Barabbas

All in all, this is an EXCELLENT movie for those who question their identity and their destiny in Christ.Admittedly the storyline drags in the beginning. Personally, I feel that this movie would have had a much bigger impact on/for families, with a little less "action-packed" violence and sexual-innuendo throughout the movie.This is probably why it was not rated; and ended up as a 2012 "lost Christian TV movie"---not readily available through Christian retailers/outlets. With that said:Billy Zane was totally believable as Barabbas. Although a rogue character; Barabbas is intriguing and real when he asks all the really tough questions ---WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN, WHY, HOW, and most importantly; WHAT'S IN IT FOR ME [eventually he finds the answer to all of these questions].Anna Valle's character "Claudia" (as Pontius Pilate's wife) was also very intriguing (did she know Jesus personally?).Although this movie is clearly not entirely factual; who can say for certain, that the real Barabbas mentioned in the Bible, was not used mightily in this way for God's purposes?The ending was thrilling [I didn't see it coming] and easily believable---it made my heart "skip a beat"---it made me think about what is really important in this life, and beyond!SEE IT; and tell your friends!!!

This story shares some common uplifting elements with "Risen," and makes a good case for the attraction of Christianity. I had seen a part of it on TV, and bought it to see the rest. Though Billy Zane was a stranger to me prior to this, I thought he did an excellent job of portraying the journey from 'unbeliever' to 'convert.' The short sequence with topless dancing women could have been left out, but the rest was well done. In person, Our Lord Jesus Christ had an obviously profound effect on most he came in contact with, and this is well represented. This is a message which needs to be spread, and this movie helps... RECOMMENDED!

In response to another review, this is NOT dubbed. The voices and lips are in sync. Barabbas does Not tell Jesus to shut up. He does tell Judas Iscariot to shut up. This is a work of fiction based on a Nobel Prize winning novel. I dislike the lies portrayed near the end. Peter never went to Rome. Paul did. There is also no record of Mark's ever going to Rome. Christ did not tell Peter that if Peter did not allow himself to be crucified then Christ would have to die again. Christ's death was a one time sacrifice. In the book and original movie, Barabbas is crucified due to his misguided part in the burning of Rome. He was never portrayed as a martyr.

This story was nicely done. A wonderful story of redemption. I did not see the other reviews. This is not like todays films filled with and dependent upon high tech distractions. This is like the films that depend upon acting and the scenery. I think Billy Zane did a great job of being Barabbas, and Cristiana Capotondi who played Ester was wonderful. Actually all the actors and actresses made this story seem real and that is what a movie like this is supposed to do. I actually started this on T.V. but could not stay up for all of it as I had to go to work the next day so I bought it. I am very glad I did.

The voice dubs weren't the best but it was a powerful story.

Billy Zane is still as handsome as ever and really uses it to the advantage of this film. He plays a lost soul, full of the angst of his situation - a bastard or abandoned by his father at infancy, let alone the poverty and primitiveness of the era and locale. Reasonable plot and convincing dialog.

A Great story about the Barabbas Character that was released when Jesus was crucified. Answered a lot of Mystery about this person.

Billy Zane does an excellent job portraying Barabbas in this movie! If you love bible story characters buy this movie and if you like watching a handsome well built male movie star you will enjoy watching this movie, lol! Enjoy

The cover of the DVD suggests you're going to get a Gladiator-style blood-fest, which you're not. Billy Zane goes through the motions a bit as Barabbas and most of the leading cast members struggle with their English. The Italian actress playing Esther is apparently a super star in her home country but is awful. Ironically the best performances come (for the most part) from the actors in the smaller supporting roles. The script is a little clunky and a few low-budget special effects don't help the overall quality but if you're a sucker for Biblical epics then it is worth a few hours of your time, I suppose.

great story

Very good bargain for what I paid

Perfect, many thanks ! :-)

Perfect !