Movie Review of Mary of Nazareth 2013, (Maria di Nazaret)

Writing this review feels like sharing a love letter. This is the first time I’ve ever seen the Blessed Mother portrayed with such tenderness, joy and reverence, at the same time with such humanity, pain and hope. ‘Mary of Nazareth’ feels like every Christmas card and painting of Mary brought into a single, enchanting vision of her life, from childhood to the Resurrection of her Son, Jesus Christ.

To quote the official website, www.maryfilm.com,”This full-length feature film about the life of Our Lady, shot in English in High Definition, was filmed in Europe in very authentic locales with outstanding cinematography, a strong cast, and a majestic music score. Actress Alissa Jung gives a beautiful, compelling and inspired portrayal of Mary.”

I would say *Spoiler Alert*, but everyone knows the beautiful story of the Lord’s Handmaid. This rendition throws into focus fresh aspects of her life and her mission, and we are introduced into a new side of Mary; we’ve seen the story so often, that we forget that real people lived through without hindsight. They had to make their choices in faith.

‘Mary of Nazareth’ brings us insights into her daily life, the daily Mary.

A personal note; I watched the full, 4 hour version available through Netflix. The theatrical release is edited down to 153 minutes through Ignatius Press.

A Story of Two Marys, and 3 Women

Right from the beginning, we are introduced to Mary, daughter of Joachim and Anne. Soon after, we meet Mary Magdalene, her close friend. In a unique twist, the story follows their two journeys, one into the heart of God, and the other into the heart of darkness.

The more Mary sings her Magnificat, the more Magdalene throws herself at the world seeking love, power and validation. The two threads finally come full circle with Magdalene’s conversion at the feet of Christ, and her ultimate reward at seeing Christ the first at the Resurrection.

But we are introduced to another character, Herodias, daughter of Herod. She is vicious, cold and calculating. She incarnates not just the evil in the film, but represents another type of response to God.

Whereas Mary opens herself up to God’s love, embracing her feminine genius to nurture and create, Herodias has closed herself to her own nature as woman, seeking sheer power, influence and security. Similar to Orual in C. S. Lewis’ novel ‘Till We Have Faces’, she sits at the center of a web of intrigue, sucking life out of those around her to satisfy her own lust for life.

In counterpoint, Mary remains the antithesis to her evil, always ready and willing to submit to God’s will, accept suffering, and sacrifice herself for others.

Caught in between these opposites, Magdalene vacillates as the flighty-headed, desperate and world-loving protégé of Herodias. After witnessing her mother’s stoning at the beginning of the film, the punishment for adultery, Magdalene throws all caution and morality to the winds, nurturing a hatred for men, and at the same time, cultivating seduction to fill her heart’s need for a true man. It isn’t long before she has two deaths on her conscience, and unable to stand the crushing weight of life at court, she flees to a brothel and ends up repeating her mother’s last scene, a public stoning. It is then that Christ appears, invites the non-sinners to throw first, and forgives her.

Between the Mary and the anti-Mary, we have Magdalene, an incarnation of each of us, who far too often vacillate between good and evil, seeking to secure our own comfort and safety, unwilling to sit back and quietly repeat after Mary, ‘Behold the handmaid of the Lord.’

Due to the nature of life at court, and Magdalene’s forays into sexuality, viewer discretion is advised.

 

During the depiction of the Passion of Christ, the narrative stays close to Mary, paying more attention to her pain and suffering than Jesus’, intent on keeping a focus on the swords piercing her heart, and her dogged grip on hope despite the storms.

Interestingly, the film highlights the goodness of God and the self-sacrificing kindness of Christ by setting up an antithesis in Herod and his son, Antipatas. As an inverse God the Father, Herod is power-hungry and violent, repeating the tragedy of Egypt’s Slaughter of the Innocents to preserve his position. Antipatas, son of the king, is portrayed to look like Christ, but he is an inverse Christ. He is rich and lustful, deflowering Magdalene, and courting the favors of Rome.

Whereas God loved us so much that He sacrificed His only-begotten Son to save us, when Herod is informed that an innocent Antipatas is behind an assassination plot and power-grab, he executes his son.

An Insane Hope

Giacomo Campiotti, known for his previous films of BAKHITA, DOCTOR ZHIVAGO, ST. GIUSEPPE MOSCATI, and Francesco Arlanch (RESTLESS HEART, PIUS XII, POPE JOHN PAUL II), have carefully tapped into an aspect of Mary that isn’t generally portrayed, and that is her hope.

Before the Incarnation, Mary is a young woman, betrothed to Joseph, shy in courtship and eager for marriage. Her identity and dignity is wrapped up in her relationship with God. After the Incarnation, the joy that floods from her eyes and smile is contagious. And throughout the film, even with piercing pain, she holds onto the hope that God offers her, especially in circumstances that many of us would find insane.


Update: In the Q&A titled When were Joseph and Mary Married?, Catholic Answers’ Tim Staples shows how the word ‘betrothed’ means something different today than it did then. Unlike the film’s portrayal, where Mary is depicted as pregnant before her wedding to Joseph, she and Joseph were already married. Her vow to refrain from marital intimacy is what prompted her response to the angel, “How, since I know not Man?” There is no divorce when you’re just engaged.


The Production of the Film

Prepare to enjoy not just a heart-warming portrayal of the Mother of God, but also the world in which she lives. ‘Mary of Nazareth‘ is set against a realistic backdrop of authentic locations throughout Europe, creating a world that is both believable and inviting.

From Mary and Joseph’s wedding ceremony, to the thrilling vista of Jerusalem in its glory, to the day-to-day living in their Nazarene home, life is colorful, beautiful and full of detail. Unlike the trend in many historical films to date, where the further back in the past you go, the dirtier and grungier cultures get, ‘Maria di Nazareth’ reminds us that in every age, the human spirit desires beauty and a fulfilling life, and does what it can to express that.

Also, listen for the score; Guy Farley has written a beautiful and touching series of pieces that underscore the reverence and beauty with which Mary is treated.

Visit www.maryfilm.com, by Ignatius Press.

Have you seen the film? Any thoughts and hopes going in? Any special thoughts after seeing it?

19 Comments

  1. Lisa Thompson

    I saw it on Netflix and it was the most stunning and beautiful portrayals of Our Lady I have ever seen. I am falling in love more and more with Our Lady after seeing this film. I would love to own the musical soundtrack to the film

    Reply
    • Dominic

      Absolutely! Looking forward to the soundtrack. Glad you liked it!

      Reply
  2. Michael Pitarroe

    Powerful, inspirational, majestic…Everyone, Catholics and Christians of all faiths, should see this movie. I’m happy it is being shown only by private screenings; it’s limited showings add to the curiosity and joy. The musical score is perfect and resonates within one’s mind, heart and soul.

    Reply
  3. Bstar0306

    I saw this on Tuesday..I thought it was a little long but other than that I thought it was an excellent film!

    Reply
  4. 1dudette

    Saw on netflix which is the nearly 4 hr version and loved every minute–where to buy it? I understand the Netflix version is different longer than the Mary of Nazareth showing now. The one on Netflix is titled Maria di Nazarete

    Reply
    • Dominic

      Have you tried Amazon.com? My wife bought me the original, full length version for my birthday from there. 🙂

      Reply
      • 1dudette

        I tried Amazon but not available and I am afraid of getting it in Italian w/subtitles which i dont want– am hopng to get the exact Netslix version–is yours in English?? When did she buy this? I HAVE TO HAVE THIS MOVIE!!!! I am so inspired..thanks for your help

        Reply
        • Dominic

          Hi 1dudete, I just tested my present, and discovered that it doesn’t work in this region. The producers cut a deal with Ignatius Press for American distribution. I believe their version is an hour shorter than the original.

          Reply
          • 1dudette

            yes so i heard–i am hoping 2 buy the full length in english edition

          • Kerri Ferro

            please please let me know if you find the full version on DVD in English…I am desperate to get this movie in it’s entire length 🙂 I do not want a cut version….

          • Fiddle Amar

            I bought the italian version–so far the only full length in english that i find was the one on netflix do not know how to get that. i do not like the ignatius cut down version–i bought it even tho i knew it would disappoint only because i had to have SOME version…i am writing a lengthy review on amazon

  5. Linda

    This is no longer on Netflix. I watched this every night for two months. I did some digging and found out their license was not renewed. The last I checked, the movie wouldnot work on American DVD players, and then you would have to have a special tv. Well, a week or so ago I checked back and found the light at the end of the tub bell. We can buy this in America beginning Oct. 15th. Right now there are selling a licenses to churches who want their congreations to see it. Go to the maryfilm.com. I am very, very disappointed they are cutting out so much out. Bar none, this is the most amazing movie I have ever seen and would pay any price for the 3 hours. I believe God has put this in motion for so many "hungry" people all around the world who doesn’t know where to go for the answers or the ache in their hearts. Stick to the basics of Jesus Christ and his 12 disciples. You can not go wrong there. Period.

    Reply
    • Dominic

      Thanks Linda! Great information there.

      Reply
  6. dirtbikegirl

    Does anyone know where we could get the full , version that was shown on Netflix???

    Reply
    • Dominic

      Not yet! I wish. Let us know if you’re able to find it. 🙂

      Reply
  7. ana

    i bougth the dvd and i was dissapointed becasue is not complete

    Reply
    • Dominic

      🙁 Sorry for you. I’ve not seen the edited version, so I’m not sure what’s removed.

      Reply
      • ana

        they removed all the scenes after Herodias takes Magdalene, i saw it in spanish and is complete but in english its not

        Reply
  8. Kerri Ferro

    I have been desperately trying to find the uncut full length version of this movie I fell in love with when I watched it on Netflix…all I can find is a cut version which as far as I’m concerned isn’t the same….does ANYONE know where I can get the full length version of this on DVD or Blue Ray? I want two…..this is a great movie, when it’s in it’s entire length…..I do not want a cut version…need in English 🙂 PLEASE HELP! 🙂

    Reply

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Dominic de Souza

Geeks over epics, mystics, science, the angelic, & movies. I am riveted by the Catholic frontier between faith, science, and history. I converted from radical traditionalism by a strange route – through archaeology. That led me to quantum physics, psychoanalysis and mythology, evolution and angels, and our Holy Father Pope Francis. I believe it’s important to read widely, from all sides, and to celebrate the good, true, and beautiful wherever it is found. See more posts
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