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Risen Review: The Resurrection Of Jesus As A CSI Episode

No, the title of the article isn't a hook, it's actually the premise of Risen, and the weirdest thing? It's not all that weird and it actually rather works. Directed and co-written by Kevin Reynolds (the same fellow that directed Tristan + Isolde and Count of Monte Cristo).  There's plenty of films inspired by Biblical stories but Risen is one of the first ones that frames it from a distinctly novel perspective.

Set in the year 33 a.d., Roman tribune named Clavius (played by Joseph Fiennes) has arrived in Jerusalem after putting down a Zealot rebellion. Clavius' old buddy Pontius Pilate is having problems with a the local population and orders him to expedite a crucifixion which is dragging out. Yup, it's Jesus, up on the cross. He keeps the crowd under control and does his duty making sure it's put into the tomb. A few days later Clavius is summoned again – the tomb has been opened and the body is missing. The citizens of the city are becoming ever more agitated and Pilate orders Clavius to find out who took the body and to bring it back.

It's novel, I'd never thought much on how it may well have played out for the Roman garrison. They had a messiah at hand, then it suddenly vanishes, playing into the local beliefs and causing turmoil. They may well have sent out troops to try to get to the bottom of it all.

As it progresses the film settles into a voyage of self-discovery for Clavius. Jesus is indeed around on the periphery, but he is just setting the stage for what's going on around him. Clavius is positioned as a dutiful and accomplished soldier, rather than the more traditional Roman stereotype of an analog of the evils of the Roman Empire.

Risen also stars Cliff Curtis, Peter Firth, Tom Felton, María Botto, Leonor Watling, and Mark Killeen.

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