Risen (2016 film)

Last updated

Risen
Risen 2016 poster.jpg
Theatrical release poster
Directed by Kevin Reynolds
Screenplay by
  • Kevin Reynolds
  • Paul Aiello
Story byPaul Aiello
Produced by
  • Patrick Aiello
  • Mickey Liddell
  • Pete Shilaimon
Starring
Cinematography Lorenzo Senatore
Edited bySteve Mirkovich
Music by Roque Baños
Production
companies
Distributed by Sony Pictures Releasing
Release dates
  • February 15, 2016 (2016-02-15)(Dallas)
  • February 19, 2016 (2016-02-19)(United States)
Running time
107 minutes [1]
CountriesUnited States
Spain
LanguageEnglish
Budget$20 million [2]
Box office$46.4 million [3]

Risen is a 2016 biblical drama film directed by Kevin Reynolds and written by Reynolds and Paul Aiello. An American-Spanish co-production, the film stars Joseph Fiennes, Tom Felton, Peter Firth, and Cliff Curtis, and details a Roman soldier's search for Jesus's body following his resurrection. Columbia Pictures released the film to theaters in the United States on February 19, 2016. It received mixed reviews and grossed $46 million worldwide.

Contents

Plot

Clavius, a Roman Tribune of Legio X Fretensis, supervises the crucifixion of Yeshua (Jesus) and orders his men to guard the dead body. The body disappears, and the soldiers claim Yeshua's followers stole it to make it appear that he rose from the dead. So Pontius Pilate orders Clavius to find the body, to quell an imminent uprising in Jerusalem before the Emperor arrives. Clavius and his aide Lucius question people who claim to have seen Yeshua after the resurrection.

Numerous leads are dug up, and their accounts soon become increasingly miraculous and difficult to believe. Some of the followers, such as Mary Magdalene and Bartholomew, seemingly speak only in riddles and refuse to betray any others. Clavius' intense investigation begins to disturb both Romans and Hebrews alike, and Pilate, under pressure from many sides and fearful of Caesar's wrath, becomes increasingly distant and unsupportive. Running out of new leads, Clavius revisits a disgraced Roman soldier, assigned to guard Yeshua's cave tomb, now a drunkard, and vehemently shakes the drunken man out of a lie that he had previously stuck to. The soldier recounts a fantastic story that, on the morning Yeshua disappeared, a blinding flash had appeared, during which the stone and ropes sealing the tomb disintegrated, and a figure appeared, accompanied by a booming voice that sent him and a fellow soldier fleeing in fear. Clavius does not believe him.

During a raid through a Jewish enclave, Clavius unexpectedly discovers a seemingly resurrected Yeshua with his apostles in a solitary abode. Stunned, he calls off the search, barring Lucius and his men from finding Yeshua and the apostles. Clavius goes inside the house and makes eye contact with Yeshua. Clavius is in disbelief as he saw Yeshua be crucified. That night, another Roman raid, led by Lucius and Pilate, attacks the building that Clavius had forbidden them from entering, and finds it empty, save a note from Clavius, who has decided to follow Jesus and the disciples. Having abandoned Roman polytheism and the god Mars, Clavius, at first distrustful of the group, soon joins Yeshua and his followers on a journey to determine the validity of his mortal rejuvenation, during which he talks to and befriends both Yeshua and the apostle Peter.

Pilate deduces that Clavius has apparently betrayed him, and dispatches a contingent of Roman troops, led by a promoted Lucius, to pursue him and Yeshua. Clavius assists the disciples in evading the Roman search party, and, when caught by Lucius, Clavius disarms him, then convinces him to let them pass quietly. Consequently, Clavius witnesses Yeshua's miraculous healing of a leper, and then the ascension of Yeshua into Heaven; after which the Apostles split up to resume their journeys, and Clavius bids farewell to Peter. Later, communicating his travels to a stranger in a remote dwelling, Clavius acknowledges the strangeness of the tale and its veracity, feeling he will never be the same.

Cast

Actor Joseph Fiennes, who portrayed Roman Tribune Clavius. Joseph Fiennes 2.jpg
Actor Joseph Fiennes, who portrayed Roman Tribune Clavius.

Production

In 2013, Kevin Reynolds was brought aboard as director for the planned project The Resurrection of Jesus Christ, [4] a film intended as a mystery/thriller and "unofficial sequel" to The Passion of the Christ , with a script written by Paul Aiello, Karen Janszen and Reynolds. [5]

The film was shot in Malta and Spain between August and November 2015. [6]

Release

The film held its world premiere on February 15, 2016, at the Highland Park Village Theatre in Dallas, Texas. [7] Columbia Pictures then released it in the United States on February 19, 2016. [8]

Home media

Risen was released on digital media on May 10, 2016, and was followed by a DVD, Blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD release on May 24, 2016, from AFFIRM Films and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. [9] [10] The film debuted in second place on home video sales charts behind Deadpool for the week ending May 29, 2016. [11]

Reception

Box office

Risen grossed $36.9 million in the United States and Canada, and $9.2 million in other countries, for a worldwide total of $46.1 million, against a production budget of $20 million. [3]

In the United States and Canada, pre-release tracking suggested the film would gross $7–12 million from 2,915 theaters in its opening weekend, alongside Race and The Witch . [2] The film grossed $4 million on its first day and $11.8 million in its opening weekend, finishing third at the box office behind Deadpool ($56.5 million) and Kung Fu Panda 3 ($12.5 million). [12]

Critical response

On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has an approval rating of 53% based on 132 reviews, with an average rating of 5.60/10. The site's critical consensus reads, "Risen benefits from a lighter tone than many faith-based productions, as well as a unique take on the Greatest Story Ever Told and a terrific turn from star Joseph Fiennes." [13] On Metacritic it has a weighted average score of 51 out of 100, based on 28 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews". [14] Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "A−" on an A+ to F scale. [15] [12]

Richard Roeper of the Chicago Sun-Times gave the film two out of four stars, praising the different take on the story as well as the supporting actors, but criticizing Fiennes' stoic performance. [16] Megan Basham of WORLD applauded the film, writing, "It's undeniably one of the higher-quality faith-based films to hit theaters in recent years, with acting, writing, and production values to rival other mainstream releases." [17] Michael Foust of The Christian Examiner gave it 4.5 out of 5 stars and called it "a detective-type story that is inspiring and moving." "Yes, Risen is historical fiction, but it's largely harmonious with the Gospel story, incredibly well done, and not much different from those Sunday School discussions many of us take part in week to week," Foust wrote. [18]

See also

Related Research Articles

The Apostles' Creed, sometimes titled the Apostolic Creed or the Symbol of the Apostles, is a Christian creed or "symbol of faith".

<i>The Passion of the Christ</i> 2004 film by Mel Gibson

The Passion of the Christ is a 2004 American epic biblical drama film produced, directed, and co-written by Mel Gibson. It stars Jim Caviezel as Jesus of Nazareth, Maia Morgenstern as Mary, mother of Jesus, and Monica Bellucci as Mary Magdalene. It depicts the Passion of Jesus largely according to the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. It also draws on pious accounts such as the Friday of Sorrows, along with other devotional writings, such as the reputed visions attributed to Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich.

<i>The Greatest Story Ever Told</i> 1965 film directed by George Stevens

The Greatest Story Ever Told is a 1965 American epic religious film about the retelling of the Biblical account about Jesus of Nazareth, from the Nativity through to the Ascension. Produced and directed by George Stevens, with an ensemble cast, it features the final film performances of Claude Rains and Joseph Schildkraut.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Caiaphas</span> Jewish high priest (c. 14 BC – c. 46 AD)

Joseph ben Caiaphas, known simply as Caiaphas in the New Testament, was the Jewish high priest during the years of Jesus' ministry, according to Josephus. The Gospels of Matthew, Luke and John indicate he was an organizer of the plot to kill Jesus. He famously presided over the Sanhedrin trial of Jesus. The primary sources for Caiaphas' life are the New Testament, and the writings of Josephus. The latter records he was made high priest by the Roman procurator Valerius Gratus after Simon ben Camithus had been deposed.

<i>Jesus of Nazareth</i> (TV series) 1977 British-Italian television drama

Jesus of Nazareth is a 1977 British-Italian epic television drama serial directed by Franco Zeffirelli and co-written by Anthony Burgess and Suso Cecchi d'Amico, which dramatizes the birth, life, ministry, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. It stars Robert Powell as Jesus, and features an all-star ensemble cast of renowned actors, including eight who had won or would go on to win Academy Awards: Anne Bancroft, Ernest Borgnine, Laurence Olivier, Christopher Plummer, Anthony Quinn, Rod Steiger, James Earl Jones and Peter Ustinov.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Barabbas</span> Figure mentioned in the New Testament

Barabbas was, according to the New Testament, a prisoner who was chosen over Jesus by the crowd in Jerusalem to be pardoned and released by Roman governor Pontius Pilate at the Passover feast.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Life of Jesus</span> Life of Jesus as told in the New Testament

The life of Jesus is primarily outlined in the four canonical gospels, which includes his genealogy and nativity, public ministry, passion, prophecy, resurrection and ascension. Other parts of the New Testament – such as the Pauline epistles which were likely written within 20 to 30 years of each other, and which include references to key episodes in the life of Jesus, such as the Last Supper, and the Acts of the Apostles, which includes more references to the Ascension episode than the canonical gospels also expound upon the life of Jesus. In addition to these biblical texts, there are extra-biblical texts that Christians believe make reference to certain events in the life of Jesus, such as Josephus on Jesus and Tacitus on Christ.

<i>The King of Kings</i> (1927 film) 1927 silent film

The King of Kings is a 1927 American synchronized sound epic film produced and directed by Cecil B. DeMille. It depicts the last weeks of Jesus before his crucifixion and stars H. B. Warner in the lead role. While the film has no audible dialog, it was released with a synchronized musical score with sound effects using the RCA Photophone sound-on-film process.

<i>King of Kings</i> (1961 film) 1961 film of the life of Jesus Christ

King of Kings is a 1961 American epic religious film directed by Nicholas Ray and produced by Samuel Bronston for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Adapted from the New Testament, the film tells the story of Jesus of Nazareth from his birth and ministry to his crucifixion and resurrection. It stars Jeffrey Hunter as Jesus, with Siobhán McKenna, Robert Ryan, Viveca Lindfors, Ron Randell, Hurd Hatfield, and Rip Torn and is narrated by Orson Welles.

<i>Barabbas</i> (1961 film) 1961 film by Richard Fleischer

Barabbas is a 1961 religious epic film directed by Richard Fleischer for Dino De Laurentiis Cinematografica, expanding on the life of Barabbas, from the Christian Passion narrative in the Gospel of Mark and other gospels. It stars Anthony Quinn, Silvana Mangano, Katy Jurado, Arthur Kennedy, Harry Andrews, Ernest Borgnine, Vittorio Gassman, and Jack Palance. The screenplay is based on Nobel Prize-winner Pär Lagerkvist's 1950 novel of the same title.

<i>The Miracle Maker</i> (1999 film) 1999 British film

The Miracle Maker sometimes subtitled The Story of Jesus, is a 1999 Welsh-Russian stop motion-animated film directed by Derek Hayes and Stanislav Sokolov of the life of Jesus Christ, voiced by Ralph Fiennes. Hand-drawn animated cartoons are used to distinguish flashbacks, parables, stories, spiritual encounters and visions from the main plot, which is all in stop motion.

Kevin Hal Reynolds is an American film director and screenwriter. He directed Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, Waterworld, The Count of Monte Cristo, Fandango, and the 2016 film Risen. He was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for the History miniseries Hatfields & McCoys.

<i>The Last Temptation of Christ</i> (film) 1988 film directed by Martin Scorsese

The Last Temptation of Christ is a 1988 epic religious drama film directed by Martin Scorsese. Written by Paul Schrader with uncredited rewrites from Scorsese and Jay Cocks, it is an adaptation of Nikos Kazantzakis' controversial 1955 novel of the same name. The film, starring Willem Dafoe, Harvey Keitel, Barbara Hershey, Andre Gregory, Harry Dean Stanton and David Bowie, was shot entirely in Morocco.

<i>The Promise</i> (musical)

The Promise is a musical drama with a book by Jan Dargatz and lyrics and music by various songwriters based on biblical texts. The musical follows the life of Jesus Christ, including his birth, life, death, burial, resurrection, and ascension. The musical score is in the style of Christian pop music.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Outline of Christianity</span> Overview of and topical guide to Christianity

The following outline is provided as an overview of and topical guide to Christianity:

<i>Pontius Pilate</i> (film) 1962 film by Irving Rapper, Gian Paolo Callegari

Pontius Pilate is an Italian drama film from 1962, directed by Gian Paolo Callegari and Irving Rapper, written by Oreste Biancoli, starring Jean Marais and Jeanne Crain.

<i>Son of God</i> (film) 2014 American film

Son of God is a 2014 American epic biblical film directed by Christopher Spencer, and produced by Mark Burnett and Roma Downey. The film retells the life of Jesus and is an adaptation of the ten-hour miniseries The Bible, which aired in March 2013 on the History channel, and immediately following the movie begins another TV series called A.D. The Bible Continues.

<i>Deadpool</i> (film) 2016 film by Tim Miller

Deadpool is a 2016 American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name. Distributed by 20th Century Fox, it is a spin-off of the X-Men film series and its eighth installment overall. Directed by Tim Miller and written by Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick, it stars Ryan Reynolds in the title role alongside Morena Baccarin, Ed Skrein, T. J. Miller, Gina Carano, and Brianna Hildebrand. In the film, Wade Wilson hunts the man who gave him mutant abilities and a scarred physical appearance, becoming the antihero Deadpool.

The Calvary at Saint-Thégonnec is part of the enclosure of the parish church of Notre-Dame in Saint-Thégonnec. Erected in 1610 it is the last of the monumental calvaries of Brittany. See also Saint-Thégonnec Parish close.

<i>The Book of Clarence</i> 2023 film by Jeymes Samuel

The Book of Clarence is a 2023 American biblical comedy-drama film written and directed by Jeymes Samuel, and produced by Samuel, Jay-Z, James Lassiter, and Tendo Nagenda. The film stars LaKeith Stanfield, Omar Sy, RJ Cyler, Anna Diop, David Oyelowo, Micheal Ward, Alfre Woodard, Teyana Taylor, Caleb McLaughlin, Eric Kofi-Abrefa, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, James McAvoy, and Benedict Cumberbatch. It follows a struggling down-on-his-luck man named Clarence living in A.D. 33 Jerusalem who looks to capitalize on the rise of Jesus Christ, by claiming to be a new Messiah sent by God, in an attempt to free himself of debt and start a life of glory for himself.

References

  1. ↑ "RISEN (12A)". British Board of Film Classification . January 15, 2016. Retrieved January 15, 2016.
  2. 1 2 "'Deadpool' Still Cool In Weekend 2 With Superhero Set To Pass $200M – Box Office Preview". deadline.com. February 17, 2016. Retrieved May 26, 2016.
  3. 1 2 "Risen (2016)". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved June 6, 2016.
  4. ↑ Pulver, Andrew (October 1, 2013). "Jesus's resurrection to become Hollywood thriller". The Guardian . Retrieved July 4, 2014.
  5. ↑ Kroll, Justin (September 30, 2013). "Kevin Reynolds Tapped to Direct 'Resurrection' for LD Entertainment". Variety . Retrieved July 4, 2014.
  6. ↑ "Filmed in Malta: 'Risen' tells resurrection tale through a sceptic". The Malta Independent. February 20, 2016. Retrieved April 18, 2016.
  7. ↑ HP Village Gets Dose of Hollywood Park Cities People, February 15, 2016
  8. ↑ "The Trailer for Risen, Starring Joseph Fiennes and Tom Felton". comingsoon.net. April 29, 2015. Retrieved May 1, 2015.
  9. ↑ "RISEN Debuts on Digital and More in May". Religion News Service. April 25, 2016. Retrieved June 6, 2016.
  10. ↑ Silas Lesnick (May 24, 2016). "May 24: This Week on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital HD". Comingsoon.net. Retrieved June 6, 2016.
  11. ↑ Thomas K. Arnold (June 1, 2016). "'Deadpool' Marks Third Week Atop Home-Video Charts". Variety . Retrieved June 6, 2016.
  12. 1 2 "'Deadpool' Strong With Second Weekend Of $55M; 'Risen' Takes $11.8M, 'Witch' At $8.7M". Deadline Hollywood . February 21, 2016. Retrieved May 26, 2016.
  13. ↑ "Risen (2016)". Rotten Tomatoes . Fandango . Retrieved May 7, 2021.
  14. ↑ "Risen Reviews". Metacritic . CBS Interactive . Retrieved May 4, 2021.
  15. ↑ "CinemaScore". cinemascore.com– via Twitter.
  16. ↑ "'Risen': Biblical semi-epic turns silly at times, grisly at others". Chicago Sun Times. Archived from the original on February 20, 2016. Retrieved February 19, 2016.
  17. ↑ "Epic renewal - WORLD". world.wng.org. Archived from the original on April 2, 2018. Retrieved April 1, 2018.
  18. ↑ Michael Foust (February 18, 2016). "REVIEW: 'Risen' is Gospel infused historical fiction". The Christian Examiner . Retrieved May 4, 2021.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.