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When an ancient tomb is discovered in Jerusalem containing what appears to be the body of Jesus, rugged priest Father Matt Gutierrez (Antonio Banderas) is dispatched by the Vatican to investigate. After meeting Dr Sharon Golban (Olivia Williams), the fiesty archaeologist responsible for finding the tomb, Gutierrez tries his best to reach the truth of the matter. However, he is instead forced to negotiate the volatile political situation, which sees both Israeli and Palestinian politicians attempt to make deals in order to secure Vatican approval in the disupute over land rights. Then, as the tension mounts, and the various factions await the news which could change the world forever, the situation slides inevitably towards violence.
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41 of 43 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
In this entertaining thriller, a skeleton is discovered when a shop-owner decides to build a basement. An archeologist is called in and thinks she might have discovered something that could profoundly affect Christianity as we know it.
The plot itself is an interesting one, and the execution is quite skillfull. For me, what this story really means to bring out is that the foundations on which the Vatican has built its sphere of influence are fragile. Those who do not wish to see another side to the Church and its interpretation of faith and religion should not watch this movie, for it hints that in order to protect its position, the Church would be willing to destroy that very thing it claims to protect. Sometimes, the sacrifice does not justify the result.
The really impressive thing about this film is the way in which the underlying tensions are made clear when findings of religious importance turn up in an area that is at the very heart of many faiths. The different conclusions drawn by the various groups and the way in which they go about protecting their interests offers an insight into why world peace is still a long way off.
All in all, I found this film thought-provoking and entertaining and I would recommend watching it, especially because it offers a good basis for an evening of philosophical debate.
The plot itself is an interesting one, and the execution is quite skillfull. For me, what this story really means to bring out is that the foundations on which the Vatican has built its sphere of influence are fragile. Those who do not wish to see another side to the Church and its interpretation of faith and religion should not watch this movie, for it hints that in order to protect its position, the Church would be willing to destroy that very thing it claims to protect. Sometimes, the sacrifice does not justify the result.
The really impressive thing about this film is the way in which the underlying tensions are made clear when findings of religious importance turn up in an area that is at the very heart of many faiths. The different conclusions drawn by the various groups and the way in which they go about protecting their interests offers an insight into why world peace is still a long way off.
All in all, I found this film thought-provoking and entertaining and I would recommend watching it, especially because it offers a good basis for an evening of philosophical debate.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
I'm glad I ignored the negative reviews and decided to buy this DVD. Briefly, Antonio Banderas plays the Reverend Matt Gutierrez, who is sent by the Vatican to investigate human remains, which have been discovered in an ancient tomb during construction work in Jerusalem. An analysis carried out by the Israeli archaeologist, Sharon (Olivia Williams), suggests they could be the remains of Jesus Christ. The implications are unthinkable, and tensions rapidly begin to mount not only between the Israelis and the Palestinians, but also the Christian community, as scientific research gets under way. Both Sharon and Matt rapidly find themselves in increasing danger as Sharon gets closer to proving the relevance of her discovery. What I find most interesting, and disturbing, is the position of the Vatican in the midst of all this and the lengths it is prepared to go to in order to protect itself; even if it means covering up the Truth and destroying the very body of Christ. As a result, Matt Gutierrez is forced to question both his faith and also the Church. So, if you enjoy watching films about archaeological digs, relics, religion, the Middle Eastern conflict and conspiracy, this could be the film for you.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Given a new resonance in the light of James Cameron's recent Geraldo Riveraesque TV special, The Body certainly isn't the stinker the critics claimed, more a film with an intriguing premise that it's too eager to avoid offending anyone with to really capitalise on.
Somewhat reminiscent of 70s miniseries The Word, it sees Olivia Williams' Jewish archaeologist discover the tomb of a crucified man who died in AD 32 with identical wounds to Christ in Jerusalem, in the process opening a rather nasty can of worms that sees the Catholic Church, the Israeli authorities, Palestinian political groups and Hassidic Jews all at increasing odds over the possible consequences, with the Vatican sending Antonio Banderas' priest to investigate and debunk the find leading to the inevitable crisis of faith. So far so promising, but despite being more entertaining than expected it never quite gets to grips with either the theological or political implications, while playing down the genuine archaeology to avoid confusing the intended audience. Naturally it ends in a shootout and a big explosion (the film throws in another at the halfway point to keep things lively) and things do briefly get silly as a typically hammy Derek Jacobi's loss of faith and subsequent mental breakdown reaches a melodramatic turning point (cue slo-mo anguish from Antonio), but if it never hits the heights it's never dull either and Vilmos Zsigmond's cinematography is typically strong. Note to Olivia Williams, though: sneering in profile just makes you look like Tara Palmer Tomkinson, and that's not a good look for any girl.
Somewhat reminiscent of 70s miniseries The Word, it sees Olivia Williams' Jewish archaeologist discover the tomb of a crucified man who died in AD 32 with identical wounds to Christ in Jerusalem, in the process opening a rather nasty can of worms that sees the Catholic Church, the Israeli authorities, Palestinian political groups and Hassidic Jews all at increasing odds over the possible consequences, with the Vatican sending Antonio Banderas' priest to investigate and debunk the find leading to the inevitable crisis of faith. So far so promising, but despite being more entertaining than expected it never quite gets to grips with either the theological or political implications, while playing down the genuine archaeology to avoid confusing the intended audience. Naturally it ends in a shootout and a big explosion (the film throws in another at the halfway point to keep things lively) and things do briefly get silly as a typically hammy Derek Jacobi's loss of faith and subsequent mental breakdown reaches a melodramatic turning point (cue slo-mo anguish from Antonio), but if it never hits the heights it's never dull either and Vilmos Zsigmond's cinematography is typically strong. Note to Olivia Williams, though: sneering in profile just makes you look like Tara Palmer Tomkinson, and that's not a good look for any girl.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
The Body.
A brilliant movie that will have you glued to your screen. I highly recommend this one, at a bargain price too:)
Published 23 months ago by Johnny Andrews
Makes you think
Good action film, but the plot also makes you question such faith as you have or not.
Published on 27 July 2009 by Eric Russ
FULL OF SUSPENSE BUT LACKS REASONABLE CONCLUSION
I admire the ability of of the movie director to create suspense. However, The theme that the script writer had in mind is actually hard to detect in the movie. Read more
Published on 14 Aug 2005 by A. U. Ezemson
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