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The Last Temptation of Christ

Play trailer 1:44 Poster for The Last Temptation of Christ R 1988 2h 43m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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82% Tomatometer 106 Reviews 84% Popcornmeter 25,000+ Ratings
Jesus (Willem Dafoe), a humble Judean carpenter beginning to see that he is the son of God, is drawn into revolutionary action against the Roman occupiers by Judas (Harvey Keitel) -- despite his protestations that love, not violence, is the path to salvation. The burden of being the savior of mankind torments Jesus throughout his life, leading him to doubt. As he is put to death on the cross, Jesus is tempted by visions of an ordinary life married to Mary Magdalene (Barbara Hershey).

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The Last Temptation of Christ

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Critics Consensus

Contrary to accusations of irreverence, The Last Temptation of Christ's biggest sins are actually languid pacing and some tinny dialogue -- but Martin Scorsese's passion for the subject shines through in an oft-transcendent rumination on faith.

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Critics Reviews

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Kathleen Sachs Chicago Reader 12/27/2022
...shockingly potent, leaving me in tears... Go to Full Review
Jay Scott Globe and Mail 12/07/2022
Scorsese and Schrader have made a courageous film that people of all religions or no religion should be able to watch with identical fascination. Go to Full Review
Jay Carr Boston Globe 05/06/2022
It's a challenging film in the best sense, a gritty, deeply felt effort to renew the significance of Christ in terms of contemporary experience, and one that reminds us of how radical Christ was. Go to Full Review
Matt Brunson Film Frenzy Nov 21
4/4
The most faith-inspiring religious epic ever made. Go to Full Review
Christopher Lloyd The Film Yap 09/30/2024
3.5/5
Attacked relentlessly as heretical at its release, Martin Scorsese's fictional rumination on Jesus' inner life is actually a fairly staid interpretation -- and barely less bloody than Mel Gibson's. Go to Full Review
Joshua Polanski Boston Hassle 07/19/2024
The Last Temptation of Christ ... is a movie that matters. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Blake- N @PBSAniDom May 16 The Last Temptation of Christ is a deeply thought-provoking and visually striking film that stands out as one of the more unique biblical adaptations ever made. It takes a bold approach to storytelling that invites reflection rather than simply retelling familiar events. The direction is powerful and patient, allowing the narrative to unfold in a way that emphasizes internal struggle and human complexity. The performances are grounded and serious, giving weight to the emotional and spiritual themes throughout. The atmosphere is intense and often contemplative, supported by strong cinematography and a haunting score. It’s the kind of film that lingers in your mind long after it ends, encouraging discussion and interpretation. Overall, it is a compelling and meaningful viewing experience that isn’t afraid to challenge expectations. I would rate it an 8/10 for its ambition, depth, and lasting impact. See more Zane T @ZaneThind Apr 9 While good direction from Martin Scorsese and good acting from Willem Dafoe and Harvey Keitel. This film is way too long and for the most it feels boring. Scorsese goes against type with this film for sure but his usual gangster flicks are better. See more Nick S @RT73225263 Apr 1 The last 45 minutes makes up for the first 2 hrs that are slow and patchy. See more James B. @JamesBass Jan 25 I won’t belabor this with a review — Kazantzakis and Scorsese are a winning combination. See more Michael C @Michael71 Dec 15 Now being able to see the movie well removed from the controversy it stirred up in its initial release, "The Last Temptation of Christ" is an outstanding movie. One of the best of Academy Award winning director Martin Scorsese's enduring career. With a well written and thought-provoking storyline, the movie works on multiple levels. Willem Dafoe is terrific in his performance as Jesus Christ. Seeing him go through life and questioning his responsibilities as the Son of God is never boring or contrived. The only criticisms I have of the movie are instances of dialogue by the supporting characters that could have been better. The late David Bowie's cameo as Pontius Pilate is the best example of this. His dialogue was a little odd and even a little on the cornball side. Some of Harvey Keitel's dialogue could have been better as well. Despite these minor flaws, I believe "The Last Temptation of Christ" has stood the test of time and is worth seeing. See more Armin R @RT45554200 Aug 30 Martin Scorsese’s The Last Temptation of Christ is not just a film—it’s an experience. The acting is powerful and deeply human, grounding every moment in raw emotion. The dialogue is profound, carrying weight that lingers long after the credits roll. Its plot is layered, thoughtful, and unafraid to wrestle with the deepest spiritual questions. The music elevates the narrative beautifully, adding both tension and transcendence. This is, without a doubt, the most profound Jesus movie ever made. It challenges, inspires, and moves in ways few films dare. See more Read all reviews
The Last Temptation of Christ

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The Last Temptation of Christ

The Last Temptation of Christ: Official Clip - The Last Supper The Last Temptation of Christ: Official Clip - The Last Supper 3:25 The Last Temptation of Christ: Official Clip - Guardian Angel at Golgotha The Last Temptation of Christ: Official Clip - Guardian Angel at Golgotha 2:56 The Last Temptation of Christ: Official Clip - I Want To Be The Messiah! The Last Temptation of Christ: Official Clip - I Want To Be The Messiah! 2:31 The Last Temptation of Christ: Official Clip - Pontius Pilate The Last Temptation of Christ: Official Clip - Pontius Pilate 3:33 The Last Temptation of Christ: Official Clip - Tempted by Satan The Last Temptation of Christ: Official Clip - Tempted by Satan 3:33 The Last Temptation of Christ: Official Clip - Crown of Thorns The Last Temptation of Christ: Official Clip - Crown of Thorns 3:22 The Last Temptation of Christ: Official Clip - Paul's False Testimony The Last Temptation of Christ: Official Clip - Paul's False Testimony 4:24 The Last Temptation of Christ: Official Clip - The Crucifixion The Last Temptation of Christ: Official Clip - The Crucifixion 2:25 The Last Temptation of Christ: Official Clip - Jesus' Heart The Last Temptation of Christ: Official Clip - Jesus' Heart 3:05 The Last Temptation of Christ: Official Clip - The Cleansing of the Temple The Last Temptation of Christ: Official Clip - The Cleansing of the Temple 3:43 View more videos
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Movie Info

Synopsis Jesus (Willem Dafoe), a humble Judean carpenter beginning to see that he is the son of God, is drawn into revolutionary action against the Roman occupiers by Judas (Harvey Keitel) -- despite his protestations that love, not violence, is the path to salvation. The burden of being the savior of mankind torments Jesus throughout his life, leading him to doubt. As he is put to death on the cross, Jesus is tempted by visions of an ordinary life married to Mary Magdalene (Barbara Hershey).
Director
Martin Scorsese
Producer
Barbara De Fina
Screenwriter
Paul Schrader, Nikos Kazantzakis
Distributor
Universal Pictures, Criterion Collection
Production Co
Universal Pictures
Rating
R
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Aug 12, 1988, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Aug 18, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA)
$8.2M
Runtime
2h 43m
Sound Mix
Surround