The Messiah
1975·History·2h 20m
7.1
★
Rossellini takes numerous liberties with the original source material, rearranging and omitting events at will, presenting everything in a highly undramatic fashion. The film begins in the time of the Old Testament, allowing Rossellini to present the story of Jesus in its ancient, historic context.
Directed by Roberto Rossellini
crucifixion
bethlehem
jerusalem
messiah
IMDB
N/A
Cast
Pier Maria Rossi
Jesus
Mita Ungaro
Virgin Mary
Fausto Di Bella
Saul
Vernon Dobtcheff
Samuel
Antonella Fasano
Maria Magdalena
Jean Martin
Pontius Pilate
Toni Ucci
Herodes Antipas
Vittorio Caprioli
Herod the Great
Tina Aumont
Adulteress
Flora Carabella
Herodias
Joshua Sinclair
Roman guard
Renato Scarpa
Herod's brother
Crew
Roberto Rossellini
Director
Roberto Rossellini
Screenplay
Jolanda Benvenuti
Editor
Claude Baks
Co-Producer
Mario Nascimbene
Music
Osvaldo Desideri
Set Decoration
Popular Reviews
3 reviews
hQ0105
8.0★ · 04/05/26
I searched high and low for this, only to find it on youtube.
Every year, I try to choose the most unorthodox film for Easter, and Il Messia is one of the most secular leaning interpretations of a biblical story out there.
What makes it stand out is that the film offers a de-dramatized, almost documentary-like approach to storytelling. The focus is shifted to the idea that the Messiah represents – hope for a better future, a life without prejudice, and humility, among other things.
It’s hard to summarize any meaningful piece of art in a few sentences, especially one as ideologically charged as Il Messia. Technically, it’s as non-trivial as it gets. Thematically, it’s a well thought interpretation, regardless of one's beliefs (or lack thereof).
However, I will admit that this format either grabs one’s attention or feels completely bland due to the lack of traditional hooks.
Every year, I try to choose the most unorthodox film for Easter, and Il Messia is one of the most secular leaning interpretations of a biblical story out there.
What makes it stand out is that the film offers a de-dramatized, almost documentary-like approach to storytelling. The focus is shifted to the idea that the Messiah represents – hope for a better future, a life without prejudice, and humility, among other things.
It’s hard to summarize any meaningful piece of art in a few sentences, especially one as ideologically charged as Il Messia. Technically, it’s as non-trivial as it gets. Thematically, it’s a well thought interpretation, regardless of one's beliefs (or lack thereof).
However, I will admit that this format either grabs one’s attention or feels completely bland due to the lack of traditional hooks.
I searched high and low for this, only to find it on youtube.
Every year, I try to choose the most unorthodox film for Easter, and Il Messia is one of the most secular leaning interpretations of a biblical story out there.
What makes it stand out is that the film offers a de-dramatized, almost documentary-like approach to storytelling. The focus is shifted to the idea that the Messiah represents – hope for a better future, a life without prejudice, and humility, among other things.
It’s hard to summarize any meaningful piece of art in a few sentences, especially one as ideologically charged as Il Messia. Technically, it’s as non-trivial as it gets. Thematically, it’s a well thought interpretation, regardless of one's beliefs (or lack thereof).
However, I will admit that this format either grabs one’s attention or feels completely bland due to the lack of traditional hooks.
Every year, I try to choose the most unorthodox film for Easter, and Il Messia is one of the most secular leaning interpretations of a biblical story out there.
What makes it stand out is that the film offers a de-dramatized, almost documentary-like approach to storytelling. The focus is shifted to the idea that the Messiah represents – hope for a better future, a life without prejudice, and humility, among other things.
It’s hard to summarize any meaningful piece of art in a few sentences, especially one as ideologically charged as Il Messia. Technically, it’s as non-trivial as it gets. Thematically, it’s a well thought interpretation, regardless of one's beliefs (or lack thereof).
However, I will admit that this format either grabs one’s attention or feels completely bland due to the lack of traditional hooks.
tomi
5.0★ · 04/05/26
me costó terminarla. no sé si me faltó entender algún tipo de lectura pero realmente esperaba más. si había alguna visión propia supongo no la entendí. además, horrible el doblaje. me arruinó gran parte de la experiencia.
me costó terminarla. no sé si me faltó entender algún tipo de lectura pero realmente esperaba más. si había alguna visión propia supongo no la entendí. además, horrible el doblaje. me arruinó gran parte de la experiencia.
Nicolas Valenzuela
10.0★ · 10/30/25