Save Me!
Jesus is a pretty big guy in the Western world - known as one of the head honchos in a common religion, a nice chap of good moral fibre, or at least a keen facial-hair enthusiast. Whoever you believe this historical figure to be, you will most likely know of him and the main 'plot points' of his story (immaculate conception through self-sacrifice) and recognise that christian or not, filmmakers have often used these personal traits and events in their work. The films in this collection all incorporate (obviously and less so) this character and/or story arc, and show an interesting range of uses for them in a culture saturated with this particular religion.
Pictured: 'The Buddy Christ' - Kevin Smith brings Jesus to the kids in "Dogma".
The Mission (1986)
7.5/10
Director: Roland Joffe
Starring: Aidan Quinn, Cherie Lunghi, Jeremy Irons, Liam Neeson, Ray McAnally, Robert De N...
A Jesuit mission in the jungles of Brazil is threatened by greedy merchants and political factions within the church itself, in the late 18th century.... Read more
The King (2005)
6.6/10
Director: James Marsh
Starring: Gael Garcia Bernal, William Hurt, Paul Dano, Laura Harring, Pell James
Elvis (Gael Garcia Bernal) is a troubled, though charismatic young man, who's just left the navy and is on his way to Corpus Christi to find a father... Read more
The Matrix ( Blu-ray ) (1999)
8.7/10
Director: The Wachowski Brothers
Starring: Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving, Joe Pantoliano
Cutting-edge visuals and production design feature in this mind altering tale about a computer hacker (Keanu Reeves) who discovers he is living an ill... Read more
Agnes of God (1985)
6.6/10
Director: Norman Jewison
Starring: Jane Fonda, Anne Bancroft, Meg Tilly, Anne Pitoniak
The childlike novice of an extremely sheltered convent is discovered one night with the bloodied body of a baby she claims not to recognise. Psychiatr... Read more
Cool Hand Luke (1967)
8.1/10
Director: Stuart Rosenberg
Starring: Dennis Hopper, George Kennedy, Strother Martin, Paul Newman, Harry Dean Stanton
A taut honest drama greatly aided by Stuart Rosenberg's direction and a marvellously controlled and artful performance by Paul Newman as a gutsy priso... Read more
Magical Mystery Tour (1967)
6.2/10
Director: George Harrison, Paul McCartney, John Lennon, Ringo Starr
Starring: The Beatles, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr
One of the Beatles' last appearances together, this musical fantasy, made for British television, features such songs as 'I Am the Walrus', 'The Fool... Read more
Mandy (2018)
6.7/10
Director: Panos Cosmatos
Starring: Bill Duke, Linus Roache, Nicolas Cage, Andrea Riseborough, Richard Brake, Ned De...
In the Pacific Northwest in 1983, outsiders Red Miller and Mandy Bloom lead a loving and peaceful existence. When their pine-scented haven is savagely... Read more
The Last Temptation of Christ (1988)
7.6/10
Director: Martin Scorsese
Starring: Willem Dafoe, Harvey Keitel, Barbara Hershey, Harry Dean Stanton, David Bowie
One of the most controversial films of recent years, this adaptation of Nikos Kazantzakis' novel is essentially about the battle raging within Jesus w... Read more
Exorcist: The Beginning (2004)
5.1/10
Director: Renny Harlin
Starring: Stellan Skarsgard, Izabella Scorupco, James D'Arcy, Remy Sweeney, Julian Wadham
Renny Harlin directs this controversial prequel chronicling Father Merrin's (Stellan Skarsgard) first encounter with the demon Pazuzu. Questioning his... Read more
Essential Bergman: The Faith Trilogy - Through A Glass Darkly / Winter Light / The Silence (1963)
Director: Ingmar Bergman
Starring: Harriet Andersson, Gunnar Bjornstrand, Gunnel Lindblom, Ingrid Thulin, Max von S...
This 3 disc box set contains three of Bergman's signature dramas, exploring themes of alienation and faith. In 'Through a Glass Darkly', he confronts... Read more