The Gospel According to St. Matthew (1965)
Il vangelo secondo Matteo
Film details
Drama · Pier Paolo Pasolini · 2h 17min
Synopsis
Along a rocky, barren coastline, Jesus begins teaching, primarily using parables. He attracts disciples; he's stern, brusque, and demanding. His parables often take on the powers that be, so he and his teachings come to the attention of the Pharisees, the chief priests, and elders. They conspire to have him arrested, beaten, tried, and crucified, just as he prophesied to his followers.
Verdict
Faithful and respectful adaptation of the Gospel of Saint Matthew with biblical violence in the Passion.
In-depth analysis
Pasolini achieves what seemed impossible: a cinematic adaptation of the Gospel that is profoundly artistic and radically faithful to the sacred text. The film neither adds nor subtracts — every word is from Saint Matthew, every scene respects the dignity of Christ. The neorealist style (non-professional actors, arid landscapes, severe faces) strips the narrative of all sentimentality and restores it to its original power. Christ is presented as the Son of God with unshakeable authority, without concessions to pietism or empty sweetness. Pasolini's camera contemplates with almost liturgical respect every miracle, every parable, every confrontation with the Pharisees. The Passion, filmed with rawness but without sadism, shows the redemptive suffering in its historical and theological dimension: the flagellation, the crown of thorns, and the crucifixion are visible but never gratuitous — they are the climax of the sacrifice that gives meaning to the entire film. For parents: this is a serious work, one of contemplation, that demands maturity from the viewer. The violence of the Passion can be intense for young children, but it is biblical and necessary. A gem of religious cinema that invites deep family dialogue about faith.