Barabbas

1961 · Richard Fleischer · Biblical epic

Acceptable with guidance. Age: 13+. A Catholic review of this movie for parents.

Our review

Here is a man who knows, more literally than anyone, that Christ died in his place, and who spends a lifetime unable to accept it. The martyrs he meets are the film's quiet witnesses, and Saint Peter corrects him plainly. The reservation is the ending: his last words are addressed to the darkness, and the film leaves his faith uncertain.

For parents

For older teens and adults. The violence is heavy: a stoning, arena killing, crucifixions. Ask: why can't Barabbas believe, when he saw more than we have? What did Rachel and Sahak have that he lacked? Tell your teens plainly that the Resurrection is a fact of faith, not a rumor.

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