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The Last Temptation of Christ

  • 19881988
  • RR
  • 2h 44m
IMDb RATING
7.5/10
59K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
4,185
680
The Last Temptation of Christ (1988)
Trailer for The Last Temptation of Christ
Play trailer1:19
1 Video
99+ Photos
Drama
The life of Jesus Christ, his journey through life as he faces the struggles all humans do, and his final temptation on the cross.The life of Jesus Christ, his journey through life as he faces the struggles all humans do, and his final temptation on the cross.The life of Jesus Christ, his journey through life as he faces the struggles all humans do, and his final temptation on the cross.
IMDb RATING
7.5/10
59K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
4,185
680
    • Martin Scorsese
    • Nikos Kazantzakis(novel)
    • Paul Schrader(screenplay)
  • Stars
    • Willem Dafoe
    • Harvey Keitel
    • Barbara Hershey
    • Martin Scorsese
    • Nikos Kazantzakis(novel)
    • Paul Schrader(screenplay)
  • Stars
    • Willem Dafoe
    • Harvey Keitel
    • Barbara Hershey
  • See production, box office & company info
    • 351User reviews
    • 126Critic reviews
    • 80Metascore
  • See more at IMDbPro
    • Nominated for 1 Oscar

    Videos1

    The Last Temptation of Christ: The Criterion Collection [Blu-Ray]
    Trailer 1:19
    Watch The Last Temptation of Christ: The Criterion Collection [Blu-Ray]

    Photos171

    Harvey Keitel, Willem Dafoe, Barbara Hershey, Victor Argo, and Verna Bloom in The Last Temptation of Christ (1988)
    Willem Dafoe in The Last Temptation of Christ (1988)
    Willem Dafoe in The Last Temptation of Christ (1988)
    Willem Dafoe in The Last Temptation of Christ (1988)
    Harvey Keitel in The Last Temptation of Christ (1988)
    Harvey Keitel, Willem Dafoe, and Victor Argo in The Last Temptation of Christ (1988)
    Willem Dafoe in The Last Temptation of Christ (1988)
    Willem Dafoe in The Last Temptation of Christ (1988)
    Barbara Hershey in The Last Temptation of Christ (1988)
    Harvey Keitel, Willem Dafoe, and Michael Been in The Last Temptation of Christ (1988)
    Willem Dafoe in The Last Temptation of Christ (1988)
    Willem Dafoe and Giovanni Cianfriglia in The Last Temptation of Christ (1988)

    Top cast

    Edit
    Willem Dafoe
    Willem Dafoe
    • Jesus
    Harvey Keitel
    Harvey Keitel
    • Judas
    Barbara Hershey
    Barbara Hershey
    • Mary Magdalene
    Paul Greco
    Paul Greco
    • Zealot
    Steve Shill
    Steve Shill
    • Centurian
    • (as Steven Shill)
    Verna Bloom
    Verna Bloom
    • Mary, Mother of Jesus
    Roberts Blossom
    Roberts Blossom
    • Aged Master
    Barry Miller
    Barry Miller
    • Jeroboam
    Gary Basaraba
    Gary Basaraba
    • Andrew, Apostle
    Irvin Kershner
    Irvin Kershner
    • Zebedee
    Victor Argo
    Victor Argo
    • Peter, Apostle
    Michael Been
    • John, Apostle
    Paul Herman
    Paul Herman
    • Phillip, Apostle
    John Lurie
    John Lurie
    • James, Apostle
    Leo Burmester
    Leo Burmester
    • Nathaniel, Apostle
    Andre Gregory
    Andre Gregory
    • John The Baptist
    Peggy Gormley
    Peggy Gormley
    • Martha, Sister of Lazarus
    Randy Danson
    • Mary, Sister of Lazarus
      • Martin Scorsese
      • Nikos Kazantzakis(novel)
      • Paul Schrader(screenplay)
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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    The Last Temptation of Christ: On Location in Morocco
    6.7
    The Last Temptation of Christ: On Location in Morocco

    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      The script for this film sat in the office of Martin Scorsese's lawyer for at least five years prior to being made. Although Scorsese thought the film could be brilliant, he was concerned how the public might respond to the finished film. His lawyer agreed the script was brilliant and very "brave", but advised against making the movie, because he did not think moviegoers were ready for such a story.
    • Goofs
      When the first man is being crucified, as he yells when the soldier nails his hand, we can see a lot of metal fillings in his upper teeth.
    • Quotes

      Jesus: You think God belongs only to you? He doesn't. God is an immortal spirit who belongs to everybody, to the whole world. You think you're special? God is not an Israelite!

    • Crazy credits
      "This film is not based upon the Gospels but on this fictional exploration of the eternal spiritual conflict."
    • Alternate versions
      Most DVD and streaming versions are missing Judas's line, "It's Magdalene; she deserves it," right before the attempted stoning scene. The line can be heard on the Criterion Blu-ray.
    • Connections
      Featured in At the Movies: Betrayed/Stealing Home/The Last Temptation of Christ/Married to the Mob/Hero and the Terror (1988)

    User reviews351

    Review
    Review
    Featured review
    7/10
    an alternative reality for Christ
    This adaptation of Nikos Kazantzakis's novel, directed by Martin Scorsese, caused quite a stir on its initial release, accused of blasphemy and of causing offence to the Christian religion.

    However, in its depiction of Jesus Christ as a human being rather than a man divine, it gets to the core of his story. This is a man who makes the choice of self-sacrifice for the good of his fellow men, despite the temptations of an alternative life - shown in this film by a life with Mary Magdelene rather than dying at the Crucifixion.

    Played by Willem Dafoe with great sensitivity, this Christ performs miracles and discusses the intricacies of life and death with his disciples. Harvey Keitel is Judas, a rough man who fails to understand the significance of being the chosen Son of God; while Barbara Hershey is an effective Magdelene. David Bowie makes a short appearance as Pontius Pilate and is surprisingly good.

    'The Last Temptation of Christ' is not one of Scorsese's best films but it certainly sparks questions and leaves food for thought. Some of the imagery is superb and the script is coherent and of a high standard.
    helpful•46
    23
    • didi-5
    • Mar 13, 2005

    FAQ3

    • Is this film based on the Bible? Can it be considered an adaptation of the Bible?
    • Was Nikos Kazantzakis a Christian? Is Martin Scorsese?

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • August 12, 1988 (Canada)
      • Canada
      • United States
      • English
    • Also known as
    • Filming locations
      • Moulay Ismael Stables, Villa Imperiale, Meknès, Morocco
    • Production companies
      • Universal Pictures
      • Cineplex Odeon Films
      • Ufland Productions
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

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    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Technical specs

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    • 2 hours 44 minutes
      • Color

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