Son of Man
Son of Man

Movie spotlight

Son of Man

1969
Movie
90 min
English

Dennis Potter's controversial reading of the life of Christ, with Jesus portrayed as a hearty, fiery, well-meaning carpenter who believes that people should try to love their enemies rather than fight all the time, but who is racked by self doubt as to whether or not he is the popularly anticipated Messiah.

Insights

IMDb7.1/10
Director: Bernard L. KowalskiGenres: Drama, War

Plot Summary

This film focuses on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, portraying him as a human figure grappling with his divine mission. It follows his journey from his baptism by John the Baptist through his crucifixion and resurrection. The narrative emphasizes Jesus's compassion, his struggles with doubt, and his profound impact on the people around him, culminating in his ultimate sacrifice and the spread of his message.

Critical Reception

While "Son of Man" aimed for a humanistic portrayal of Jesus, its reception was mixed. Critics often noted its sincerity and the powerful performances, particularly from Sidney Poitier as Jesus. However, some found the narrative pacing uneven and the theological interpretations to be somewhat simplistic or unconventional for the time. Audiences generally responded positively to its message of peace and love, though it did not achieve widespread critical acclaim or commercial success.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its compassionate depiction of Jesus.

  • Sidney Poitier's performance as Jesus was a highlight.

  • Some found the storytelling less impactful than expected.

Google audience: Audience reception data for 'Son of Man (1969)' on Google is not readily available for a specific summary.

Awards & Accolades

None notable.

Fun Fact

Sidney Poitier, who starred as Jesus, also served as one of the film's producers, aiming to bring a unique and deeply personal interpretation of the biblical story to the screen.

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