Uplifting Son of God

Son Of God is the first major motion picture event in 10 years that puts Jesus back on the big screen (since 2004's The Passion of the Christ). And it's almost 50 years since the entire story of Jesus' life (since 1965's The Greatest Story Ever Told) has been experienced as a movie. It gives audiences a 2014 epic experience of Jesus' life through compelling cinematic storytelling that is gritty, dramatic, powerful and inspirational. You will be moved to cheers, then tears, and then cheers again as the story unfolds, not through sensational exploitation, but through its humble sincerity.

Very few actually understand Jesus' journey

Everyone knows the story of Jesus, but after watching the film, the realisation suddenly struck me like a bolt of lightning that very few actually understand Jesus' journey and what it actually means.Once you strip a film of its gimmicky tricks and glossy façade, it is in its naked vulnerability that the truth surfaces and really connects on an emotional level. It is not as much a story about what happened, but an extremely personal story about us and how honest belief can transform lives and change the world.

This is mainly due to its casting of actors that are grounded in the reality of the story, particularly Portuguese actor Diogo Morgado, who beautifully portrays the role of Jesus, as the film spans from his humble birth through his teachings, crucifixion and ultimate resurrection.

Morgado's angelic appearance and poignant vulnerability allows the audience to identify easily with an ordinary man, whose exceptional presence and compelling personality injects the story with an honest sensibility.

Already a household name in his native Portugal and one of GQ's Men of the Year, Morgado is best known in the US for his recent portrayal of Jesus in the Emmy-nominated mini-series The Bible on The History Channel. Nearly 27 million viewers tuned in to catch the record-breaking epic series, and witness Morgado's charismatic interpretation of Jesus. Most recently, Morgado appeared as Dr Jorge Velez in the third season premiere of the hit ABC drama, Revenge.

This film is just pure love

"When I got the role, I realised I had the responsibility of bringing to life the most wonderful and magical story of all times," said Morgado, who for his preparation travelled to Israel, to "experience the energy of the Holy Land, walking on the streets where the movie's events unfold". That journey further reminded him of the film's potential. "Son Of God is a gift to everyone," he added. "This film is just pure love."

Making the film was an equally unexpected journey for the actor who takes centre stage. "There are no words to describe how grateful I was for everything that was happening to me on this film," concluded Morgado. "This project has changed me as a person."

As a producer on this large-scale production, Roma Downey faced, along with Mark Burnett and Richard Bedser, formidable tasks every day on location in Morocco. Although she's a noted actress, Downey did not intend to perform in the film; she had plenty on her plate wearing her producer's hat. But eventually Downey was convinced to step into the role of Jesus' mother, Mary, and delivers an endearing performance.

"It's interesting, because I had sort of stepped into this nurturing role with Diogo before I decided to play his mother," said Downey. "So, there was a natural connection that transitioned to the relationship on screen. A lot of scenes between Jesus and Mary are played through meaningful looks between them; it's almost an unspoken relationship."

An incredible, dramatic, gripping story

"Son of God presents an incredible, dramatic, gripping story," said Roma Downey. "It's impossible not to be moved by the love of Jesus as he walks into the lion's den of Jerusalem to take on the power base, and save his people. In this movie meek does not mean weak."

Chief among the film's cast of UK thespians is Greg Hicks, a distinguished Shakespearean actor who portrays Pontius Pilate, the fifth Prefect of the Roman province of Judaea, the judge at the trial of Jesus and the man who authorised His sentence. Hicks' nuanced performance complements the film's depiction of the times' combustible mix of politics and faith.

The dynamic between Hicks and Morgado in a key sequence particularly resonated with the producer. "When Pilate confronts Jesus after his arrest and trial in the temple, Pilate is unnerved when Jesus explains to Pilate that he 'has come for truth, and anybody who listens to me will experience that truth'. Pilate asks him: 'What is truth?' and Jesus just points up to the light. And Pilate tries to wriggle out of bearing the responsibility for ordering the crucifixion, but, of course, it's prophesied by God and it's going to happen."

The scene, added Burnett, points to the realities of contemporary politics. "Think of how many political leaders make decisions, which they know to be untrue or wrong, for short-term political expediency."

The powerful performances under the direction of Christopher Spencer, exotic locales, and naturalistic visual effects are well supported by a rich and majestic orchestral score from Oscar-winner Hans Zimmer and highlight a reteaming of Zimmer with soloist Lisa Gerrard, with whom he collaborated on Gladiator.

"I am always looking for projects to fill my heart and do things I've never tried before," Zimmer continued. "And when Mark suggested the impossible, then how could I say no?"

One of the film's most unexpected, intriguing and relatable aspects is its portrayal of the era's politics, which shaped the last days of Jesus' life. Crafting a theatrical and communal experience was one of the principal rewards and of the most magical elements of film is the medium's ability to balance the epic and the intimate, and Downey and Burnett embraced the challenge of bringing both elements to Son of God. "It was very important that we tell an intimate story and that we emotionally connect to the characters," said Downey.

Burnett noted that although the film is set 2000 years ago, it will resonate with today's audiences. "Son of God feels contemporary because the characters are presented in such a relatable way. It has characters that you feel like you know. Everyone, except Jesus, is human and deeply flawed, and that's relevant to all of us."

One of the story's most significant themes is unconditional love, which, along with forgiveness, was Jesus' principal teaching. "That message is central to our faith, which is to go out and spread the love and gospel to everyone," explained Downey.

Make sure to see Son of God. It's a cinematic experience you can wholeheartedly share with family, loved ones and friends. There is power in its telling and an even more powerful reconnection with the world around you once you leave the cinema.

The film will be screened nationwide from 17 April.

Behind the scenes

Producer/actress and Emmy and Golden Globe nominee Roma Downey (Touched by an Angel, The Bible) and Emmy-winning producer Mark Burnett (The Voice, Survivor, Shark Tank, The Bible) brought the epic miniseries The Bible to television audiences around the world through their company LightWorkers Media. The series became the number one cable entertainment telecast of the year, one of the fastest-selling TV-to-disc titles ever and went on to garner three Emmy Award nominations. A huge hit in many countries, it mixed adventure, action and drama from and drew acclaim for retelling the sacred text in a way that was relevant to today's audiences. The series was tweeted by a wide range of public figures, including Oprah, LL Cool J, Shakira, Sarah Fergusson, P Diddy, TD Jakes, Tony Robbins and Maya Angelou - the last tweeting that the series "gives life to stories that have shaped our world and shaped my life".

Mark Burnett said that early showings of the film confirm their conviction that this is a story that needs to be experienced on the big screen. "We believe Son of God is an important film that will be seen globally for years to come. Watching it in theatres, with audiences, is beyond gratifying." Son of God is truly a story of unconditional love. "And everybody needs love in their lives," said Downey. "We think you will leave the theatre with your mind filled and heart opened."

Read more about the film and other new releases at www.writingstudio.co.za/page1037.html