Since this is Easter weekend, I thought I’d give my perspective on a movie my wife and I recently saw, called The Risen.

 

I was a little skeptical and nervous about this film just for the fact the premise of the movie is not necessarily based on any Biblical account of happenings following the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The story does include some narrative from the Gospels, but the main part of the movie is a fictional depiction of one man’s search for the truth behind the apparent rising of a dead man.

 

I have to say, I am very, very glad I went to see this film and I would highly recommend it to all those who are followers and even those who are not.

 

The movie is played out through the eyes of a Roman military tribune named Clavius, played by Joseph Fiennes. His casting was ideal as his fierce eyes and superb acting talents gave the movie increased credibility and realism beyond expectation.

 

 Clavius is a seasoned army veteran and he is aware (through Pontius Pilate) that this “Jesus fellow” had many followers and Clavius needed to be steadfast in disproving rumors of a risen Messiah. In a most poignant scene early on, Clavius is shooing people away from the crucified Christ. The Roman Tribune’s glance is drawn to the man hanging from the cross whose popularity is beyond Clavius’ comprehension. Yet, he is intrigued by the man and his numerous followers.

 

As we all know according to Scripture, the efforts of the Romans to keep the body in the tomb proves erroneous and that bit of fact pierces the soul of Clavius as sharp and deep as the javelin that pierced Jesus’ side on the cross.

 

What I so appreciated about Fiennes’ striking performance is the way the audience can see into his mind and imagine themselves holding the same wonder. I’m sure his mind was forming words such as, “why would these disciples of this man continue to lie about the predominance of their so-called Messiah despite being pursued by the greatest army in the world?’ 

 

Clavius’ skepticism starts strong but slowly starts to diminish as his investigation progresses.

 

As Clavius conducts interviews to get to the bottom of the missing body, he finally makes some progress and discovers the upper room where Jesus’ closest followers were hiding out. And yet, when he crashes through their door with sword in hand, not one of the followers runs off or jumps out of their seat on the floor.

 

Clavius is astounded that no one fears his position until he glances through the room and meets eyes with the same man he saw hanging dead from a cross just days before.

 

From there, Clavius’s life changes as he, his mind and his soul embark on a battle of truths and understanding.

 

Just like our minds and souls wrestle with profound change when acceptance of Christ becomes central to our own lives. The movie hits the nail on the head in showing how — much like the thief on the other cross — no life is unworthy of acceptance by God as long as ones mind accepts the truth.

 

The Risen is — in my mind — a perfect movie to renew the faithfulness one can delight in this Easter weekend.