PAUL, APOSTLE OF CHRIST

Yet another biblical film which showcases the unimaginable persecution Christians endured under Nero’s rule of the Roman Empire. Dark and morbid with gruesome torture and death scenes, the film focuses on the final days of Paul who is awaiting execution in the infamous Mamertine prison in Rome. Once a notorious persecutor of Christians, he was declared an enemy of the Roman Empire when he became an apostle of Christ.

Beautifully filmed on a shoestring budget of $5 million in Malta, this religious drama should mesmerise church-going Christians, but may be predominantly dull and an exhausting cinematic experience for non-religious movie-goers. The historical accuracy of this film is also questionable, with soap-like storylines added for dramatic effect. The various accents of the actors detract (notably that of Olivier Martinez) and laughter may arise when a character appears on screen with what can only be described as an absurdly bad wig.

Why do filmmakers produce movies of this genre for the silver screen when they clearly belong on the Christian Cable Channels? For a superior biblical film revisit the original Ben Hur. (MMo)

★★1/2