'Jesus' challenges Christians

* While He is true God and true man, this film will concentrate on the former;

* Since everyone knows -- and many people revere -- His words, this film will treat them as holy writ, literally and figuratively.

Using that approach, movies like "King of Kings," "Jesus of Nazareth" and "The Greatest Story Ever Told" have a deeply reverential tone. There is nothing wrong with this style, but viewers are not challenged by it; they are reassured.

Different approach

The film doesn't deny Christ's divinity: He heals a cripple, raises Lazarus from the dead and even walks on water, a miracle usually omitted from films about the Savior. But He is clearly a human being. This Jesus wonders about His mission, hesitates to proceed, learns as He goes, worries, and needs the consolation of His friends and relatives.

And those Christians who have longed to see a smiling Jesus on film will find Him here. As played by Jeremy Sisto, this Messiah is very happy. He plays with children, teases His apostles and hugs every Mary He can find: His mother, Lazarus's sister and the Magdalene.

Context

Freed from the conventions of most Christ movies, Couture creates some spectacular scenes. The Passion leads to a powerful and harrowing crucifixion that does not soften the pains Jesus suffered.

And her versions of the temptation in the wilderness and the agony in the garden drag viewers into the drama. Far from comforting Christians, she challenges them to reflect on this fundamental question: Am I living what I say I believe?

Not everything Couture imagines succeeds. A romantic attachment between Jesus and the sister of Lazarus -- a feeling which He must reject to follow His Father's will -- is not shocking but seems gratuitous.

Acting

Supporting Sisto are some excellent performers. Especially worthy of note is Armin Mueller-Stahl. He provides a rare (albeit brief) look at St. Joseph, who is usually dead by the time most stories of Christ get going.

Jacqueline Bisset is just as effective as the Blessed Mother, delivering the goods promised last fall in NBC's failed "Mary, Mother of Jesus." Bisset's Mary is supportive of her son, encouraging of His work and His followers, and not afraid to goad her son at Cana to begin His ministry.

All of the actors achieve a level of reality rarely reached in Bible movies. These fishermen don't know they are saints, for example; they are just men summoned by a leader to begin a pilgrimage the end of which they can't imagine. (The casting director, by the way, found the perfect actor to play Thomas; his face declares, "I don't think so.")

With Christ's humanity in focus, with its unique presentation of Satan, and with its verisimilitude in both acting and production, "Jesus" is worth four hours of viewing -- and should spur additional hours of discussion, debate, thought and Gospel reading.

("Jesus" will be shown on CBS in two parts, May 14 and 17 at 9 p.m., EDT.)

(05-11-00)