Risen Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A Roman detective goes on a holy scavenger hunt to find a missing body, only to discover the deceased prefers to walk.

🍿 Risen: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Roman Tribune’s Burden

In 33 AD Jerusalem, Roman Tribune Clavius, a seasoned military officer, is tasked by Pontius Pilate to oversee the crucifixion of Yeshua (Jesus) and two others. His primary duty is to ensure the execution is carried out efficiently and that order is maintained in the turbulent region, especially with the Emperor’s impending visit. Clavius is a man of duty, weary of constant conflict and yearning for a peaceful retirement. He participates in a fierce battle against Zealot rebels, displaying his prowess and stoicism even amidst brutality. His disciplined nature makes him Pilate’s trusted enforcer for sensitive assignments.

The Empty Tomb Mystery

Following the crucifixion, Clavius ensures Yeshua’s body is placed in a sealed tomb guarded by Roman soldiers to prevent any claims of resurrection. However, on the third day, a massive earthquake shakes the region, and the tomb is found inexplicably empty. Pilate, fearing an uprising fueled by rumors of a risen Messiah, orders Clavius to launch an urgent investigation. His mission is to locate Yeshua’s missing body and disprove any miraculous claims, thereby preventing further unrest and preserving Roman authority.

The Manhunt for a Messiah

Clavius, accompanied by his young aide Lucius, begins a meticulous search, interviewing various witnesses and followers, including Mary Magdalene and the Apostle Bartholomew. He interrogates the guards who were supposed to be at the tomb, one of whom recounts a blinding light and a figure emerging, which Clavius dismisses as a drunken hallucination. Despite his thoroughness, Clavius finds no body. To appease Pilate, he eventually presents an unrecognizable corpse, claiming it is Yeshua. However, his own rational mind remains unsettled by the inexplicable disappearance.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Clavius (Joseph Fiennes): The stoic Roman Military Tribune tasked with investigating the disappearance of Yeshua’s body, whose rational worldview is challenged by the events he uncovers.
• Yeshua (Cliff Curtis): The crucified Nazarene whose miraculous resurrection sparks a Roman investigation and profoundly impacts those who encounter him.
• Pilate (Peter Firth): The shrewd Roman Governor of Judea who orders Clavius to find Yeshua’s body to prevent an uprising and maintain political stability.
• Lucius (Tom Felton): Clavius’s young, loyal, and ambitious aide who assists in the investigation into Yeshua’s disappearance.
• Mary Magdalene (Maria Botto): A devoted follower of Yeshua, whose steadfast belief and insights become crucial to Clavius’s search for the truth.
• Peter (Stewart Scudamore): One of Yeshua’s primary apostles, who despite initial fear, emerges as a leader and witness to the resurrection.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Clavius: “I have seen two things which cannot reconcile: A man dead without question, and that same man alive again. I pursue Him, the Nazarene, to ferret the truth.” – Clavius states his perplexing predicament and his determined mission to find a logical explanation for Yeshua’s missing body.
• Bartholomew: “He’s everywhere!” – Said with a joyful and defiant grin to Clavius during his interrogation, indicating Yeshua’s spiritual omnipresence rather than a physical location.
• Pilate: “I need him found, not worshipped!” – Pontius Pilate expresses his exasperation and political urgency to Clavius, fearing an uprising if rumors of Yeshua’s resurrection are not disproven.
• Clavius: “Nobody will die on this day.” – Clavius states this firmly as he disarms Lucius, protecting Yeshua’s disciples and demonstrating his own personal transformation and new priorities.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $20,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $36,880,033
• Worldwide Gross: $46,771,565

💥 Risen Reviews

Personal Review

Honestly, I went into ‘Risen’ expecting another preachy biblical epic, but I was genuinely hooked! The whole ‘Roman detective solving the disappearance’ angle was brilliant and kept me guessing, even though I knew the outcome. Joseph Fiennes as Clavius was just incredible; you really feel his struggle between duty and disbelief. The scene where he first encounters Yeshua with the disciples was electric, truly a moment where his world shattered. And Yeshua himself felt so real and approachable. It’s a movie that makes you think, and I actually teared up a bit in the second half. Definitely recommend giving it a watch!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of historical dramas and biblical epics.”
  • “Viewers interested in the story of the Resurrection from a unique, investigative perspective.”
  • “Audiences who appreciate faith-based films with strong acting and production values.”
  • “Those who enjoy character-driven stories of personal transformation and spiritual awakening.”
  • “Followers of actors Joseph Fiennes and Tom Felton.”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Biblical violence (including crucifixion scenes)”
  • “Gruesome and disturbing images”
  • “Thematic elements of death and religious persecution”
  • “Portrayal of Mary Magdalene as a ‘woman of the streets’ (historically disputed)”

Professional Reviews

• Cinema Spectrum: “Joseph Fiennes anchors ‘Risen’ with a compelling performance, transforming what could be a straightforward biblical tale into an engrossing detective story. The film’s unique perspective, seen through the eyes of a Roman tribune, offers a refreshing, grounded approach that avoids typical genre pitfalls, making it accessible and thought-provoking.
• Daily Movie Reviews: “Kevin Reynolds crafts a surprisingly effective and visually striking biblical drama. ‘Risen’ distinguishes itself by focusing on the investigative journey, with strong production values and a script that keeps the audience invested in Clavius’s evolving skepticism. It’s a thoughtful piece that resonates beyond traditional faith-based audiences.
• Global Film Journal: “Beyond being a biblical narrative, ‘Risen’ functions as a fascinating character study of a man whose rational world crumbles in the face of the inexplicable. Joseph Fiennes’s subtle portrayal is central to its success, making his transformation genuinely moving. It’s a film that encourages contemplation rather than demanding belief.

Audience Reactions

Viewers loved the fresh ‘detective story’ approach to a familiar biblical narrative.: Many praised Joseph Fiennes’s powerful and authentic portrayal of Clavius, making his journey of discovery deeply relatable. The film’s non-preachy tone and impressive historical detail also resonated strongly with audiences.

Overall Consensus: ‘Risen’ is largely praised for its unique Roman-centric perspective on the Resurrection, driven by Joseph Fiennes’ compelling performance. It’s seen as an engaging, less preachy biblical drama that appeals to a broad audience, even if some found the latter half less impactful than the investigative beginning.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film was primarily shot on location in Malta and Almeria, Andalucia, Spain, which provided authentic historical backdrops for the ancient Judean setting.”
• “Cliff Curtis, a New Zealand Maori actor, was cast as Yeshua (Jesus), a deliberate choice by the filmmakers to present a more ethnically diverse portrayal of Jesus, moving away from traditional Western depictions.”
• “During Bartholomew’s interrogation, his defiant reply, ‘Just strike,’ subtly foreshadows the traditional Christian belief that Bartholomew was eventually crucified for his faith.”
• “A notable historical inaccuracy (or ‘goof’) in the film occurs when Lucius, a Roman, refers to the Greek god Poseidon instead of his Roman counterpart, Neptune.”

🖥️ How to Watch Risen?

Risen (2016) is available for streaming via rent or purchase on various digital platforms. You can find it on popular services such as Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube, and Vudu. Check your preferred platform for current pricing and availability, as options may vary. This allows viewers to easily access the film at their convenience.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Risen, you might like these similar films:

• The Passion of the Christ (2004): Offers a more graphic and intense portrayal of Jesus’s final hours and crucifixion, serving as a powerful and emotionally charged companion piece to ‘Risen’.
• The Robe (1953): A classic biblical epic also centered on a Roman soldier involved in the crucifixion who undergoes a profound conversion, exploring similar themes of faith and skepticism.
• Ben-Hur (1959): A grand historical epic set in the same Roman era, featuring strong themes of betrayal, redemption, and personal transformation, with impactful encounters with Jesus.
• The Name of the Rose (1986): A medieval mystery thriller that follows a rational investigator within a religious setting, appealing to the ‘detective story’ aspect of ‘Risen’.
• Paul, Apostle of Christ (2018): A more recent biblical drama that similarly delves into the historical and spiritual aspects of early Christianity, focusing on the challenges and spread of the new faith.

🛒 Risen Related Products

• Risen Collector’s Edition Blu-ray + Digital: Immerse yourself in the world of ‘Risen’ with this Collector’s Edition. Includes the film on Blu-ray, a digital copy for on-the-go viewing, and exclusive bonus features like behind-the-scenes footage, deleted scenes, and cast interviews. Experience the Roman Empire and the journey of Clavius in stunning high definition.
• Risen: The Novelization: Delve deeper into the narrative with this compelling novelization, expanding on the film’s story and characters. Follow Clavius’s journey with added internal monologue and rich historical detail, offering a deeper understanding of his spiritual transformation and the turbulent world of ancient Judea.
• Roman Centurion Helmet Replica (Display Quality): Own a piece of the Roman Empire with this high-quality, display-ready replica of a Roman Centurion helmet, similar to those worn in ‘Risen’. Crafted with intricate detail, it’s an impressive historical artifact perfect for collectors or enthusiasts of ancient history.
• Risen Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (Digital Album): Relive the emotional and suspenseful score of ‘Risen’ with the official digital soundtrack. Composed by Roque Baños, this album features all the powerful instrumental tracks that underscore Clavius’s investigation and spiritual awakening, creating an immersive listening experience.

🎧 Soundtrack

Risen features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “The Search” – performed by Roque Baños
• “Yeshua” – performed by Roque Baños
• “Resurrection” – performed by Roque Baños
• “Witness” – performed by Roque Baños
• “The Fisherman” – performed by Roque Baños

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

THE 𝐌𝐎𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 They Realized They Killed The Son of God | The Passion Of The Christ Scene 4K

Want to revisit one of the most chilling and pivotal moments from ‘The Passion of the Christ’? This 4K clip captures the raw emotion and dawning horror as the soldiers realize the weight of their actions. Seriously, it gives me goosebumps every time!

Proof Jesus Is Real 🤯 #shorts

After watching the intense narrative of ‘The Passion of the Christ’, have you ever wondered about the historical perspectives on Jesus’ existence? This quick ‘short’ offers a thought-provoking take on the evidence, which I found surprisingly compelling for such a brief video!

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