Amazon.co.uk Review
This animated feature-length life of Jesus boasts a stellar pedigree. Originally a BBC Wales production, it showcases the voices of some of Britain's finest actors in any medium: Ralph Fiennes as a brooding and humble Jesus, Miranda Richardson as Mary Magdalene, Richard E. Grant as John the Baptist and David Thewlis as Judas. The lovely, flute-heavy score is by Oscar-winner Anne Dudley (The Full Monty). And clearly a lot of expense has gone into the Claymation-like animation. But while it's hard to find fault with the rendering of this familiar story--it is respectful and definitely done, you might say, by the Book--it would have been nice if there had been a tad more joy, if it walked a bit lighter in its sandals. As it is, all the characters seem consistently subdued, whether they are expressing angst, rage, terror or bliss--none of which is helped by the figures' blank-eyed stares (if animators are becoming ever more sophisticated, why can't they get rid of those creepy blank gazes once and for all?). Still, the weight of having such formidable actors play these familiar roles lends the production a certain credibility, and parents looking for good religious videos that won't insult their kids' intelligence will be thrilled. --Anne Hurley

Special Features
1.77 Wide Screen
English
English
Region 2
Dolby Stereo English
Dolby Stereo
Interactive Menus
Scene Access
Trailer
Featurette
Small Miracles
Cast And Crew Interviews
English


See all Reviews

Prince of Egypt [1998] DVD ~ Val Kilmer  (23)  £4.97

Joseph - King Of Dreams [2000] DVD ~ Ben Affleck  (2)

First Bible Stories £5.98

Jesus Of Nazareth [1977] DVD ~ Robert Powell  (31)  £6.98

The Parables Of Jesus DVD ~ The Parables of Jesus  (1)  £2.97

› Explore similar items : DVD (41) Books (4)

12 Reviews 5 star:  (8) 4 star:  (3) 3 star:    (0) 2 star:    (0) 1 star:  (1)           Average Customer Review (12 customer reviews)		Share your thoughts with other customers:
Most Helpful Customer Reviews   20 of 20 people found the following review helpful: A Masterpiece, 30 Mar 2002 By  "venusdimylo" - See all my reviews This animated version of the story of Jesus is as moving as any film. The attention to detail, the quality of the animation, the simplicity of the story, all are combined to make The Miracle Maker the best animated film ever. It is simple enough for a child to understand, yet profound enough to revive an adult's childhood memories of the man called Jesus. Absolutely wonderful.  Comment | Permalink | Was this review helpful to you? (Report this)   18 of 18 people found the following review helpful: The Miracle Maker, 6 April 2003 By  Mr. N. A. Payne "sword4thelord" (Alcester, Warwickshire, United Kingdom) - See all my reviews    This review is from: Miracle Maker [2000] (VHS Tape) I was completely enchanted when I saw this version of the Jesus story. It's a film I can come back to every now and then, and part of it will always choke me up. Whether it's Jesus Baptism, the crucifixion or especially the closing scene following the resurrection. I end up with a dented heart and a lump in my throat. The characters are very 3 dimensional and are well rounded. All the main points behind the Gospel message are there. The animation, as with the forerunning TV series "Testament" (regarding 6 different Old Testament stories). Different animation techniques are used to emphasize different parts of the story, and this helps maintain interest. I would thoroughly recommend this to all age groups, and people of all backgrounds: this is an inoffensive and very emotional way of portraying the Gospel. It will be interesting to compare this with the live action film "Passion" which is also being made by Icon productions (Mel Gibsons production company). I would recommend this to teachers - throw away the text books for one afternoon, and let the kids watch this instead... just before the Good Friday/Easter break. It should make for some good and interesting discussion that will heavily benefit childrens education I am sure. I don't hesitate in recommending this at all. Snap it up, it's a bargain!  Comment | Permalink | Was this review helpful to you? (Report this)   10 of 10 people found the following review helpful: Very creative and engaging., 25 Nov 2000 By  Timothy Gibson (Singapore) - See all my reviews    This review is from: Miracle Maker [2000] (VHS Tape) I bought the video for my children but ended up spellbound by it and had to watch it again! It is very original in that it varies in animation types (from 3D clay animation to various types of 2D cartoon animation). It remains true to the Gospels without blandly following them and also brings in the view of a child, Tamar, whos miracle blends in beautifully with the flow of the story. The only thing I wish there had been more of is of emotion in the characters but what there was was well done and at times I forgot I was watching an animation and at times tears did come to my eyes! Well done! I'd heartily recommend it.  Comment | Permalink | Was this review helpful to you? (Report this) › See all 12 customer reviews...		Most Recent Customer Reviews Captivating retelling of story of Jesus Most Christian films do not inspire me. But I do love the Visual Bible Gospel of John and The Miracle Maker. Read more Published 10 months ago by Gontroppo First-class animated film I thoroughly recommend this story of the life of Jesus told through the eyes of a sick young girl, Tamar. Read more Published 20 months ago by S. K. Horrocks The Miracle Maker dvd I loved this film. Had it on vhs .Just bought it on dvd. Read the review about it not being genuine widescreen. Tempted to send it back after reading that. Read more Published on 14 Mar 2005 by Mr. D. Evans Widescreen JOKE I love this film. I've had the VHS release for a long time, and it always bothered me that after the opening credits the widescreen aspect was cropped to normal fullscreen (4:3)... Read more Published on 5 Dec 2003 by homely_sale the future for religion Forget that Buzzlightyear and Woody, Jesus is back on the scene with this fantastic new animated film. Read more Published on 13 Mar 2002 beautiful-a masterpeice-better than Bible stories Charming and enchanting. I loved stories of Jesus as a child, but had much more difficulty entering into them as an adult. Read more Published on 15 Jun 2001 Absolutely Fantsatic This is probably the best animation I have ever seen, and believe me I have seen loads..... Published on 16 Nov 2000 Captivatingly original angle on the timeless story of Jesus Even if you think you are familiar with the story of Jesus , you will still be enthralled by this beautifully made film. Read more Published on 23 Oct 2000 A good introduction. A suitable introduction to the story of Jesus for people of any age. A faithful rendering with the emphasis on Christ's relationships with people. Published on 18 Oct 2000 Search Customer Reviews