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The Last Temptation of Christ

The Last Temptation of Christ

1988
Drama, Fantasy
2h 44m
At his execution, Jesus is tempted by an alluring image of a peaceful and pleasant life with Mary Magdelene to try to get him to refuse the sacrifice he must make (imdb)
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The Last Temptation of Christ

1988
Drama, Fantasy
2h 44m
Your probable score
Avg Percentile 63.5% from 2450 total ratings

Ratings & Reviews

(2450)
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Rated 27 Jul 2007
5
91st
A very intense film. I was born and raised Christian, and even though I'm no longer religious, there's still a powerful resonance in this: the idea that a divine man could earn redemption for himself and others through suffering, but also fear that suffering and face the same temptations as a regular man. Absurd to think all these years later that the Catholic heirarchy took such issue with this portrayal of Christ, but fuck them anyway.
Rated 03 Nov 2009
85
84th
A very, very interesting spin on the Jesus tale. It's almost up there with Pasolini's for me. I'm sure some of the theological implications flew over this atheist's head, but I found the portrayal of his human side, full of doubt and fear, to be fascinating and revealing. I thought it got a little too "Greatest Hits of the New Testament" at times, especially in the middle section. Besides this, and one spot where Gabriel's score doesn't really work, I don't have any complaints.
Rated 21 May 2009
9
90th
Out of all the various portrayals of Jesus's story I've seen on film, this one has moved me the most. Thematically, it's very heavy. Everything had a striking intensity and internal power to it. I expected the story to be different, of course (after all, that's why it was so controversial - this time Jesus experienced the same temptations of a regular man) but I didn't expect it to be as haunting and poetic as it was.
Rated 10 Jun 2013
70
48th
A fictional account of Jesus. Maybe even the most fictional. I mean seriously, Jesus was a jew? Nice try Scorsese, but nobody would believe that.
Rated 14 Nov 2018
88
87th
Two religious leaders in my life have said the following, which I've taken to heart as a believer: the Biblical Jesus in context was punk rock; and Jesus was 100% God and 100% Man, and not schizophrenic. The film nails the former. But for the latter, which is both foundational, and a critical illogic that can only be assumed by Faith, the film fails miserably... yet this failure reveals its message of belief under pressure and the work needed to accept Divinity. It's a conflict to ponder.
Rated 01 Aug 2007
89
83rd
It starts to weaken towards the end but overall it's an powerhouse of epic proportions. Willem Dafoe is excellent in his role as Jesus and Scorsese's direction shines as usual. While a definitely tier below Scorsese's other masterpieces, Last Temptation stands tall as one of the better movies of the late 80s.
Rated 19 Aug 2009
4
74th
The reimagining of Gospel isn't the only unorthodox thing about this picture. Each time I've seen it, a period of adjustment is required: just as this incarnation of Jesus struggles coming to terms, so too do I with this film's strange and sometimes awkward combination of cast, script, and musical cues. But it settles into something lulling and irresistible, unbelievably unique and audacious. What other film has ever internalized Christ to this extent?
Rated 24 Mar 2010
4
35th
This is a well made movie with some good acting and directing and everything else but I just found it became more and more boring as it went along. Starts out good but gets progressively worse. Has some really cringe worthy moments (Jesus: If I was a woodcutter, I'd cut. If I was a fire, I'd burn. But I'm a heart and I love.) but suffers ultimately from bad pacing. However, I'm glad Scorsese painted Jesus as the crazy lunatic that I'm sure he was.
Rated 29 Feb 2012
77
93rd
Bold and powerful. I was worried about Defoe's performance, but it ended up being surprisingly effective. Same goes for Peter Gabriel's score. Despite generating so much controversy for sacrilege, it ultimately inspires emotions of awe, beauty, and reverence with its portrayal of the "incessant, merciless battle between the spirit and the flesh": something that's as meaningful to the Christian as it is to the unbeliever.
Rated 12 Apr 2012
74
76th
Hey, I'm making a movie about Jesus, any chance David Bowie is available?
Rated 23 Apr 2012
90
92nd
Despite the alterations from the scriptures, there is nothing "un-Christian" about this film. The core essence of the Gospel is in tact. I was raised in a devout Christian home. As a child I was always confused by the line "Father why have you forsaken me?" This movie essentially explains it, showing the confused, scared, angry, HUMAN side of Jesus. Being freed from an exact translation of the bible allows this movie to dig deeper into the story than any other Jesus movie ever has.
Rated 22 Feb 2007
60
62nd
Same old story told with a few twists but a good film as expected from Scorsese
Rated 08 Mar 2010
100
96th
I loved this. I felt challenged by Christ's osculation between Love and the Axe. It wasn't just talk, either. He embraced the Axe for a while, and he could have conquered the world. We are shown this. Christ descending from the cross asked a similar question in a different way. Temporal vs metaphysical power. I'm still not sure what I would have done in either scenario, and I'm thrilled that this movie has pushed me into thinking about these philosophical issues in a serious way.
Rated 29 Sep 2010
90
91st
Fascinating take on the story of Christ as a confused and very much human man with his feelings and doubts on full display. The take on Judas in this film is of the most interesting parts and is handled exquisitely. The only issue is the time spent on a montage of miracles in the middle. Does anyone NOT know about Jesus' miracles? Was this really necessary? Otherwise splendid in execution.
Rated 24 Mar 2011
89
84th
An exploration of the deep humanity of Jesus. Not blasphemous at all, despite rumors to the contrary.
Rated 02 Jun 2011
86
92nd
a tremendous change to the traditional story of jesus, i was thoroughly impressed by defoe's performance and as for scorsese's direction it's a wonder why this movie was largely forgotten. all in all this is an excellent take on what too many people believe is non-fiction, perhaps that's why it was ignored by so many people.
Rated 21 Jul 2013
80
54th
A fascinating account of Jesus' journey to the cross that deviates from the Gospels and uses fantasy sequences to show how he could be tempted by Satan. The controversy over the film has been widely overblown. The sex isn't gratuitous and it's clear that the film isn't saying Jesus caved to temptation, but that he faced Satan and fulfilled his purpose. I don't agree with everything it says but the direction is clear and the use of visuals and haunting score make for some spellbinding moments.
Rated 05 Nov 2013
90
94th
An intense portrayal of a confused but dedicated revolutionary. He is desperate to know what to do and how to know that he has fulfilled his duty.
Rated 19 Jul 2014
48
19th
Judging by this film, Scorsese had a pretty poor understanding of the book it was based on. Or was it Schrader's misunderstanding that was at fault? Either way, read the book instead.
Rated 08 Nov 2020
52
49th
Martin Scorsese's film about Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of God, a proud Italian.
Rated 03 Jan 2021
82
82nd
It's rare to see a film realistically depict this period in history, back when everyone in the Middle East had New York accents.
Rated 06 Jan 2007
100
0th
An amazing achievement in directing for Martin Scorsese. This is the Scorsese film that gets over looked and it if you have then please go back to it. It is the best picture about the duel age of Christ. Amazing performances, top notch cinematography, and an amazing score by Peter Gabriel.
Rated 02 Feb 2007
80
73rd
nice serious yet pop edge...
Rated 04 Mar 2007
12
3rd
Insulting
Rated 02 Jun 2007
80
68th
Protested all over the place by Jeezemoids that had never seen it, but a good movie about Jesus. Much better than _The Passion of the Christ_; this may be a Scorsese movie, but there's no gratuitous gore here
Rated 03 Aug 2007
96
95th
Man, I cried at the end and I'm a godless heathen. Unlike "The Passion", this is a Jesus I could actually give a damn about. The one negative is Harvey Keitel's hilariously Bronx-ish Judas.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
75
74th
Willem Dafoe is appropriately insane in his depiction of Jesus Christ.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
55
53rd
Score based on distant memory.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
80
31st
powerful and controversial
Rated 14 Aug 2007
90
85th
A cleverly and thought-provokingly written take on the big Jesus myth. The Kazantzakis book is slightly better, but the film is still amazing. Wonderful acting by Defoe and Keitel.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
68
32nd
Incredibly intense, but kind of unintentionally hysterical.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
88
68th
A strong but not perfect movie about the life of Jesus, focusing on his humanity.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
90
85th
Loved this movie - as true a vision of what Christ gave up for mankind as any movie I've ever seen. Great performances.
Rated 31 Aug 2007
50
49th
ok
Rated 17 Sep 2007
90
98th
Flawed but brilliant film with real emotion
Rated 20 Sep 2007
89
88th
Good film. Dafoe was a good Jesus. Scorsese's direction was brilliant. Very intense, I felt like I was there. Worth a look.
Rated 14 Oct 2007
75
33rd
I like it for the controversey, but even after a second viewing, it just really falls short. Despite not being at all Catholic, The Passion is still the best Jesus movie of all time (except for Jesus Christ Superstar, of course.) Ted Neely IS Christ in my eyes.
Rated 17 Oct 2007
70
86th
I loved this movie..I am not sure why. It struck a chord with my agnostic tendancies.
Rated 24 Oct 2007
95
92nd
Minus five for the accent of Harvey Keitel. Despite the protests of the Christians who didn't see it/misunderstand the meaning of their own religion, this is the most inspiring religious film I've ever seen.
Rated 26 Oct 2007
33
12th
Not very memorble. Certainly not blasphemous. Dull.
Rated 23 Jan 2008
82
57th
A bit meandering and takes a few liberties with history, but well worth a watch for fans of period dramas.
Rated 01 Feb 2008
57
46th
Willem Dafoe does not fit to the shoes of Jesus. I'm atheist though.
Rated 10 Feb 2008
80
29th
A very intriguing story redeems yet another miscast Christ (Dafoe as Jesus, though I give him an A for effort) and a woefully miscast Judas (Harvey Keitel...?!). The last half of this film is the real reason to watch it.
Rated 02 Mar 2008
69
50th
# 623
Rated 12 Mar 2008
60
18th
Boring but interesting. How you expect a religion-based movie to be.
Rated 01 May 2008
70
57th
Fascinating, if not throughoutly affecting.
Rated 21 Jun 2008
98
96th
Fucking amazing.
Rated 04 Sep 2008
68
12th
It is good to know what people have been influenced by with regard to Jesus.
Rated 17 Sep 2008
30
35th
Nej Scorsese
Rated 19 Dec 2008
65
30th
693
Rated 03 Jul 2009
83
72nd
Fascinating. Scorsese turns Jesus, Judas, and co. into real people, not mythical figures. The acting in this film is terrific, Peter Gabriel's score is great, and it's a very satisfying picture all around.
Rated 05 Sep 2009
75
81st
One of Scorsese's most underrated films and also one of his best. Dafoe gives a grand performance, portraying Jesus not as a god but as a man.
Rated 07 Nov 2009
6
56th
I wish the movie ended with the "traitor" shouted by Keitel, then it could be something more than Christian apologetic snorefest. In other news: Gabriel's soundtracks is awful.
Rated 16 Dec 2009
80
95th
I really like where this goes; depicting Christ as a flawed man is not only evocative of personal struggle and reconciliation with the idea of a higher power, but also refreshing. It's just too bad everyone in Jerusalem is speaking english with a New York accent.
Rated 15 Jan 2010
66
32nd
680
Rated 30 Jan 2010
91
89th
One of Scorsese's greatest accomplishments. a really thought-provoking film that holds the interest of even those who have no religious/christian association.
Rated 20 Mar 2010
95
98th
The conflict between humanity and sanctity through Jesus' life has never been more complex and disturbing. Scorsese and Schrader, adaptating Kazantzakis' novel, have constructed a human being like us all, disattaching Christ of any orthodox vision.
Rated 09 Apr 2010
67
27th
over-rated, considering the controversy, read the book folks!
Rated 06 Aug 2010
5
44th
me impressionou demais na época em que eu vi... devia ter uns 13 anos....
Rated 11 Aug 2010
75
72nd
An audacious, anachronistic adaptation of Kazatzakis' novel that made the conservative gasp! Scorsese's direction is powerful and energetic as always, and although the film drags in several points, the last thirty minutes or so are absolutely brilliant. Dafoe is terrific as Jesus and I also really like the Keitel performance. Peter Gabriel composes one of the greatest scores ever put on film.
Rated 15 Aug 2010
71
49th
An ambitious take on the most popular story of all-time; even though I must admit that this story does not say a lot to me. In literature, I liked Saramago's take more and in cinema Mel Gibson's slightly crazy film is more moving also. But the talk between Paul and Jesus towards the end nails the essence of religion so well that the movie left a good taste in my mouth. Taste of blood. Peter Gabriel's quirky score was a nice surprise too by the way.
Rated 21 Sep 2010
94
89th
A moving, forceful, lovingly crafted testimony to Jesus, which particularly marvels at the grand selflessness of his sacrifice upon the cross. Indeed, the temptation of the title does not, as its detractors assumed, impugn upon the divinity of Jesus. If anything, it reinforces his generosity, fortitude and personal faith. It's clearly an intensely personal film for Scorsese, and while his expert eye and inventiveness is in evidence, he's also just as likely to get out of the way.
Rated 22 Sep 2010
6
24th
such a load of crap. Bowie was cool. also, the gospels are just as "fictional" as this thing
Rated 06 Nov 2010
55
16th
In spite of the films opening remarks this IS based on texts know as the the gnostic writings as well as various extra-religious parchments. Religion aside those of us with rational minds not chained to dogma accept the fact that IF there was a MAN named Jesus (a common mistranslated TERM for jew) then most historical writings point to the single man termed as such as being husband of Mary and fathering children. Take it for what it's worth; this is very loose on ALL counts of "history".
Rated 30 Nov 2010
40
97th
"There is a God in the film, and it pursues Jesus throughout." - Jeremiah Kipp
Rated 26 Dec 2010
88
87th
awesome performances and directing.
Rated 01 Jan 2011
88
66th
Dafoe manages to draw us into the mystery, anguish and joy of the holy life. This is anything but another one of those boring biblical costume epics. There is genuine challenge and hope in this movie.
Rated 02 Jan 2011
82
71st
82.000
Rated 19 Jan 2011
88
77th
Willem DaFoe does a great job playing the part of Jesus of Nazareth in this film. Most of the film is about Jesus' ministry and all of the hardships he faced during his ministry. Now there is much more to this film, but I'm not going to say anything more about it. Also, don't look on Wikipedia or any other site for a synopsis/plot. Try to experience it yourself. The movie is nearly 3 hours long, but it really makes up for it. Watch it, I really can't say anything about it. Watch it.
Rated 25 Apr 2011
99
97th
Extraordinary rendering of speculations as to the mindset of Christ as he prepares to carry out his father's wishes. Scorsese's masterful direction, Gabriel's haunting score, superlative performances by Dafoe and Keitel (and the entire cast), plus fascinating subject matter makes this one of Scorsese's finest achievements. Highly recommended for those intrigued by the philosophical implications of Christ's doubt. Very invigorating.
Rated 13 Jun 2011
97
98th
I love me some flippy floppy Christ up in this piece
Rated 26 Jun 2011
70
54th
The modern way of speaking gives this provocative and audacious reinterpretation of a more human and less divine Jesus an anachronistic feel. Dafoe gives a competent performance and the whole thing is filled with insights about the nature of humanity. It's never less than interesting. But I still can't help but feel a certain disconnect from this Jesus. His spiritual anguish didn't seem so convincing.
Rated 11 Oct 2011
75
53rd
I know this is considered partly 'fiction' (as far as the Bible is concerned), but Jesus was pretty pathetic, and cowardly. Still interesting to watch though.
Rated 02 Dec 2011
63
26th
#734
Rated 28 Dec 2011
86
87th
It's hard not to be moved by the story of Jesus, especially when it's this complex and well-written. And it's nice to see a Scorsese film that's set primarily outdoors. The cinematography isn't nearly as flashy as it is in some of his other films, but there are still many moments of brilliance.
Rated 19 Feb 2012
65
14th
A poor man's version of TNG's 'Tapestry'.
Rated 15 Mar 2012
90
69th
Cok cok guzel. Isa'nin hayati Kazancakis'in anlatisiyla sunuluyor. Veee tum bunlar cok garip bir oyunculuk ve sinema stiliyle bulusuyor. Isanin hayatinin filmi 80ler hollywood aksiyon filmleri stilinde - aklima hep Mad Max geldi.
Rated 02 May 2012
60
35th
Solid performance, but this was hastily thrown together and it shows. The "score" (if one can call it that) was all sorts of awful.
Rated 07 Jul 2012
81
54th
Good for Scorcese for taking on this fascinating subject matter. But the directorial style doesn't jibe with the period material. A more stylized approach (see Coppola's 'One From the Heart', for e.g.) might have suited the post-method styles of Defoe and Keitel, but combining Holy Land street verite with jarring portrayals more at home in a Brooklyn pool hall interferes with the hypothesis at the heart of the film. A brave experiment gone wrong.
Rated 03 Aug 2012
95
93rd
Scorsese's passion project, a true masterpiece that is a very spiritual, deeply moving film. Great performances from Dafoe, Keitel, Hershey, Bowie and Harry Dean Stanton (who should be credited here but isn't), as well as an awesome score by Peter Gabriel.
Rated 19 Aug 2012
40
10th
Unengaging mindfuck.
Rated 25 Oct 2012
80
84th
* Casting, Acting : 9 * Script : 7 * Directing, Aura : 8 * Ease of Viewing : 7 * Naked Eye : 9
Rated 28 Oct 2012
85
32nd
84.500
Rated 06 Nov 2012
81
35th
80.500
Rated 22 Mar 2013
80
68th
The changes made to the story as well as the making Jesus subject to doubts, fears and temptations turn his story from a great story that is narratively and thematically compelling in to a great story that is emotionally compelling as well. It is not perfect, in particular Peter Gabriel's score is problematic, however the film manages to humanize a tale that risks coldness and treats the story and teachings of Jesus seriously without any cheesy lionising. As an agnostic I must say it moved me.
Rated 13 May 2013
86
72nd
An incredibly interesting movie following the life of Jesus.
Rated 25 May 2013
63
42nd
I like the angle here, but the execution left something to be desired. The dialogue was often poorly written and the score sounded way too cheesy and 80s. It's worth watching just to see an interesting depiction of Jesus, but it certainly is one of Scorsese's weaker efforts.
Rated 20 Jun 2013
45
37th
I dare say, Kazantzakis too much confused about his blief. I didn't understand anything. But sound tracks amazing.
Rated 02 Sep 2013
75
34th
Not interesting unless you're Christian. I appreciate some of the attempts to modernise the material but it doesn't hold together for me.
Rated 18 Sep 2013
79
61st
79.67.
Rated 24 Sep 2013
57
12th
Plays out like a Scorsese Westernisation of this Biblical tale -- I half expected Joe Pesci to show up and call Jesus a 'Jew cocksucker'. Seeming like a straight-faced parody was something I couldn't get passed, and although there are some worthy moments and some striking imagery, this is a dull film that often showcases its technical and creative flubs (many characters get hardly any characterisation - I suppose the good book would fill in the blanks).
Rated 10 Oct 2013
95
80th
The best and most honest Jesus movie. Jesus as Jewish anti-imperialist communist schizophrenic prophet. "What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swaying in the wind? What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? Look, those who wear fine clothing are found in kings' palaces. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet."
Rated 20 Dec 2013
80
77th
Marty and Schradey have a dance of LOOK HOW CATHOLIC I AM while tugging on Willem Dafoe
Rated 01 Apr 2014
75
65th
The story concept is fantastic, by portraying Jesus as a flawed human being weight is added to his choices, which makes his faith feel stronger as it comes from the real human heart. Sadly, far too much does The Last Temptation of Christ focus on portraying the scriptures rather than giving more insight into Jesus's personal life and inner turmoil, and it's odd when so much of the latter is shoved into the final third. Peter Gabriel's synth score is also tonally off, but a great movie still.
Rated 24 Apr 2014
88
84th
A real cool movie, so far removed from what Scorsese does best but the excellent imagery here and some excellent acting still show the dude works well outside of his comfort zone (though thematically he's obviously still comfortable). It feels a little long and bloated, kinda dirge-like at points, but the ending makes it worth it, probably the best ending to any Jesus-based work, including the actual Bible
Rated 11 Feb 2015
97
99th
This movie floored me. I loved absolutely everything about it. I loved the insane liberties the movie takes with the traditional Biblical story, I loved Willem Dafoe's performance (my favorite Jesus in film), I even loved Harvey Keitel's Judas sounding like he's straight out of the Bronx, and the super-low-budget feel the whole production has. Something about this just strikes a serious chord with me, in a way very few other movies do.
Rated 17 Jul 2015
2
31st
Hmm... Compared to my own idea of Jesus, this more aggressive and vulnerable version is an interesting take, and the alterede story itself is also interesting, although I had a hard time sitting through the whole thing without pausing. Dafoe does a good job, and Scorsese's directing is solid of course, but I'm still leaving very unsatisfied. *Okay
Rated 26 Mar 2016
99
99th
The dialogue is rather trying at times, and many of the film's strengths are actually from the book, but this is great stuff.
Rated 27 Mar 2016
5
19th
I can't even pretend to approach this film neutrally: while it's true that no pretense is made about being faithful to the Gospels, I nonetheless feel compelled to point out the self-defeating blasphemous nature of this picture. That being said, I still have to confess that there's a level of artistic value to be found in the exploration of ideas presented by Scorsese; no matter how absurd I may find them to be.
Rated 20 Feb 2017
70
71st
A pretty interesting movie that was banned in my country for a long time, after watching it I thought it was a very Christian movie that shows a very human Jesus that has doubts and even sins, that made his life more interesting. It's a bit all over the place sometimes and feels flat in the middle, but a very interesting watch.

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