
The Last Temptation of Christ
Seen it?1988 | 164 min | Drama
Why it’s a Saturday Special
People are still talking about it, it earned strong reviews (82% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it made about 5 times its budget. A strong pick for the weekend.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who loves a strong drama. If you loved Silence, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Thoughtful and character-driven.
- The pace
- Unhurried and epic, at 2 hr 44 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated R: meant for adults.
- It's long: 2 hr 44 min.
Jesus, 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 -- 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.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
82% on Rotten Tomatoes, 80 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
7.2 out of 10
- AwardsSolid
Won 1 Venice award: Venice International Film Festival: Best Miracle in a Movie. Also nominated for 1 Oscar and 2 Golden Globes.. Plus: Nominated for 1 Razzie, the "worst of the year" awards.
- Box office & staying powerStrong
$34 million worldwide on a $7 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactVery strong
About 538K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
Dead Man WalkingFriday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed drama.
SilenceSaturday SpecialAlso from director Martin Scorsese, though it's a different kind of film: a drama, and a Saturday Special.
The Passion of the ChristSunday Safe BetAnother drama, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
First ReformedFriday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed drama.
Son of GodWeeknight WatchAnother drama, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Want more like this, picked just for you? Get my picks
Cast & crew
Directed by Martin Scorsese
- Willem DafoeJesus
- Harvey KeitelJudas
- Paul GrecoZealot
- Steve ShillCenturian
- David BowiePontius Pilatus
- Verna BloomMary, Mother of Jesus
- Barbara HersheyMary Magdalene
- Roberts BlossomAged Master
- Barry MillerJeroboam
- Gary BasarabaAndrew, Apostle