Kris M
This was probably the finest thing I've ever seen on television. The topic, the actors, the writing, ... it was absolutely the best work I've seen, bar none.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
02/03/24
Full Review
jorge g
A really powerful film about the real story of Jewish prisoners in Auschwitz putting God on trial for breaking the pact he had with them. Raises important philosophical, theological and social issues and questions, with incredible performances, even by actors who only spoke for a few minutes in the whole movie, like Anthony Sher. Simply amazing stuff. Sad that this film hasn't got the attention and praise that it should have by both critics and audiences.
Rated 4.5/5 Stars •
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
03/31/23
Full Review
Audience Member
No critic reviews for Masterpiece Theatre's "God on Trial" on Rotten Tomatoes? Is this a mistake? Or is this media fear of controversial questions? I recommend this film based on a book by Frank Cottrell Boyce. Done like a play, an intense sense of history in a shed at Auschwitz. Cover your heads.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
01/19/23
Full Review
Audience Member
A brilliant film with a powerful message.
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
01/16/23
Full Review
Audience Member
Un grupo de prisioneros judíos ponen a juicio a quién consideran responsable de tenerlos en un campo de concentración, Dios. La sola premisa de la cinta es suficiente para despertar la curiosidad de la gente por verla y luego viene el caso de que los diálogos son excelentes y las actuaciones suficientes, tal vez se gastaron quince pesos en la decoración de sets y fotografía pero eso no importa en verdad cuando se tiene tan buen libreto y personajes.
Rated 4.5/5 Stars •
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
02/19/23
Full Review
Audience Member
The question of "is there a god?" has plagued humanity sense we first were able to think such thoughts. During the coarse of history, the god of the Jews supposedly watched over his people, delivering them from their enemies and rescuing them from their iniquities. It only makes sense that his people would question him during one of the greatest atrocities of mankind. "God On Trial" is a television film directed by Andy de Emmony. The cast includes; Rupert Graves, Dominic Cooper, Stellan Skarsgård, and Stephen Dillane.
During WWII, six million Jews were slaughtered by the command of Adolf Hitler. A group of Jews are transported to Auschwitz, where they will undergo a death sentence. Waiting for the inevitable, one young Jew asks the question, "where is our God?" It is an obvious question, one that any normal human being would ask. The Jews were given a covenant by their god long ago, that he would always keep them safe and deliver them. Chaos soon ensues. Several of the elder Jews call out, "blasphemy!" In order to resolve their doubts, the men decide to hold a trial. They put god on trial.
As with any Masterpiece Classic, the performances are top notch. Everyone gives a masterful, powerful performance. Stellan Skarsgård leads the trial, Stephen Dillane and Rupert Graves on either side. Witnesses are called, stories are told. Among the crowd are deeply religious, and some are non-believers. Rabbi's, physicists, and even a non Jew come together to put god on trial. Aside from the great performances, the film is beautifully shot an well made. It briefly shows you a glimpse of the horrors of Auschwitz. It was a cruel place, full of suffering and misery.
The film isn't really about arguing for the existence of a god. In the end, god is pretty much assumed to exist by nearly all of the inmates. The point of the film is: has god kept his covenant, and is god good? Many familiar arguments are brought forward. Learned men of the Torah bring forth the stories of god's deliverance of their people. Then the harder propositions are brought forward. Do they deserve punishment? Did they commit a wrong act against their god? Have they sinned? Questions of free will, science, and logic are proposed. The final ten minutes of the film showcase the final verdict. A brilliant speech is given, and they come to a decision.
"God On Trial" is a brilliant film from start to finish. It calls many things into question about god and religion. Many thought provoking questions are raised, and the conclusion is inevitable. The performances are amazing, the script and dialogue are strong, and the direction is sound. This is a must watch for anyone who is interested in these kind of thoughtful films.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
02/19/23
Full Review
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