Jesus: The Complete Story (2001) (TV)

User Rating:

8.4/10   

Director:

Jean-Claude Bragard

Release Date:

23 December 2001 (France)

Genre:

Documentary

Plot Keywords:

Reenactment

Cast

Avery Brooks	...	Himself - Narrator (voice)
Liron Levo	...	Jesus
Amit Alon	...	Boy Jesus

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Company:

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

A Fine Documentary, if not a bit tedious

To begin with the Narrator: Avery Brooks has such an outstanding speaking voice. It has become his trademark. He articulates so well that he at once becomes the voice of authority. One finds themself believing the man. Then, there's the TONE of his voice. Once again, he gets high marks. He has such a rich, warm quality that he evokes comfort and trust as emotional qualities.

Indeed, the choice to have Avery Brooks narrate was brilliant!

Now, on to the substance of the show: This show is typical of a Discovery Channel program. It was very interesting and very scholarly. In fact, there were even bits of information that were either newly discovered or else new to me. I found myself refreshing my memory on some items and learning new info all together on other issues. The show was very intellectual and Avery Brooks kept it well grounded.

I particularly liked the fact that the producers and script writers did not gloss over any topics. I'm thinking specifically of the issue of whether Mary was a virgin or not. They were tactful to be sure but pragmatic just the same. My greatest complaint of the documentary is it's length. Whew! I watched the show while doing other activities, otherwise I would have definitely lost interest. I think that this incredible program would have been enhanced by making it a 'mini-series' similar to the 'Mysteries of the Bible' series.