The Miracle Maker

Rented it from Netflix--now I'm buying it!

This telling of the story of Jesus is simply outstanding. Even though it is animated (claymation and cartoon both) I have never seen Jesus come across as so human in any other protrayal. The humor of his fishing trip with Peter, the irony in his choices of disciples, his real struggles with temptation and fear--its all there, yet without taking away from his reality as transcendent God. A great piece of work that opens the Gospel to all ages (my five year old loves it as much as I do, and "gets it" too!).

Magnificent, Miraculous Movie! (5+Stars)

This is a beautiful film that you'll enjoy watching again and again. I'm touched every time I watch it. Very authentic and accurate (see notes below). It effectively mixes claymation and animation. Predominantly claymation, the film uses animation to depict such scenes as the wilderness temptation of the Lord Jesus and His post-resurrection interaction with disciples on the road to Emmaus. Ralph Fiennes speaks the part of Jesus. I like that an unfamiliar voice was used. Far better to choose Fiennes than someone with a voice we've all heard in other movies (like Michael J. Fox of Stuart Little, or some other famous actor). The story of Jairus' daughter (Luke 8:41) is the vehicle through which much of the story is told, which is not what we find in the Gospels, however, in this film it works just fine and doesn't take from the overall story. It sort of anchors the point of view in a way. The animated portrayal of Mary Magdalene as demon possessed (Luke 8:2) is Biblical, but could be scary for little ones-- take caution. The treatment of Judas Iscariot is unique. Very much like the treatment of Pharoah in the Prince of Egypt, this film depicts Judas as someone torn, a character you might dare to sympathize with, if it were not that we know he was a zealot who wanted to use Jesus to gain power. The tedious craftsmanship required to produce this movie is mind-boggling. It is a truly multi-national undertaking, combining the skills and talents of the British and Russians. I highly recommend the DVD which includes the ''Making of'' Documentary. A simply fabulous story. Enjoy, and God Bless.

Reliving life 2000 years ago - a miracle

Remember Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke jumping into the painting in the movie Mary Poppins? In the Miracle Maker, the viewer watching the tv screen is captivated into the Bible Time like a Star Wars time warp. You will feel like you are actually in the picture. You will sympathise with all the characters in the bible. They cease to be dry history, but a transformed into real people we can identify with. This is the magic of Marionette Stop-Motion film. (You'll be surprised if you check out Scott McCloud's cartoon psychology book UNDERSTANDING COMICS for the reasons to why cartoon/marionette animation is so captivating still, ever since the first 'cartoons' on Egyptian pyramids were seen.) Thank you to all the production team of the Miracle Maker, for sharing a picture of God who laughs and cries with us. A truly human being - yet also powerful God and friend. I can't wait to see the next edition they come up with! Please make it soon.

Entertaining and Correct!

I saw this on TV and always wanted to get the video! It is very entertaining for children and adults. The best part was that it was Biblically correct. So many people take literary license with Bible stories, like the Noah debacle a year or so ago! This is a great movie and very well done. It's hard to believe that those little people arent's just tiny actors, but clay!

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