Christ, who died on the cross.

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1 THE GREATEST STORY EVER TOLD

From his birth in Bethlehem to his death and eventual resurrection, the life of Jesus Christ (Max von Sydow) is given the all-star treatment in this epic retelling. Major aspects of Christ's life are touched upon, including the execution of all the newborn males in Egypt by King Herod (Claude Rains) ; Christ's baptism by John the Baptist (Charlton Heston) ; and the betrayal by Judas after the Last Supper that eventually leads to Christ's crucifixion and resurrection.

Well-known stars in major and minor roles: Telly Savalas as Pilate, Sidney Poitier as Simon of Cyrene, John Wayne as a centurion and Shelley Winters as the woman healed by touching Christ’s garment.

2 JESUS OF NAZARETH

This film, first shown as a mini-series on network television in 1977, has become the standard which all other films on the life of Christ must be put up against. This epic boasts a stellar cast including Sir Lawrence Olivier, Ernest Borgnine, Christopher Plummer, and James Mason. Robert Powell gives what could be the defining performance of his acting career.

His likeness to paintings and portraits of Christ are almost eerie in its exactness. His range from the serene to the indignant Christ who knocks over the money-changer’s tables is a contrast in great acting. It is obvious by watching Powell that he had done his homework and knew exactly who he was imitating.

3 THE LAST TEMPTATION OF CHRIST

Jesus (Willem Dafoe), a humble Judean carpenter beginning to see that he is the son of God, is drawn into revolutionary action against the Roman occupiers by Judas (Harvey Keitel) -- despite his protestations that love, not violence, is the path to salvation.

The burden of being the savior of mankind torments Jesus throughout his life, leading him to doubt. As he is put to death on the cross, Jesus is tempted by visions of an ordinary life married to Mary Magdalene (Barbara Hershey).

4 THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST

In this version of Christ's crucifixion, based on the New Testament, Judas expedites the downfall of Jesus (Jim Caviezel) by handing him over to the Roman Empire's handpicked officials.

To the horror of his mother, Mary (Maia Morgenstern), Magdalen (Monica Bellucci), whom he saved from damnation, and his disciples, Jesus is condemned to death. He is tortured as he drags a crucifix to nearby Calvary, where he is nailed to the cross. He dies, but not before a last act of grace.

5 SON OF GOD

In the Holy Land, the Roman occupation has produced a cauldron of oppression, anxiety and excessive taxes levied upon the Jewish people. Fearing the wrath of Roman governor Pontius Pilate (Greg Hicks), Jewish high priest Caiaphas (Adrian Schiller) tries to keep control of his people.

That control is threatened when Jesus arrives in Jerusalem, performing miracles and spreading messages of love and hope. Those who fear that Jesus will inspire a revolution decide that he must die.

6 RISEN

In the Holy Land, the Roman occupation has produced a cauldron of oppression, anxiety and excessive taxes levied upon the Jewish people. Fearing the wrath of Roman governor Pontius Pilate (Greg Hicks), Jewish high priest Caiaphas (Adrian Schiller) tries to keep control of his people.

That control is threatened when Jesus arrives in Jerusalem, performing miracles and spreading messages of love and hope. Those who fear that Jesus will inspire a revolution decide that he must die.

SMApepe Movie Collection