Barabbas tells the fictional story of what happened to the man who was released in the place of Christ. The film features Anthony Quinn as Barabbas. Arthur Kennedy appears as Pilate. Jack Palance is Torvald a gladiator who seems to have gone insane with his lust for blood. Harry Andrews appears as Peter and Ernest Borgnine is Lucius, a Christian. The film was made in Italy and the rest of the cast are Italian actors including the great Vittorio Gassman as Sahrak.
The film contains some fantastic set pieces including the recreation of the Crucifixion during an actual eclipse, the stoning of Rachael for her beliefs, the toils in a sulfur mind that collapses in an earthquake and best of all the recreation of the gladiator school and the Colosseum in Rome.
Barabbas, released from prison, is haunted by the fate of the man killed in his place. He seems impervious to death since Jesus died in his place. Through out the film he is troubled by problems with his vision because he refuses to "see" the truth about the man who died for him.
After he is released he returns to his old ways of thieving and is arrested again. he sentenced to labor in a sulfur mine where he is the only survivor of an earthquake, along with the man he is chained too. he is sent to gladiator school where his strength and beliefs are tested. he is put to the ultimate test when Rome burns and the Christians are blamed.
Released during a spurt of religious epics Barabbas is often overlooked. But the film has a lot to offer, especially the acting of star Anthony Quinn who is in almost every scene. The crucifixion seen alone is worth watching the movie for. And Jack Palance is over the top in the memorable role as the blood thirsty gladiator who sets his sights on Barabbas.
Worth a look especially around Easter
At The Movie House rating *** stars
Re-release poster art
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