The story of the last days of Jesus Christ is powerfully retold with a strong cast, good sets and amazing costumes. ‘The Passion’ is originally a two part television drama serial produced by the BBC and HBO Films which was telecast in the UK before Easter 2008.

This critically acclaimed biblical drama gives the viewer a ringside view from three different viewpoints: the religious authorities, the Romans and Jesus.

Joseph Mawle gives a stellar performance playing Jesus. The fine line of power for control of Jerusalem drawn between the High Priest Caiaphas (Ben Daniels) and Pontius Pilate (James Nesbit) is - amongst other things - dramatically brought to life in this powerful and unforgettable drama. As pilgrims pour into Jerusalem for the Passover to celebrate the most important festival in their religious calendar, Caiaphas is under great pressure to maintain order for his people, as is Pilate for Rome. But a change happens when word arrives that Jesus is arriving from the East Gate on a donkey’s colt into Jerusalem. The setting of Palm Sunday is well brought out. Word spreads to Caiaphas about the new King in Jerusalem. A war of words between Caiaphas and Pilate ensues, all this brought due to Jesus’ teaching in Jerusalem. The events that follow, like the last supper, the garden of Gethsemane, Judas hanging himself, the crucifixion and Jesus’ resurrection, are dramatically brought to life in this epic drama that is known by the whole world.

Visually beautiful, archaic in every detail, the story is rooted well into the Biblical tale, inspired by the Gospels and other contemporary historical sources. Though a few liberties have been taken and propped up a bit, the same also goes for a few omissions being made. Scenes of high handedness by the Romans and torture are well depicted in the greatest story ever told.

Rating: ****

Reviewed by Verus Ferreira