Barabbas
Director: Richard Fleischer
Actors: Anthony Quinn, Silvana Mangano, Arthur Kennedy
PlotIn ancient Judea, a notorious criminal is unexpectedly freed by a crowd's choice, resulting in the crucifixion of Jesus. Haunted by his freedom and the compelling events surrounding it, the criminal struggles with the meaning of divine intervention. He drifts back to his old life of crime and enters the harsh realities of being a gladiator. However, he is continually troubled by the growing Christian movement and the talk of Christ’s resurrection, a concept that seems beyond his comprehension. As he witnesses devotees willing to die rather than renounce their faith, he finds himself inexplicably drawn toward understanding their unwavering belief.
Trying to make sense of his place in this transforming world, he manages to survive numerous battles in the arena, gradually becoming more introspective about life and faith. The dichotomy between violence and spirituality grows ever apparent, leading him to question his identity and life choices. His interactions with Christian believers leave a burgeoning impact on him as he grapples with guilt and confusion. This internal conflict drives him deeper into a search for truth and redemption, shaping a dark yet reflective journey set against the backdrop of a world on the cusp of monumental change. The path he takes next becomes pivotal in defining who he truly wants to become.
Writers: Christopher Fry, Pär Lagerkvist, Nigel Balchin
Release Date: 10 Oct 1962
Runtime: 137 min
Rating: Approved
Country: Italy, United States
Language: English
Home Video Reviews
Barabbas delivers an engaging epic with solid performances but suffers from a subpar Blu-ray transfer in dire need of full restoration.
Read our review of Barabbas Blu-ray Imprint #132 to find out more