Problems of dubbing and pacing and a lack of scene-to-scene variety weigh the movie down, but Christopher Fry's pointed and intelligent free adaptation of Par Lagerkvist's 1950 novel resists grandiloquence.
Barabbas
The man of violence in whose place Christ died
1961 · 2h 17m · Approved
Adventure, Drama, History
Directed by
Richard Fleischer
Free account saves your watchlist and ratings.
Barabbas
Overview
Epic account of the thief Barabbas, who was pardoned for his crimes and spared crucifixion when Pilate offered the Israelites a choice to pardon Barabbas or Jesus. Struggling with his spirituality, Barabbas goes through many ordeals leading him to the gladiatorial arena, where he tries to win his freedom and confront his inner demons, ultimately becoming a follower of the man who was crucified in his place.
Director and cast
Critics on Rotten Tomatoes
Top critics, in their words
More films
Risen (2016)
Action · Adventure · Drama · History · Mystery · PG-13
Clavius, a powerful Roman military tribune, and his aide, Lucius, are tasked with solving the mystery of what happened to Jesus in the weeks following the crucifixion, in order to disprove the rumors of a risen Messiah and prevent an uprising in Jerusalem.
- Runtime
- 1h 47m
- Director
- Kevin Reynolds
- Cast
- Joseph Fiennes, Peter Firth, Tom Felton
Paul, Apostle of Christ (2018)
Drama · History · PG-13
Luke risks his life to visit Paul in a Roman prison, where the apostle awaits execution under Nero. As Paul reflects on his past and the Christian community faces persecution, Luke resolves to record the story of the early church.
- Runtime
- 1h 48m
- Cast
- Jim Caviezel, James Faulkner, Olivier Martinez
Ben-Hur (1959)
Adventure · Drama · History · G
In ancient Judea, a Jewish aristocrat opposing Roman occupation of his homeland reunites with his childhood friend, now a Roman commander — setting in motion a saga of betrayal, adventure, tragedy, revenge, and faith.
- Runtime
- 3h 32m
- Director
- William Wyler
- Cast
- Charlton Heston, Stephen Boyd, Hugh Griffith
Spartacus (1960)
Adventure · Drama · History · PG-13
The rebellious Thracian Spartacus, born and raised a slave, is sold to Gladiator trainer Batiatus. After weeks of being trained to kill for the arena, Spartacus turns on his owners and leads the other slaves in rebellion. As the rebels move from town to town, their numbers swell as escaped slaves join their ranks. Under the leadership ...
- Runtime
- 3h 17m
- Director
- Stanley Kubrick
- Cast
- Kirk Douglas, Laurence Olivier, Jean Simmons
Agora (2009)
Adventure · Drama · History · R
A historical drama set in Roman Egypt, concerning philosopher Hypatia of Alexandria and her relationship with her slave Davus, who is torn between his love for her and the possibility of gaining his freedom by joining the rising tide of Christianity.
- Runtime
- 2h 7m
- Director
- Alejandro Amenábar
- Cast
- Rachel Weisz, Max Minghella, Oscar Isaac
Snow (1963)
Documentary · N/A
Comprising train and track footage quickly shot just before a heavy winter's snowfall was melting, the multi-award-winning classic that emerged from the cutting-room compresses British Rail's dedication to blizzard-battling into a thrilling eight-minute montage cut to music. Tough-as-boots workers struggling to keep the line clear are ...
- Runtime
- 8m
- Director
- Geoffrey Jones
Rail (1967)
Documentary · N/A
"Rail" captures British Railways at a major turning-point in its history. In certain respects, this was a period of considerable upheaval and loss. There was a facing-up to the increasing need for a big modernisation drive. Full and speedy electrification, or the wider promotion of diesel-power on remaining lines, became a matter of to...
- Runtime
- 14m
- Director
- Geoffrey Jones











Comments
Talk about the film with other members