Mary Magdalene (film)
| Mary Magdalene | |
| Director | Îlàîjû Tàrnek |
| Producers | Jàlîl Brîoskàrd, Érùn Sîrnîn, Îlàîjû Tàrnek |
| Starring | Joànû Oronàî, Jehoîàkîm Nîàrnortû |
| Music | Kenûnàîû Lastàl |
| Cinematography | Zekûràîû Féselîon |
| Editing | Abîgél Dîàstû, Adûm Nîvûfor |
| Distribution | Des Fîlms do Màînet d'Olîv (in South Antrium), Solintàîo Entertainment (elsewhere) |
| Release Date | April 13, 2006 |
| Runtime | 141 minutes |
| Country | South Antrium |
| Awards | 1 Antrian Film Award for Superior Sound Editing, nominated for Foreign category of the Golden Tiger Awards |
| Language | Aramaic, with subtitles in Alvésin in South Antrium, and English and French elsewhere |
| Budget | V$6,900,000 |
| Gross | Domestic: V$741,000 Worldwide: V$13,400,000 |
Mary Magdalene is a film written by acclaimed Christian South Antrian director Îlàîjû Tàrnek.
The film depicts the life of Mary Magdalene, and reflects Tàrnek's opinion of Mary's relationship to Jesus. Tàrnek believes that Mary and Jesus were not married, but Mary was also not the prostitute many believe she was. The film focuses excessively on Mary's follower-leader relationship with Jesus.
The film was wildly successful in South Antrium. According to a poll by The Antrium Beacon-Times, 91% of South Antrians saw the movie. Its domestic gross of V$741,000 is impressive considering South Antrium's relatively small population.
Contents
Plot
The film starts with Mary Magdalene living in the town of Magdala, west of the Sea of Galilee. After a short introduction, she becomes possessed by seven demons. Jesus arrives and performs an exorcism, to rid Mary of the demons that have ruined her life. She is grateful and later follows Jesus on his last journey to Jerusalem.
She witnesses Jesus' crucifixion, and stayed until his body was laid in a tomb. She leaves and then returns to anoint his body with spices, when to her surprise, there is no body to be found. She then sees angels. She goes to tell the Apostles, and returns to hear Jesus' voice. He tells her "I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God."
Throughout the film, it is made clear that Mary is no more than a follower of Jesus, through many dialogues and scenes.
The ending of the movie shows Mary Magdalene placing a basket of eggs below the cross. The eggs turn red with the blood of Christ.
Rating
It was approved for all audiences by the South Antrian Film Bureau.
In Antrium, it was given a rating of "O14" meaning it is only suitable for people over 14 years of age. O14 is a rather high rating in the Antrian Film Ratings System, and some feel it is not warranted. There is no sex or language and very little violence portrayed in the film. The Film Board stands by its decision, citing "disturbing exorcism and crucifixion scenes" for their high rating.
Production
The portion of the movie set in Magdala was shot in Grévo, Alvés-Navlan, Antrium. Scenes in Jerusalem were filmed in Nuvel Jérusàlem, South Antrium.
Reviews
South Antrian critics, most notably from the Nuvelsjor Krîstîen and the South Antrian edition of the Antrium Beacon-Times, generally received the film very well, with many giving it their highest ratings.
Antrian critics generally gave the film favorable ratings, but not nearly as high as South Antrian critics. Many critics disliked the film for overstating Tàrnek's religious beliefs, but others disagreed. The popular rating website reviews.an gave the film a rating of 66/100, after compiling ratings from major Antrian critics.
Awards
The film won one award in the Antrian Film Awards, for Superior Sound Editing, given to Antrian sound editor Hîàrno Sléîrû.
South Antrium chose this movie to represent their country in the Best Foreign Film category of Baranxtu's Golden Tiger Awards. It came in last place.
