The Chosen (TV Series 2017– ) Poster

(2017– )

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8/10
Christian Filmmakers Take Notice: THIS Is How You Do It
AGuyNamedJake30 January 2020
I'm honestly really impressed by what the makers of this show have accomplished. It's such a unique take that they've given to the story, this sort of "street-level view" of those people that encountered Jesus. Reading these stories in the Bible again and again makes it easy to become detached from the fact that these were real people living real lives dealing with real struggles, going to work, hanging with friends, making jokes, eating lunch, and stepping in animal poop 😂 but they've brought it all to life in an engaging and relatable way where the tight budget seldom shows.

I love that this show doesn't feel preachy, like most Christian media. The way the camera kind of bobs and sways as it follows the action lends an almost documentarian vibe that makes me feel like I'm simply witnessing a story unfold. No agenda. No sermon. Just good old fashioned storytelling. Of course, we know that there is a very profound message to it all, but the filmmakers are smart enough to let the audience figure it out for themselves without thumping them over the head with "Christian talk."

The actor portraying Jesus does so with an unflinching kindness and empathy that makes him instantly trustworthy and lovable in every. single. scene. So props to him for his amazing work and props to the casting team for finding him!

This is a great show that, even if not suited to everyone's tastes, is bound to challenge our mental perception of these people and their stories. It makes these characters feel real, brings Jesus to life in a new way, and has some fun with artistic license while still honoring God's Word.

Christian filmmakers take note: THIS is how you do it!
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10/10
Fantastic series with a fresh perspective!
tammielutz23 April 2019
Love how human the Chosen are! Totally relatable in today's world and they could have been any one of us. Thank you for this wonderful peek into history. A devoted fan forever! #bingeJesus
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10/10
The Best On-Screen Depiction of the Life Christ; Deeply Moving and Relatable
TexasMovieCritic1 May 2019
Christian movies and shows aren't typically known for quality, good character development, or well-written, compelling stories. There are certainly some exceptions (e.g., The Passion of the Christ, I Can Only Imagine, Ben-Hur, I'm Not Ashamed, Faith Like Potatoes, The Case for Christ, and Narnia).

To cut straight to the point: The Chosen is far and away the best on-screen depiction of the life of Christ-either mini-series or movie. The writing and character development are exceptional. It's as captivating as The Passion, yet in so many ways more human and relatable. My family and I keep re-watching them just to get one more glimpse of the Son of Man. The miracles are deeply moving and will bring you to tears.

And now... the biggest problem is we'll have to wait for Season 2. The wait is going to hurt more than waiting for Stranger Things Season 3.
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10/10
A believable Jesus
bettylyndawright25 April 2019
Following the progress of this idea from dream to reality, I was excited to have access to the first four episodes. This series is unlike any Biblical portrayal of the life of Christ to date - the characters are fresh and real- check out Abigail!! And a Jesus who winks! And doesn't glow or act ethereal! These first four episodes bring the Gospels to life in a way that immerses us into a culture and recounting that feels authentic. Kudos to everyone involved- I can't wait for more.
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10/10
Beautiful!
kayjaybee6162 May 2019
Well-written, well-cast, well-acted. So so happy this show exists.
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10/10
AWESOME on many levels.
nitaknit20 April 2019
I've viewed the Christmas/Shepherd pilot and the first four episodes of season one. The extensive research into the life and times of Christ results in a high level of authenticity. Accuracy was a prevailing priority. The characters 'personalities are slowly peeled in layers through the episodes. There's stellar portrayals of some, especially when placed in the appropriate environs, and will leave a residue long after the video stops, . You will want to see more. There is a reason this series is the highest crowd funded video project.
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10/10
Loved every minute
sherryemerson16 April 2019
You won't be able to stop watching. It is THAT good.
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10/10
The most beautiful representation of Jesus I've ever seen
sophiahwright28 August 2020
This series is just phenomenal. It speaks to the soul and represents Jesus in a wonderful and relatable light. God bless everyone behind the scenes making this show! You are changing lives!
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8/10
A contender for the best depiction of Jesus ever to hit the screen!
ermkaybruv23 January 2020
Is this a perfect show? No; what show is, especially in its first season? But is this a consistently entertaining, beautiful project (inside and out!) that not only brings the Bible alive, but takes a deep look at faith and what was really being asked of the 12 disciples when Jesus said, "Follow me"? Yes, yes, and yes!

The actor who plays Jesus carries this season. Not only is he incredibly gentle and solemn when he needs to be, but he is funny (like actually laugh-out-loud funny!) and that is something many depictions of Jesus lack. Jesus' human side is explored in The Chosen as I've never seen before, so wholly and fully, yet in a way that is reverent and respectful. While we can imagine the Christ portrayed here being as human as us, we can also imagine him being as God as, well, God. Brilliant actor, and probably the best portrayal of Jesus ever put to film. His performance is controlled and unassuming yet so powerful in that alone. Whenever Jesus is onscreen you are completely captivated, hanging on his every word.

As far as some downsides in the show (which are in no way very glaring): Occasionally the humor did start to feel a little silly sometimes and took me out of the moment (rarely though, and never when involving Jesus and the disciples).

The score, while gorgeous in itself, has a sequence of a woman performing a vocal part that I felt was overused.

And I thought it a bit odd that the Roman soldiers have American accents, especially considering so much wonderful care is put into keeping the Hebrew accents so consistent. The lead "evil Roman soldier" fellow as well seemed cartoonish and I couldn't find him as threatening as he needed to be in this role, but rather he stood out from the others who are all far more developed and believable characters.

Yet these things do not detract from what a monumental moment this is in Christian cinema, or, lets just say cinema in general. To really see these disciples as real people was an eye opener and an encouragement to read the Bible again with new eyes. The actors playing Peter, Mary Magdalene, Matthew and I'll say each of Jesus' followers were masterfully done, perfect casting, and where did they find such unknown actors with such skill? I can't overstate how happy I am with this show and I really hope the show runners can get enough funding for a season 2. They are doing what Hollywood seemingly never could!
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9/10
Excellent production
mamaveleke-0122821 January 2020
This show is really well done. The story moves at a great pace, taking time to develop characters, but still moving the story along without feeling like it's dragging out. The historical accuracy of the time period is excellent. And the actors are wonderfully cast.
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10/10
An unreal, but extremely real show about the hope of mankind
gabriellkramer8 February 2020
Can't even watch this without being emotionally wrecked, moved, inspired in so many ways. This is it and it is amazingly produced. All you want is more. More, more, MORE.

To see this so well done and visually depicted. It's a must watch. Binge watch. You have to watch, experience, and tell others.
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7/10
Probably the best in Christian entertainment
JoshMac8219 July 2020
I was very impressed by what this team of filmmakers could do with so little. I like that they can do what they want with the show, but I hope they continue to get more professional people involved in the show. Bottom line... buy the Blu-Ray, pay-it-forward, do what you can to support it.

Why did I give it a 7/10? Because frankly, I think a 9.8 and 100% is a bit much... not many professional Hollywood movies or shows deserves it. Now if we're talking just in Christian media in general... yeah, this deserves a 9.8! The writing is very good, amazing sets, and believable acting! My only qualms are occasional added dialogue or events, but there's nothing heretical about the series by any means. I'm also glad they got New Testament scholars to approve the script as well!

Again, I can't stress enough, support the show!
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An unexpected Treasure
ajb939319 March 2020
My wife wanted me to watch The Chosen with her, and I avoided it for weeks, because I expected yet another well-intentioned but 'cheesy' Christian production. Then I finally gave in. I COULD NOT HAVE BEEN MORE WRONG. This production is amazing! The quality of the scripts, acting, and sets are all on a par with the production values of a well-regarded Hollywood 'short season' series. And the depiction of the historical culture and the conjectural backstories for key figures around Jesus are BETTER than anything I have seen elsewhere. If you are at all curious about a fresh take on the life of Jesus that still maintains rigorous effort to remain true to the New Testament record, I would HIGHLY recommend this series!
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10/10
Truly I Say To You, Amazing!
sanclan3 March 2020
This is one of the most powerful experiences I have ever had in my life! What an exceptional depiction of every one of the apostles (given Matthew maybe, a little too quirky) and of our Christ as a human. Wow! Highly recommended. Nicodemus is a great character and this ALL seems so real and so very human. Great!
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10/10
Breathtaking!
Bdhartman4016 April 2019
I have seen the first four episodes! They are amazing! If you think the Bible is hard to follow this will help you understand it to depths I never imagined! Great work to everyone involved and I am honored to be a part of such an amazing blessing to all!
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10/10
Emotional. Magic.
AnthonyVincentBruno9 June 2020
I was dubious about watching this due to Super Church Evangelical American involvement. Then I watched the first few minutes of episode 1. Wow. As a Roman Catholic, I have to say that this is about watching something that brings outrageous joy. I admire the chap behind it. Different denominations but the same God who must be thrilled with this. Magic. Spiritual. Brilliant. Love it.
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10/10
Best Portral of Jesus Ever!
barbaramoon-9980518 January 2020
The sets, costumes, acting, and emotional responses in this series are far and above any I have ever seen in the past. Watching the episodes over and over does not in any way deter the depth of emotions both shown on screen and felt by the viewer. Jesus is portrayed as authentic, relatable, humorous, kind and patient. The series brings Him to life in a wonderful way--both as human and God.
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10/10
Epic!
rubenoftheorchard8 March 2021
I usually hate Christian movies and show! They're so cheesy and boring. But this was amazing and honestly help my relationship with Jesus. It made him come ive a bit, gave him a personality and sense of humor. Yet was still biblical and not overhyped or too Hollywood.

Please watch this and also check out the chosen website to see how you can support them so they can make more seasons.
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10/10
Excellent!!!
cjmandernach8 May 2019
Most accurate and moving depiction of any true story I've ever seen! The acting is so superb I find myself emotionally exhausted after each viewing. I can not get enough of this. I am so excited for the next episodes to be released!
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10/10
It is life!
peggysue4227 November 2021
You'll laugh, you'll cry and you'll want a hug from Jesus when it's all said and done!! It touched me to my core and Jesus is more alive, than ever before!!💪🙏💜
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10/10
Above and Beyond expectations!
maylily041 August 2019
This series is such a gift! I was so blown away by the pilot episode (the shepherd's perspective of the Christmas story) and was in tears throughout the episode. I HAD to watch the next 4 episodes and I HAD to support this project. The way they portray the real life characters and especially the way they portray Jesus will blow you away. It feels the closest depiction of what Jesus is really like with skin on as he interacts with those in the recorded stories in the Gospels.
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6/10
I watched this as if it were an epic period drama
generic230-125 September 2023
Warning: Spoilers
There are many sins committed in the telling of this story. The worst being that Jesus and followers speak in contemporary English Slang & the Romans have American accents which is why I gave it a 6.

But, I let all that go & just watched it as a semi fictional period drama about Christ. Which the filmmakers made clear in the opening credits. There are things I loved as a history lover, like that Christ is depicted as he truly would look, a middle eastern Jew with darker skin and dark hair and dark eyes.

I enjoyed the framing of the biblical accounts in ways that made them accessible and human. I enjoyed the connections of historical events. And I was moved by the profound epiphany of Nicodemus.

I'm not religious, but I have formed a close community with my Christian neighbors who are true Christians in their actions. I'm gay and my partner and I live together. They have been so accepting and loving and gracious and we reciprocate those feelings. I am always touched when they say they'll pray for me, my mom, my partner during difficult times. These are very decent human beings and I'm proud to have them in my circle of support.

This is why I can enjoy a story based on the Bible. Because I see the Christianity my neighbors have. It's loving and kind. I have no problem with them. My neighbors have always said: "It's not for us to judge. We don't know if being gay means you'll not get into heaven. Only God knows that." That's just amazing. So I watch this for what it is and enjoy what I can. If I can love Bridgerton, I can love a semi fictional account of Jesus in the same way.
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9/10
Surprisingly good!
MaxReviewing22 January 2020
This show has really surprised me. I did not expect the production value, the directing, the acting, the writing, the music to be this good considering the show can be watched for free (You can download the app of the Android and iOS App Store).

This is the first portrayal of Christ and his followers that I really liked (of the ones that I have watched) and you don't have to be a Christian to enjoy it. It is just very well made and entertaining and engaging. Jonathan Roumie's portrayal of Jesus Christ is the best and most human portrayal of Jesus I have seen to date. My favourite character has to be Nicodemus portrayed by Erick Avari. His character development over the first 8 episodes is very well done and his inner struggle at the end of Season 1 is very relatable.

All in all I got much more invested into the show than I thought I would. It's one of the best shows I have seen in the last couple of years and I think it deserves a lot more attention. I am looking forward to Season 2.
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10/10
Watching from Cambodia
mtbohlman10 January 2020
The portrayal of Jesus is refreshing. For the first time I can better grasp WHY sinners, prostitutes and tax collectors enjoyed his company rather than shunned him. Twice a month I gather together a group of Cambodian young adults (who know English) and we have a watch party. They love it!
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10/10
Beautiful, Moving Representation of Our Savior
jhboswell15 May 2019
This production began as a short episode Mr. Jenkins did for his church's Christmas Eve service, which was a short take of a shepherd's perspective of the nativity. That appeared on FaceBook in the last year or so; and it was seen by many millions of people, including promoters who encouraged a series. We now have four one-hour episodes which were funded by 16,000 "investors" who contributed $10,000,000. The production is thus independent in the truest sense of the word: no studios, no star performers, no theater bookings, no advertising campaigns. Is it, however, skillfully crafted, very well presented and very, very moving. New investors have emerged, and a second series is, at this writing, about to go into pre-production.

The story of Jesus Christ has been told many many times in every conceivable media. Comparison to Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ, Franco Zeffirelli's Jesus of Nazareth, and so forth is useful: what is new about this show is that we are presented more of the people surrounding Jesus and how they learned about Him and came to believe. It makes for great stories and a fresh approach--it is very watchable.

Acting, sets and other technical aspects are exceptional. It is a beautiful film sacrificing no authenticity. It is clearly exhaustively researched and will be a valuable teaching tool for generations. But, most of all, it does what a good film ought to do: it moves us, and into a good place. Bravo!
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