Thursday, November 14, 2013

Movie Review: Mary of Nazareth

Birth of Jesus
Mary of Nazareth: The birth of Jesus.

Photo Credit – Photo Courtesy of Ignatius Press
Synopsis: This full-length feature film about the life of Our Lady, shot in English in high definition, was filmed in [Tunisia]. Actress Alissa Jung gives a beautiful, compelling and inspired portrayal of Mary…. Directed by acclaimed European film director Giacomo Campiotti (BAKHITA, DOCTOR ZHIVAGO, ST. GIUSEPPE MOSCATI) and written by Francesco Arlanch (RESTLESS HEART, PIUS XII, POPE JOHN PAUL II), in addition to the luminous performance by Jung, the film provides inspiring portrayals of all the main roles, including Andreas Pietschmann as Jesus, Luca Marinelli as Joseph, Paz Vega as Mary Magdalene and Antonia Liskova as Herodias. The original music score was written by Guy Farley. (Carmel Communications for Ignatius Press). Watch trailer here.

Who is My Mother?

From the cross, Jesus gave Mary to us as our mother. Mary, the mother of our Lord, has appeared to the faithful over the centuries, consoling and instructing us. She knows us and loves us as our tender mother. But do we know her? We encounter Mary through her brief appearances in the scriptures, through the stories of saints who experienced visions of her, and especially through recitation of the rosary. St. Juan Diego left us his tilma with her image. St. Bernadette and the children of Fatima gave us her messages to repent and to pray the rosary. And yet, “Mary is a mystery,” as the character of her father Joachim says in the new Ignatius Press release of the motion picture Mary of Nazareth

Just as the prayer of the rosary reflects on the mysteries of the life of Jesus and his mother, Mary, Mary of Nazareth illuminates those mysteries in the medium of film as I’ve never encountered in other portrayals of the Blessed Mother. This artistic representation of Mary has been hailed by movie critics and Marian experts alike. As I watched the film, my love and admiration for both Mary and Joseph grew deeper, and I got to know my heavenly mother. 

Ordinary Things

In Mary of Nazareth, Mary’s mystery shines in the ordinary. Just before Joseph’s marriage proposal, she sits on a rock in a garden with the sheep. The Angel Gabriel arrives while Mary is making bread.  Jesus and the twelve arrive while Mary picks carrots. Again, Mary is making bread as Jesus instructs his apostles to be salt and light. 

As Mary (Jung) does these ordinary things throughout the film, the viewer is captivated by her joy and serenity.  After she returns from assisting Elizabeth with the birth of John the Baptist, the villagers treat her with disdain for her out-of-wedlock pregnancy.  When Mary and her mother, Ann (Antonella Attili), go to pick olives, the other women leave, harrumphing and looking at her with contempt.  Another young woman in a similar situation may have gotten angry, insulted, or depressed by their harsh treatment.  Mary clearly recognizes their disgust, but she remains serene, gathering the fruit.  She knows the child she carries is not the son of man and she has committed no sin.  She trusts the Lord, who through the angel told her to “Rejoice!” and so she does.  In fact, she rarely stops smiling throughout the film, so deep is her joy.

Relationships

The original film was 200 minutes, while the Ignatius Press version is edited to 153 minutes.  As a result of the editing, some viewers may miss the connection between Mary (Jung) and Mary Magdalene (Paz Vega).  Another reviewer who viewed the full-length Maria de Nazaret explained that the two women were close friends as girls.  Mary’s path in life begins with a childhood spent in the temple, learning about the Lord. Magdalene’s path leads her to Herod’s court and a pursuit of worldly desires which nearly ends in her stoning.  The reunion of the women set against the backdrop of Jesus’ teaching the parable of the prodigal son shows the Gospel message of mercy and love in a profound, telling way.  Mary’s and Magdalene’s friendship reminds us of Mary’s humanity.

Of course, many reviewers have discussed the relationship between Mary (Jung) and Jesus (Andreas Pietschmann).  Their interaction reveals a closeness, particularly before the Last Supper, that reveals much about Our Lady’s role in salvation history.  These talented actors capture the emotion and tenderness between mother and son in each scene they share.

The relationship that most deeply touched my heart was between Mary (Jung) and Joseph (Luca Marinelli).  We hear in Matthew’s gospel that Joseph, “a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to send her away quietly” (Mt 1:19) when Mary was found to be with child “before they came together” (Mt 1:18). Joseph loves Mary.  Rather than focus on his righteousness, Joseph tells Mary the information about her pregnancy is too much. He says, “I’m just a man.” The turn of phrase here—the double meaning of “just” emphasizes his humanity.  This man chosen by God to raise his son and protect his mother cannot believe the news, but he refuses to bring harm, shame, and death to his beloved.  At the moment of his deepest grief, the angel appears in his dream, and, through the gift of God’s grace, Joseph begins to live a similar joy to that of Mary.

There Is My Mother!

You don’t want to miss a moment of this film! We know the highlights of Mary’s life—we reflect on them in the Mysteries of the Rosary.  In Mary of Nazareth, the story we know so well comes to life, in all of its tender humanity. This movie will change your life.  You will have a new appreciation for the joys and sorrows of Our Lady—you will get to know your mother.

Evangelization Tool

Currently, Ignatius Press is offering Mary of Nazareth through sponsored screenings.  The San Damiano Youth Group from the Basilica of St. Stanislaus in Chicopee, Massachusetts, will be hosting a screening at 7:30 p.m. on January 18, 2014.  Tickets are $10 and the fundraiser will help defray the costs of the group’s annual summer camp and retreat.  The San Damiano Youth Group hosted Restless Heart: The Confessions of St. Augustine last January as a Year of Faith movie event and is excited to share this latest Ignatius Press release with the Diocese of Springfield.  

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