SYNOPSIS: “MARY” is a biblical epic that tells the story of Mary, the mother of Jesus, from her childhood in Nazareth to the birth of Jesus Christ. The film explores her journey of faith, resilience, and the challenges she faces as she fulfills her divine destiny.
CAST:
Noa Cohen as Mary
Ido Tako as Joseph
Ori Pfeffer as Joachim
Hilla Vidor as Anne
Dudley O’Shaughnessy as Gabriel
Anthony Hopkins as King Herod
CREW:
DIRECTOR: D.J. Caruso
SCREENWRITER: Timothy Michael Hayes
RELEASE DATE: December 6, 2024
RUNNING TIME: 112 minutes
MOTION PICTURE RATING (MPA): PG-13
DISTRIBUTOR: Netflix
STORY: The film begins with Mary’s parents, Joachim and Anne, praying for a child. The angel Gabriel appears to them and promises they will have a daughter, who must be dedicated to the service of God. Mary is born and presented to the Temple in Jerusalem, where she is educated until she is a teenager. She meets Joseph while washing clothes in a stream, and they eventually marry. Gabriel appears to Mary and tells her she will bear a son, Jesus. When the High Priests find out about Mary’s pregnancy, they cast her out of the temple. Mary goes to stay with her cousin Elizabeth, who is also pregnant. Mary and Joseph flee to Bethlehem, where Mary gives birth to Jesus. King Herod, fearing the prophecy of a new king, orders the Massacre of the Innocents, and Mary and Joseph escape to Egypt.
REVIEW: “MARY” is a visually stunning film that brings the biblical story of Mary to life with a modern twist. Directed by D.J. Caruso, the film features breathtaking cinematography and a strong performance by Noa Cohen as Mary. The film’s portrayal of Mary as a young woman with agency and courage is refreshing and adds depth to her character. Anthony Hopkins delivers a powerful performance as King Herod, capturing the tyrant’s fear and desperation.
However, the film takes several creative liberties with the biblical story, which has sparked controversy among religious scholars. Some critics argue that the film’s depiction of Mary’s labor pains and the portrayal of Gabriel as a dark, eerie figure deviate from traditional teachings. Despite these criticisms, the film’s attempt to humanize Mary and make her story relatable to modern audiences is commendable.
The film’s pacing is well-balanced, with moments of intense drama and quiet reflection. The relationship between Mary and Joseph is portrayed with sensitivity and warmth, highlighting their unwavering faith and love for each other. The film’s climax, featuring the birth of Jesus and the escape to Egypt, is both heart-wrenching and triumphant, leaving viewers with a sense of hope and redemption.
CRITICAL RESPONSE: “MARY” has received mixed reviews from critics. While some praise the film’s ambition and Noa Cohen’s performance, others criticize its historical inaccuracies and creative liberties. The film has a 30% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating that the majority of reviews are negative. Religious scholars have debated the film’s portrayal of biblical events, with some appreciating its attempt to humanize Mary and others finding fault with its deviations from traditional teachings.
LIFE LESSONS:
- FAITH AND RESILIENCE: Mary’s journey underscores the importance of faith and resilience in the face of adversity. Her unwavering belief in God’s plan and her courage to fulfill her divine destiny serve as an inspiration to viewers.
- LOVE AND COMPASSION: The film highlights the power of love and compassion, as seen in Mary’s care for the poor and her relationship with Joseph. These themes remind viewers of the importance of kindness and empathy in their own lives.
- SACRIFICE AND SACREDNESS: Mary’s story emphasizes the themes of sacrifice and sacredness, as she willingly accepts her role as the mother of Jesus and faces numerous challenges to protect her child. This lesson encourages viewers to consider the value of self-sacrifice and the sacredness of life.
CONCLUSION: “MARY” is a visually captivating film that brings a fresh perspective to the biblical story of Mary, the mother of Jesus. While it takes creative liberties that have sparked controversy, its attempt to humanize Mary and make her story relatable to modern audiences is commendable. The film’s strong performances, particularly by Noa Cohen and Anthony Hopkins, and its powerful themes of faith, love, and resilience make it a worthwhile watch for those interested in biblical epics.
WHERE TO STREAM: “MARY” is available for streaming on Netflix.
COMMENT PROMPT: What did you think of “MARY”? Did it resonate with you, or did you find the creative liberties distracting?
