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Synopsis

At last, Martin Scorsese’s most personal masterpiece can be seen outside of the controversy it engendered, and be seen for what it is: a fifteen-year labor of love. Nikos Kazantzakis’s landmark novel comes to breathtaking life in this moving and spiritual film. The all-star cast includes Harvey Keitel, Barbara Hershey, Harry Dean Stanton, David Bowie, and Willem Dafoe as Jesus. —The Criterion Collection

Director

Original

Martin Scorsese

Martin Scorsese was born in New York City and soon developed a passion for cinema and a particular admiration for neo-realist cinema which inspired him and influenced his view or portrayal of his Sicilian heritage. After graduating from NYU Film School in 1966 and making a number of shorts, he shot his first feature-length film Who’s That Knocking at My Door (1968) with fellow student, actor Harvey Keitel, and editor Thelma Schoonmaker both of whom were to become long-term collaborators. Mean Streets followed in 1973 and provided the benchmarks for the ‘Scorsese style’. After Scorsese directed Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, the trio was reunited for the dark journey of Travis Bickle in Taxi Driver. After New York, New York Scorsese released Raging Bull. The acclaimed biography of middleweight fighter Jake LaMotta was followed by exploration of fans as pariah in The King of Comedy, dark-comic dreams in After Hours and pool sharks in The Color of Money. Scorsese outraged some religious… read more

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Inner Pattern

28Apr12

I grew up under a christian household. I haven't retained everything from that religion but some of it is instilled in me. That being said I didn't find this offensive at all. The people bitching about the 'temptation' most likely haven't watched it. It's poignant and moving. I don't think it's perfect though. The final act does seem a bit long winded but I've only seen this once and look forward to seeing it again!

Espen Nomedal likes this

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Scorpio Velvet

8Apr12

Happy Easter....

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Howard Orr

7Apr12

Keitel's streetwise, resentful Judas is the key to this film. Judas is the most interesting character here precisely because his betrayal is always couched in the light of his worldliness; after all, what is worse than to be compelled by your leader to betray him, and to enter into the betrayal knowing full well the hate which will be accorded you?

Andrew Infante

3Mar12

"It is accomplished"

DT likes this

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Reviews

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SCORSESE : VERDADERA PASIÓN

By VENIMOS LOS JODIMOS Y NOS FUIMOS on February 2, 2010

La ultima tentación de cristo significó un giro radical en la carrera de Martin Scorcese, despues de cintas mas afines por sus temas al gusto del publico norteamericano (y, por supuesto, de sus seguidores…  read review

Untitled

By Brett Duncan on November 20, 2009

As a Christian, I find the film very encouraging to my faith.  While I find some strong inconsistencies to scripture in the begining of the film, as a complete work it is compling.  Have said that…  read review

Untitled

By baddabo​om on May 26, 2009

“You think it’s a blessing to know what God wants?”

The only film about Jesus that ever made any sense to me. Peter Gabriel’s magnificent score. Satan as a white British teen girl. The silence…  read review

Untitled

By Christo​pher Smith on April 11, 2009

Martin Scorsese’s controversial passion project would probably have a far greater impact on a person of faith – whose beliefs could be challenged, questioned, or enforced by it – but it doesn’t really…  read review

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Fun piece of trivia....

2 posts by 2 people over 2 years ago

The Last Temptation of Christ

42 posts by 19 people over 2 years ago

DVD

Buy the DVD from The Criterion Collection.