Paolo, apostolo di Cristo

This movie is far better than your typical Bible or 'faith-based' movie; I admittedly had some low expectations going in to see it and was very surprised by a quality film with a beautiful message. Not for one second did I feel that this was preachy or 'Bible-beating'... it was more pure and authentic and humanist. The acting is top notch, with Jim Caviezel, Faulkner, and Olivier Martinez really giving some nuanced and layered performances. Nobody phoned in their roles, you could sense a level of passion and commitment to the story. The music was also excellent, a gorgeous score that was paired with some nice cinematography and production design. The movie looked good and sounded, but importantly - it felt good. Lots of films in the devotional genre tend to end up being mere dramatic recreations of the gospels, but this one, while delivering authenticity, was not as concerned with delivering a 'live-action experience of the Bible' so much as striving to express the true message of Paul. That message, the one that is basically Christ's Sermon on the Mount, is the crux of the film. This gives it an emotional heft that is quite poignant. I wasn't so moved by the characters' actions and the story in so much as what they were feeling in their hearts and what they were expressing. Dammit this movie hit me right in the feels and I already know it will linger with me for days. That is a good sign that I just participated in some human art. Won't win any Oscars, and sadly probably won't light up the box office but this is a fine and beautiful movie with an important and relevant message for the world today.

I saw this movie today and thought it was good, with excellent acting, and location (filmed in Malta which was the place of one of Paul's journeys). The movie doesn't sugar coat the persecution the Christians of that era had to endure, shirk away from divisions within the early church community or difficult questions being asked by those living in those times. The story line drags in a few places but for the most part it is a movie worth seeing in a theater.

I saw a 5pm show and sadly there were only about 10 people at the most there, so hopefully more will attend future screenings.

I've come close a few times: "Saving Private Ryan" and "The Weatherman" are two that I can think of right off the bat that have at least made my eyes well up; but this one...

I legitimately busted out crying in the last few minutes of the film, finding myself overwhelmed with emotion.

If you don't know the story of Paul, it's one of redemption. Of all people to be converted to Christianity, he was perhaps the least likely candidate being that he persecuted the early Church or Christ.

This film isn't a comprehensive study on Paul, but rather the final moments of his life, and the impact that it had on the Church.

Early on in the film, we're shown Paul taken to prison awaiting his execution, and that's where the main focus of the film is. To cover Paul's entire life in the Church would require a massive budget, so it's hard to complain about a film not doing that when the reality is it cost money to make movies, but I digress.

The most amazing things might be what Paul did for Jesus Christ, but the most powerful is his conversion and how he had to fight spiritually in even his last days. We see him revisit his past in flashback sequences that are probably the best interpretation of these events I have ever seen on film. It's beautifully filmed, and tragically dark; but despite the darkness, there is salvation for Paul, and that's what's so touching about the film: salvation is available for everyone, and despite all that Paul had done in his past, he ended up serving God faithfully, right up to his death.

The subplots revolve around a Roman soldier and his sick daughter, as well as the opposition the Church faced, and Luke also finding his place within all of this. The film doesn't shy away from the harsh violence that was inflicted on early Believers either, which makes for simultaneously enlightening and difficult viewing. Much of the film's impact hinges on the final moments, and that's where the emotional punches land; it opts to build up to the ending, even though there are powerful moments before that, some of which are truly unforgettable.

This film is less of a movie in the traditional sense and far more of an experience, as its pacing is slow and methodical but never dull. By the end, I cried harder than I ever had in any movie. I highly recommend this film. It's a film about a very dangerous time in history, and a reminder of the persecution that still happens today, in which many Christians are slaughtered for what they believe.

Watch it!

I like movies of faith though I'm not religious. This is one of the better ones to come out recently. The acting, directing, and especially editing are far superior to Sampson, another recent movie of faith which was supposed to be a blockbuster and failed miserably in every imaginable way (including the box office.)

Paul, Apostle of Christ (2018) really does uplift. Whatever you believe, a story of someone willing to endure torture and still maintain his faith, while preaching that great evil can only be conquered by greater good, is someone to be admired. This film can bring tears to your eyes, make no mistake. It can also bolster your resolve to be a force for good.

It moved slowly at times or was it simply that we expect a higher body count and more explosions in our films? I thought it gained tremendous momentum towards the end and I left feeling very satisfied, uplifted, and quite entertained. This is a very unusual film in many respects. Its very downbeat, almost like film noir...really. Many scenes are quite dark and the lighting effects are really unusual and I found the pleasing. The acting was fine and the and the movie had a very original feel despite everyone knowing about the Apostle Paul and his unique life. I got to say that Christianity has strayed radically from the vision that Paul had!! It was interesting to me how closeups were used in so many scenes. There were some rough scenes including the final ones but that was reality back then and still is in many parts of the world. I recommend this film highly for anyone looking for something deeper that offers a unique perspective on many levels. Definitely worth your time whether you are into religion or not. Good one.