TrueHello
Fun premise, good actors, bad writing. This film seemed to have potential at the beginning but it quickly devolves into a trite action film. Ultimately it's very boring.
Bluebell Alcock
Ok... Let's be honest. It cannot be the best movie but is quite enjoyable. The movie has the potential to develop a great plot for future movies
Matylda Swan
It is a whirlwind of delight --- attractive actors, stunning couture, spectacular sets and outrageous parties.
Eric Stevenson
I am impressed by how authentic this movie is. For Book Month, I wanted something truly based on the Bible and about Jesus and this is what I got. I especially love how they film Jesus. Out of reverence, they never show His face but you do get to hear Him say the immortal words, "Forgive them father for they know not what they have done". It's another beautiful looking film. It's about how one guy was affected by witnessing Jesus' death. It's once again great to hear the characters used the word "Christian" for early usage.Nowadays with all the divisions within the religion, it's hard to imagine there was a time where "Christian" had just one meaning. The title robe actually refers to the exact one Jesus wore. As another early color film, you can see how everything looks so beautiful here. I appreciate how people keep being authentic. I am glad to have see and reviewed this morning right about Chrstmas, even though it was about Jesus' death and not his death like this holiday is about. My Bible is ripped apart so much I can't even read it anymore. ***
HotToastyRag
Everyone knows Ben-Hur was the best biblical movie to come out of the 1950s. (Sorry, The Ten Commandments.) So, go ahead and watch Charlton Heston, and if you're looking for another similar movie that's not quite as good but tries awfully hard, watch The Robe.The good thing about The Robe is the cast. Richard Burton and Jean Simmons can do period pieces very well, and Victor Mature tries awfully hard, so if you like him, you'll be pleased. The story is a little more depressing than Ben-Hur (I know, how is that possible?) because rather than hope and inspiration as a backdrop, guilt and death take their place. Richard Burton plays the Roman soldier in charge of crucifying Jesus, and afterwards, he's wracked with guilt. He's a wonderful actor and gives his all in every performance, so you can rest assured the big dramatic scenes will be well-acted.I think the only reason The Robe falls short in everyone's memory is because of the 1959 classic; maybe if there wasn't another film to compare it to, this one would be everyone's go-to in April. My family watches Ben-Hur almost every Easter, but give this one a try and you might want to vary your yearly tradition. It really is pretty good.
Desertman84
The Robe is a film based on the best-selling novel of Lloyd C. Douglas.It tells the story of Marcellus Gallio,a Roman tribune that was tasked by Pontius Pilate to supervise the crucifixion of Christ.It stars Richard Burton,Jean Simmons and Victor Mature.After the Seven Last Words,Marcellus Gallio wins Christ's robe during a dice game.Gradually,the mystical influence of the said garment allows him to become a changed man from being a cynic and a ladies man into becoming a true believer of Christ.This prompted him to give up his position and decides to become disciple of Christ and preach the Good News which led to his death.Despite of being far from a great film,the movie presents a great theme that would allow to viewer to think of what they would do if they lived during those times.It will definitely provide one some serious thought and probably examine one's relationship with Jesus especially if they happen to Christian.As for the performances,most were alright except for Mature,who provided a credible performance as a Marcellus's converted slave.
jc-osms
Obviously Easter must be approaching for "The Robe" to appear on TV again, although being an atheist myself, faith and devotion won't affect my opinion of the film. It's certainly a grand spectacle, with monumental sets, large crowd scenes and faithful costumery, all helping to compensate for the more than occasional American accent which confuses the geography somewhat.I don't want to judge the movie too harshly but the story is perhaps just too fantastical to really take off. I've heard of faith moving mountains, but just couldn't believe it could affect hard-boiled Roman Tribune Marcellus (Richard Burton) the way it does here. Looking young and tousle-haired, the great man struggles to convincingly convey emotion throughout and to that end lies down with the similarly challenged Victor Mature as his Greek slave Demetrius. There are better performances from Jay Campbell as the deranged Caligula and Charlton Heston lookalike Michael Rennie as Peter but an acting showcase it isn't.A few of the scenes did resonate with me, however, especially the cleverly rendered confession by Judas Iscariot and also where Marcellus has his nightmare about Jesus being nailed to the cross, but too much of the rest is mere platitudinal talk, even as the director still throws us a love story between Burton and Jean Simmons and even a sword fight between Burton and a feisty Roman centurion to spice matters up.The final shot of the doomed lovers marching into the kingdom of heaven after they've publicly defied Emperor Caligula's will is however, pure corn (cue heavenly host of "Hallelujahs"), re-affirming my conclusion that the film, well intentioned as it is, is too sentimental and unbelievable for its own good.
