Of the many life of Christ films, this should be rated as one of the best. Some viewers have called it a "claymation" film, it is not. This is a stop motion puppet film. Anyone who has the DVD version can view the "making of" film and see that the figures are flexible puppets made of foam and plastic and not the crude figures done for "claymation". There is a vast difference in stop motion puppets and claymation figures.

What sets this film apart is that through the puppet medium, the figures look like people from the time and place of the original happening, not Hollywood actors in costumes and make up. Since the viewer does not associate a certain actor with the part, it is much easier to accept the puppet as the "real" character. You don't see Jeffrey Hunter, the actor in "King of Kings", playing a part but see more acceptable versions of Christ and the apostles.

The combination of 3D and 2D animation works well in separating the parable stories from the "real" action. It is a jolt at first, but becomes very acceptable as the film goes on.

Don't let the "puppet" idea keep an adult viewer away from this wonderful film. It is a concept that makes the Bible stories wonderfully accessible to all age groups.

An absolutely wonderful film, not dull at all. It is true to the Bible, and really is something special. In the crucifixion scene, I not only had a lump in my throat but also had tears streaming down my cheeks. And the resurrection scene was just as powerful. The claymation puppetry is outstanding, the realism of the facial expressions and the sophistication of the backgrounds really do make your jaw drop. The music is just beautiful, there are places where it is haunting and there are others where it is heart-breakingly sad. The story is compelling and the script is excellent. And the voices are stellar, Ralph Fiennes gives a vocal performance of true intelligence and compassion in particular. Ian Holm is great as Pilate, and William Hurt is strong as Jarius. Richard E.Grant was a strange choice admittedly for John The Baptist though, but he is okay as his voice. In conclusion, this is a wonderful film. 10/10 Bethany Cox

For a TV made film, and a probably clay made animation film, this is actually a really good attempt the story of a our saviour the Christ, King of the Jews and the son of God. Jesus (played by The English Patient's Ralph Fiennes) known as The Miracle Maker has many extraordinary powers, e.g. giving people strength to stand, helping catching many fish and turning water into wine. Unfortunately, there were those who feared him, and threatened to destroy him. So he was condemned to be crucified. Some sad moments, and just the few tiniest moments that seem a bit cheesy, but this religious story is still very interesting. Also starring Julie Christie as Rachel, Richard E. Grant as John the Baptist, Sir Ian Holm as Pontius Pilate, Lost in Space's William Hurt as Jairus, Tim McInnerny as Barabbas, Spider-Man 2's Alfred Molina as Simon the Pharisee and Miranda Richardson as Mary Magdalene. Worth watching!