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.
Despite not doing much more than preach to the choir, Risen is still more nuanced than the lion's share of recent faith-based dramas.
– Michael Nordine,
Village Voice,
19 Feb 2016
fresh:
Whatever your religious affiliation, you will come away thinking that if all this did actually happen, it probably happened something like this.
– Mick LaSalle,
San Francisco Chronicle,
19 Feb 2016
fresh:
For a film that could have easily become bogged down in Sunday School reverence, or culture-war opportunism, Risen presents an intriguing, oblique approach to a Bible movie.
– Bilge Ebiri,
New York Magazine/Vulture,
21 Feb 2016
rotten:
"Risen" is a fascinating cultural artifact, but as a film, it's destined for no glory greater than as an appropriate cable rerun on Easter.
– Katie Walsh,
Los Angeles Times,
21 Feb 2016
fresh:
It's nice to finally see the Messiah portrayed by somebody who'd probably get extra attention at a U.S. airport by Homeland Security.