Risen
Risen (2016) is a biblical drama that offers a unique perspective on the events immediately following the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ, referred to as Yeshua. The film follows Clavius, a skeptical Roman military tribune, tasked by Pontius Pilate to investigate the disappearance of Yeshua's body from its guarded tomb and quell rumors of a risen Messiah. As Clavius, played by Joseph Fiennes, embarks on a 'whodunit' style investigation, questioning followers and encountering miraculous occurrences, his pagan worldview is profoundly challenged, leading him on a journey of discovery and faith. The movie blends historical drama with spiritual themes, aiming to provide a compelling narrative for both believers and skeptics. While presenting a faith-bolstering message, the film includes intense content, particularly concerning violence and disturbing imagery, making it generally suitable for mature teenagers and adults.
Concerns
Violence
HighThe film contains strong biblical violence, including intense battle scenes with bloodshed, graphic depictions of crucifixion agony, and disturbing images of dead and decaying bodies. The violence is realistically portrayed and can be intense.
1. An intense battle sequence early in the film shows Roman troops clashing with Jewish zealots, where combatants are 'skewered with spears, or hacked and stabbed with swords and daggers,' with some blood visible. Roman Tribune Clavius executes a kneeling Jew by sword. 2. The crucifixion scenes depict Jesus and two others in agony on crosses. Soldiers break the legs of two victims to hasten death, and Jesus' side is pierced with a spear. Later, soldiers are shown pulling nails from bodies and dragging them to a pit of rotting corpses.
Scary & Intense Content
HighThe film features highly intense and potentially disturbing content, primarily stemming from its graphic depictions of biblical violence, including realistic battle sequences, the suffering during crucifixion, and disturbing visuals of human remains.
1. The opening battle scene is intense, featuring close-quarters combat with weapons and numerous fatalities, creating a sense of peril and fear. 2. The search for Yeshua's body involves Roman soldiers digging through mass graves, revealing 'mounds of decaying bodies' and corpses in various states of decomposition, which can be disturbing. A bloated, decomposing body is brought to Pilate's court.
Romance and Sexual Content
MediumThe movie contains minor suggestive verbal references, particularly concerning Mary Magdalene's implied past. There is no explicit sexual content, nudity, or sexual violence depicted.
1. Suggestive verbal reference is made to Mary Magdalene having been a 'woman of the street' (implying prostitution), and when Clavius inquires about her appearance, many men raise their hands, implying they have 'been with her.' 2. In a Roman bath scene, Pilate asks Clavius, 'What do you desire? A massage? A girl?' However, Clavius expresses no interest in these suggestions.
Substance Use
MediumAlcohol consumption is frequently depicted, with characters regularly drinking wine. There are explicit instances of characters becoming inebriated.
1. Pontius Pilate is often shown 'sipping from a goblet full of wine,' and he explicitly tells a servant to ensure Clavius' glass remains full. 2. Two Roman soldiers assigned to guard Yeshua's tomb are explicitly stated to have gotten 'drunk and fallen asleep' while on duty. Clavius later tastes their wineskin and spits out the 'cheap drink' in disgust.
Disrespect & Rebellion
MediumThe film portrays acts of armed rebellion by Jewish zealots against Roman authority and instances of Roman soldiers disrespecting their duties through negligence.
1. The narrative begins with an intense confrontation between Clavius's Roman legion and Jewish zealots, clearly depicting a violent rebellion against Roman rule. 2. Two Roman guards stationed at Yeshua's tomb are found to have consumed alcohol, become drunk, and fallen asleep on duty, a significant act of disrespect and failure to uphold military orders.
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
LowThorough searches for LGBTQ+ content, characters, relationships, or themes within the movie "Risen" (2016) and related to its director, Kevin Reynolds, yielded no specific results. The film does not contain any explicit or implied LGBTQ+ elements.
The movie contains no explicit or implied LGBTQ+ content. Mandatory keyword searches (e.g., "Risen lgbtq", "Risen gay", "Risen lesbian", "Risen transgender", "Risen queer representation", "Risen LGBTQ characters", "Risen Kevin Reynolds lgbtq") did not return any relevant information pertaining to the film's content or creator's statements regarding LGBTQ+ representation.
Profanity
LowMultiple reputable reviews and parent guides indicate a very low presence of profanity in the film. There is no vulgar or profane language noted.
1. Reviewers explicitly state, 'Language: None noted.' 2. Christian Spotlight on the Movies notes, 'There is no vulgar or profane language.'
Witchcraft & Occult
LowThe film is a biblical drama centered on the resurrection of Jesus Christ. While it depicts miraculous events, these are presented as divine acts within a Christian worldview rather than witchcraft or occult practices. There are no elements of sorcery, magic rituals, demons (beyond metaphorical evil), or explicit supernatural practices outside of the resurrection and associated miracles.
1. The film portrays the resurrection of Yeshua (Jesus) and subsequent miraculous appearances and healings, such as Yeshua healing a leper, which are presented as divine acts in line with biblical accounts. 2. The supernatural elements are limited to the resurrection itself, the appearance of a 'blinding flash' and a figure sending guards fleeing from the tomb, and Yeshua's ascension into Heaven, all consistent with Christian scripture.
Anti-Christian Themes
LowThe movie has a strong Christian, biblical worldview, promoting the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the Resurrection through the eyes of a skeptical Roman soldier who comes to faith. It does not contain anti-Christian themes; instead, it aims to be faith-bolstering.
1. The film is described as having a 'Very strong Christian, biblical, evangelical worldview with Jesus rising from the dead, Jesus ascending to Heaven, telling the disciples to go into all the world to preach the Gospel.' 2. Clavius, a pagan Roman tribune, initially seeks to disprove the resurrection but ultimately experiences a spiritual transformation and decides to follow Yeshua, abandoning Roman polytheism.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
13+ (Teenagers and Adults) due to significant biblical violence, including graphic depictions of crucifixion, battle scenes with bloodshed, and disturbing images of dead and decaying bodies. While the film carries a strong Christian message, its intensity warrants parental guidance for younger viewers.
Additional Notes
The film is designed to be accessible to both believers and non-believers, presenting the resurrection story from a unique, skeptical perspective that may resonate with those exploring faith. While the violence is significant, it serves the historical context of the narrative and is not presented gratuitously. Parents should be prepared to discuss themes of death, suffering, and faith with younger, sensitive viewers.
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