The Body (film)

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The Body
Directed by Jonas McCord
Produced by Rudy Cohen
Written by Richard Sapir
Starring Antonio Banderas
Olivia Williams
Distributed by Avalanche Releasing
Release date(s) 2001
Running time 109 min
Language English
IMDb profile

The Body is a 2001 film based on a novel by Richard Sapir, and starring Antonio Banderas and Olivia Williams.

The movie follows Father Matt Gutierrez (Banderas), a Jesuit priest sent by the Vatican to investigate an archaeologic finding by Dr. Sharon Golban (Williams) which is suspected to be the remains of the body of Jesus Christ. This finding puts Gutierrez' faith and his doubts in constant confrontation with Golban's scientific views.

Also, the finding stirres the political problems between Palestine and Israel in the area, while also shaking the foundations of Christianity itself. Both of these problems put Dr. Golban, and Gutierrez himself, in danger.

Contents

[edit] Plot

Spoiler warning: Plot and/or ending details follow.

Dr. Sharon Golban (Williams) finds an ancient skeleton in Jerusalem in a rich man's tomb. Coloration of the wrist and leg bones indicates the cause of death was crucifixion. other signs, include a gold coin bearing the marks of Pontius Pilate and faint markings around the skull, lead authorities to suspect that these could be the bones of Christ. The different reactions of politicians, clerics, religious extremists—some prepared to use terror to gain their ends—to the religious, cultural and political implications of the find, make life difficult and dangerous for the investigators as they seek to unearth the truth.

Father Matt Gutierrez, is assigned by the Vatican to investigate the case and to protect the Christian faith. Troubled by his case, he comes to understand that it is the Church that he is protecting and not the faith.

Spoilers end here.

[edit] Cast

[edit] Themes

The film deals mainly with three subjects:

  • The Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the region where the body is found. Both sides believe that control of the site will give them an upper hand in the conflict.
  • The alleged excessive control of the Vatican and the Catholic church over important issues to protect their own interests.
  • The importance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ in the Christian faith.

[edit] External Links

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