Risen

RISEN

Director : Kevin Reynolds

Year : 2016

Genre : Religious drama

Rating : **1/2

A film that could be seen as a sort-of sequel to Mel Gibson's ultraviolent Easter epic 'The Passion Of The Christ' (albeit without the blood and spiritual blackmail), 'Risen' unconventionally tells the story of Jesus' crucifixion and subsequent resurrection from the point of view of those who sent him to his death to wholly unremarkable results. Joseph Fiennes stars as a Roman tribune who, after overseeing the brutal execution, is led down the rocky path of redemption when rumours begin to surface about the miraculous rising of the so-called 'Messiah'. Playing it's hand very safely indeed, 'Risen' doesn't attempt to ruffle any Christian feathers and while it may explore themes and ideas that weren't expressed in the Bible, this is perfectly serviceable seasonal fare that is unlikely to offend or dismay even the most devout of audiences.