I had the pleasure of screening the film "Risen" before its February 19, 2016 release -- and the chance to speak with its star Joseph Fiennes. Tuesday, May 10, marks its digital release and I am thrilled that an even larger audience now has the chance to see it.
It will be released on DVD on May 24, 2016.
The film did well at the box office, earning more than $44 million during its big screen run. But I always felt the attendance didn't quite measure up to the beauty of the film.
One editor called it, "The best film about the life of Jesus since 'The Passion of the Christ.'"
Other critics called it "Epic," and "an uplifting masterpiece."
I add my voice of praise to the chorus.
Following the direction of filmmaker Kevin Reynolds, "Risen" is an epic Biblical story of the resurrection, told through the eyes of a non-believer. That's quite an angle on the story.
Fiennes plays Clavius, the non-believing Roman military tribune.
Recalling the role in our conversation, Fiennes said, "A big attraction for me was the way his mind worked. But to get to his mind I found I had to take a physical route. I went to gladiator school in Rome. I stayed long enough to never want to go back."
"I think a big component in the movie for me and what I connect to with Clavius is the sense of the second chance, even if it is in the subconscious, which hasn't quite bubbled to the surface or he has worked out, so I love that component," he said.
"Risen" is a project from Affirm Films. The Sony Pictures-supported production house is the company behind "Soul Surfer," "Courageous" and "War Room."