MovieChat Forums > Barabbas (1962) Discussion > Amazing

Amazing

posted 19 years ago by mrmoe
19 replies | jump to latest

I can't believe this board is empty. I loved this movie! I keep telling all my friends about it, but as soon as I get to the "the guy who was saved in place of Jesus" part they usually stop listening.

I think this movie is like a cross between Ben-Hur and Apocalpse Now.

I thought Anthony Quinn was amazing in this. I haven't liked him in any other movie I've ever seen him in, but he just seemed to fit the "confused-brute-who-really-is-trying-to-be-good" role perfectly.

Anyways, I just thought this movie deserved something on it's board.

[–] blaine3-2 19 years ago

Pretty good movie. The Roman legionaries costumes are all wrong though.

But the arena was the real thing! I think its still in use as a bull ring in Spain today? They had to spruce it up a bit for the movie but not much.

[–] RivenWinner 19 years ago

I actually saw this film for the first time a few weeks ago, and I really liked. Great movie, great performances (espeically Quinn) and excellent setting and cinematography.

good old Dino De Laurentiis!

Come on Warner Bros, give us our Blade Runner Special Edition

[–] cos-9 19 years ago

blaine3-2,

True, the Roman armor is completely wrong, but that's nothing unusual. I've done some research on ancient arms & armour, and I've seen alot of movies about the ancient world, dealing with both the New Testament and purely Roman subjects. None of these movies have ever gotten it completely right.

[–] gmholden-1 14 years ago

The arena used in "Barrabbas" is not in Spain. It's in Verona Italy.

[–] rondine 19 years ago

Well I'm glad you helped to make it "un-empty" because you are right about this movie, it is great. It's a good story whether you're a Christian or not. It's about the struggle of what it is to be human. Anthony Quinn does a fantastic job in it too (I can't believe you didn't like him in Lawrence of Arabia, one of my favorite lines in there is when Quinn's character says, "I'm a river to my people!")
Luckily I didn't know enough to know the Roman costumes weren't authentic. I like authenticity in a movie, but I was able to enjoy this anyway. After all, the human drama was really center stage, not the "spectacle" as they say.

It is a great movie. Funny but I was posting on the Da Vinci board which is overly busy and quoted something (or paraphrased) from this movie that it is in the search for God, the doubting, the thinking that we are closest to Him. After all, those who seek are truly the ones in His presence.

Thanks for posting something & getting the ball rolling! :)

[–] 19 years ago

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[–] MarioRsr 18 years ago

My only problem with this movie is that the Flavian Arena wasn't built until after Nero's reign.

[–] lacedemonians 18 years ago

My only problem with this movie is that the Flavian Arena wasn't built until after Nero's reign.

I just don't remember for sure, but is the arena depicted in the movie supposed to be the famous Colosseum? That would definitely be in error!

Could it be the Circus Maximus (where the fire evidently started)?

Illegitimus!

[–] MarioRsr 18 years ago

Vespasian constructed the Colosseum. He reigned after Nero's suicide. The Circus Maximus was set-up more or less like a racetrack.

[–] lacedemonians 18 years ago

Vespasian constructed the Colosseum. He reigned after Nero's suicide. The Circus Maximus was set-up more or less like a racetrack.

And the Colosseum was finished under his son Titus (80?). However, the Romans certainly had gladiator contests in Rome before the Colosseum was constructed. Gladiator contests were even performed in the older Circus Maximus.

Illegitimus!

[–] gmholden-1 18 years ago

The arena used in Barrabass is an actual Roman arena preserved and is located in Verona Italy

[–] lacedemonians 18 years ago

"The arena used in Barrabass is an actual Roman arena preserved and is located in Verona Italy "

Thank you, that is most interesting information. As I recall, the Roman audience were standing on a very low wall right up next to the action in that arena. It's easy to see how the arena was the ultimate wide-screen high definition TV to the Roman mob.

Illegitimus!

[–] sexyabibi 15 years ago

ever see Requiem for a heavyweight?

"Charming company you keep."

[–] Felixthecat34213 11 years ago

I agree, I saw this film on tv one day because there was literally nothing else to watch and was completely moved by it. Barabbas's journey is a fascinating one.

[–] johntex9 11 years ago

What a wonderful movie! I have watched it several times and have always been moved by it. Quite underrated.

[–] johntex9 11 years ago

Without doubt, a brilliant movie on many different levels. It always makes me think about the BIG questions in life.

[–] bnwfilmbuff 9 years ago

This is spectacular on many levels: Epic sets, great acting performances, fascinating storyline, brilliant filming. 10/10

[–] 9 years ago

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[–] 9 years ago

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