(+) Mesih (The Messiah / 2007 Talebzadeh), TV mini-series & feature film

Mesih <Persian> / The Messiah [aka Jesus, the Spirit of God] (2007) is a TV mini-series (sound, color) and a 120m feature film, directed by Nadar Talebzadeh.

Abstract

The first movie to depict the life of Jesus from an Islamic perspective, as Muhammed's precursor and foreteller who ascended to heaven before the crucifixion (with the traitor Judas taking his place). The narrative is based not only on the New Testament but also and primarily, on the Koran and Christian apocryphical literature (notably, the Gospel of Barnabas). As its Christian most recent counterpart, The Passion of the Christ (2004 Gibson), film, the movie is a theological statement that totally disregards historical criticism. In its earnestly admiring view of Jesus, harmonizes as much as possible the Islamic and the Christian faith (to the point of providing two alternative endings about the crucifixion), while repeating some traditional anti-Jewish stereotypes.

Production

Produced in Iran (2007). Starring Ahmad Soleimani Nia (Jesus). An expanded TV version in 20 episodes of 45m each was broadcast in Iran.

Synopsis

• 49:30 - Jesus preaching in the Temple

['Narrator] The head of the Sanhedrin devised a plot ... to have the prophet of Galilee murdered by the pilgrims in the Temple ... It was on the eve of Passover ... that Jesus and his disciples entered the Temple of Solomon ... [Head of the Sanhedrin] Jesus! Have you forgotten all that you did confess to ... before the Roman Procurator, Joseph Caiaphas and King Herod? ... [Jesus] No ... I haven't forgotten ... [Head of the Sanhedrin] Have you forgotten you told us that you are not the son of God ... nor God, not even the final Prophet? ... [Jesus] I haven't forgotten ... [Head of the Sanhedrin] Then why is it that you have come to the Temple ... with so great a multitude of people on the eve of Passover? .. Jesus! ... The Holy Scriptures have taught us for many centuries ... that the final Prophet is the descendent of our great ancestor Isaac ... We want to hear the truth from you ... Perhaps what you seek to hear from my lips is a lie ... [Jesus] You Know well I'm not a liar ...

• 1:04:45 - Last Supper

That year, the eve of Passover was different for the apostles ... It was destined that Jesus would have his last supper with his disciples ...

• 1:05:40 - Continuation of the narrative according to the Four Gospel

[ Passion of Jesus according to the Four Gospels ]

• 1:09:30 - The narrative based upon Islamic Sources and the Gospel of Barnabas

[Jesus] O God! ... I know well that the Pharisees hate me and the priests are determined to kill me ... I am your servant ... So hear the prayers of your servant with mercy and save me from their snares for You are my saviour ... [Angel Gabriel] O Jesus! ... The Children of Israel used deception ... So your Go too will use deception ... God is the best planner ... Now your Lord says: ... "O Son of Mary! ... I shall take you from this world tonight and raise you to Myself ... I shall purify you from those who ignored your teaching ... I shall make those who follow you superior to those who reject faith until Doomsday .. Then shall you all return to Me ... and I shall judge between you of the matters wherein you disputed" ... Your appointed time has come ... [Jesus] O Spirit of God ... Yes. O Gabriel ...

• 1:12:00 -- Jesus ascends to Heaven. Judas is given the appearance of Jesus.

The wonderful God acted wonderfully ... Judas changes amazingly in speech and face to be like Jesus ..

• The Romans come and arrest Judas-Jesus. He is the one who is crucified a divine punishment fo his betrayal.

• 1:21:25

Until His Grand Return, Let Us pray in peace ...

External links

• Wikipedia
• The Internet Movie Database
• YouTube (full movie)