Le Tombeau

For a Christian, the main interest is about the question. The doubt. The Resurrection as root of his faith. And, in this sense, the film does a well job. Because, it propose a clash, proofs from a tomb, expectations and, without be the most ispired constructed, the end is the only reasonable. A film proposing a challenge. Not in the best form but acceptable.

Once again Antonio Banderas shows us he can act well. I mark the film 9 out of 10, especially given the risks run by all those involved in making this film on site, in Jerusalem. I am staggered that the film could be made in Jerusalem at all, with all the differing Christian, Jewish and Palestinian groups and splinter groups so well depicted, if fictionalised in their representation. The violent scenes may not drip the blood of a Tarantino movie but it is enough to convey the "to the death" intolerance of each other that so shamefully characterise so many of these groups and splinter groups today. The actors and the script show the intensity of so many who refuse to acknowledge/accept the rights of the others - to their differing faith, or even to exist. The film brilliantly reminds us of how these groups and splinter groups lose sight of the essential truth of their own faith/belief system in their violent intolerance of the other. This is the key to facing the stark reality of the intractability of the various players in the Middle East which the film so well depicts. Especially it underlines these groups and splinter groups' willingness to misuse/abuse: the innocent trying simply to live peacefully with their families; the combatants' own faith/followers; as well as that of those they oppose. The tragedy of the Middle East is that, I believe, the same fate would befall the ancient prophets of these faiths, were they alive today, as befell them centuries/millennia ago. The religiously-intolerant attacks by some on this film simply demonstrate how correct this belief is. The actors, film director and all those others involved in making this film deserve congratulations for their courage in making it on site - despite the risks to themselves from the intolerant.

Greyollie, Canberra, Australia.

Palestinian shopkeeper Nasir Hamid was just trying to dig a basement.

Jewish archaeologist Dr. Sharon Golban enters the cave and makes an amazing discovery. Diplomat Moshe Cohen calls Father Lavelle to investigate, and Lavelle comes out of the cave looking positively stunned.

Only poor men were crucified. And in all of recorded history, only one crucified man has been buried in a rich man's tomb. The Vatican must get involved. Father Matt Gutierrez, formerly in military intelligence, is selected to do his own investigation.

What if it really is Jesus? This could mean the end of Christianity. Meanwhile, Palestinians want to claim all of Jerusalem as their capital. The discovery only adds to the tension in the city. If this is a hoax, perhaps it is because someone wanted to start a war over the city.

Antonio Banderas did a fine job of showing a man whose faith is tested. Some important questions about faith were raised, including Jewish attitudes toward disturbing the dead. Other than that, this film was nothing really special. I thought Olivia Williams (as Sharon), Derek Jacobi (as Lavelle) and John Shrapnel (as Cohen) all did a good job.

There was some humor here. Sharon's crazy driving, for example. Violence was minor for the most part.

It surely isn't "The Da Vinci Code" (which I have only heard about), but this is a film that can make people think.

God has no place in politics—this is the theme of The Body, an interesting film, if not a particularly 'entertaining' one.

Antonio Banderas plays Father Matt Gutierrez, a priest sent by the Vatican to investigate the discovery of a tomb in Jerusalem, which may or may not contain the crucified remains of Christ. Gutierrez has been given instructions by the Vatican to declare that the remains are not those of Christ; but with all of the evidence suggesting otherwise, the priest must struggle with facing the fact that his religion may be founded on a lie, and that, perhaps, Jesus was never resurrected.

Questioning his faith is only the beginning of Gutierrez's problems: Orthodox Jews, angry at the tomb being disturbed, attack the archaeologists; the Israelis blackmail the Vatican, only offering to hand over the body if the Vatican recognises Jerusalem as the undivided capital of Israel; and the Palestinians, who get wind of Israel's plan and are naturally displeased, kidnap the children of sexy archaeologist Sharon Golban (Olivia Williams), forcing her into stealing the bones.

The movie, shot on location in Jerusalem, has beautiful cinematography and great acting from Banderas and Williams, but the complicated plot may cause many viewers to lose interest. Those with a particular interest in the subject matter will probably glean the most from this rather long and intricate tale, but I can imagine the casual viewer quickly becoming bored.

If you choose to watch this, I recommend that you stick it out to the end; you may not be riveted to the screen but, like me, you might learn a little about a fascinating subject.

Usually I am quite critical of films, especially Hollywood action films in the line of "The Body". I DID like this one and think it is under-rated but look at the reviews here and you will see extremes of hating and liking this film. This is odd, and I wonder if it has to do with the religious background of those making comments? I have put off renting this film for over a year, due to the low IMDB rating, and was very surprised to find a good solid performance of Antonio Banderas as a priest, decent dialogue, nice eye candy and acting of Olivia Williams, and an intelligent (well, for such an action flick anyhow) thought-provoking story.