Starring: Natasha Wightman, Udo Kier, Diran Meghreblian, David Urban, Uri Roodner Directed By: Stuart Urban Average Rating: Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 Audience Rating: R (Restricted) Binding: DVD Format: Color, DVD-Video, NTSC Label: First Look Pictures Number of Items: 1 Region Code: 1 Release Date: March 18, 2003 Running Time: 111 minutes Theatrical Release Date: 2002
Revelation This had a Da Vinci Code feel, though it was out before it... and was MUCH better. It was easily understandable, and a fun ride. There are moments you definately don't see coming, and the story itself is a great idea. It's low tech, and all the cgi and such, is really beleiveable. Nothing over powers in this film. It is a good old fashioned character peice. You can get attached to them, and still be pulled deep into the story without too many effects or computer images. I highly enjoyed this film. James D'Arcy is definately an unrated actor. He was very good in this.
Not worth the Money! I must give the writers of this film credit for having a wild imagination, but apart from that they had little but some all to familiar conspiracy theories. Apart from the decent cinematography the film was horrible. How many times do I have to hear about Mary of Magdala and Christ being married? I have had far too many conversations correcting people who thought Dan Brown had his facts right and for that matter the recent James Cameron "documentary" had more holes in it than Swiss cheese. Okay, so this is fiction but not particularly good fiction at that. The film is also quite violent. Some very well-made films such as "Glory" or "The Passion of the Christ" or "Saving Private Ryan" are very violent. Unfortunantly, "Revelations" is not a well-acted masterpiece. As for a new "messiah" being conceived on the floor of church/pagan temple on Patmos, that was particularly cheesy. The conspiracy theories involving the Catholic Church, Isaac Newton, and various organizations are growing a bit old as well.
Behold... the Loculus! Revelation sheds light on the search for a missing relic called the Loculus. Having been in the hands of the Knights Templar for 700 years its secret was lost. Forces are now vying to unlock things better left undisturbed... There are slight hints of the Ninth Gate (starring Johnny Depp) and the X-Files, and strong/obvious elements of the Da Vinci Code so the movie falls into the action/adventure/mystery/thriller/horror type of category. It's an adventure that includes some pretty exciting and exotic locations such as Britain, France, Greece, and Malta. In short, the acting and the dialogues are extremely weak, while the plot and the setting, are really very good, therefore, the potential for a great movie was definitely there if only the actors and writers could... act and write! Overall, though not a masterpiece, it will surely provide for an evening's entertainment, as it is one of those films that gets you and keeps you thinking long after it's over! In conclusion, the film establishes a GREAT cliffhanger for a sequel, which I would definitely line up to watch!
Tapping Into The Underground Stream ~ Darkness And Light Within The Awakening Divine An alternate title for this film could've been, 'Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About The Occult But Was Afraid To Ask.'
All joking aside, the real strength of this film is found in director Stuart Urban's admirable effort to incorporate over 2,000 years of esoteric and occult teachings into one unified plot. So much information in one film; early pagan practices, primal male/female energy systems, ley lines forming a transcontinental power grid connecting sacred sites, the role of Mary Magdalene and the grail in Christian esotericism, alchemical symbology and magical formulations, astrological calculations and the planet Venus, secret societies (the Knights Templar), reincarnation and a myriad of other occultic associations coalesce into the image of a small ornately decorated box known as the Loculus. Combine all this with modern day scientific DNA discoveries and you have the basic storyline of 'Revelation.'
Another real plus in this production is the on-location shooting at such wonderful sacred sites as the Rennes-le-Chateau in France and the island of Malta in the Mediterranean. The imagery found in the paintings, sculpture and mosaics in these very early Christian churches will serve as a rather rude awakening to those in Western Christianity who are unaware of how deep and inseparable the connections were between first and second century Christianity, the old ways of paganism and the underground stream of occultism.
Fine performances by James D'Arcy and Natasha Wightman as Jake and Mira (SPOILER: or should I say Jesus and Mary Magdalene). Also featuring Udo Kier as the Grand Master and Terence Stamp as Magnus Martel. The 'Revelation' serves as a good companion piece and prerequisite for those planning to see 'The Da Vinci Code.'
A Very Interesting Film! In order to apreciate this type of film, one does need to have a bit of a foundation in the metyphysical, some history of the Knights Templar and a wee bit of what Roman torture was about. As with all things in this world, there are the two streams, that of good and of course, evil, which of course is conveyed in all movies, including life.
Another reviewer made a comment on the Church, and unfortunately, many associate churchianity, with the real Christianity that Christ taught, which are two totally separate streams of thought. Christ was very simple, he wore basic linen, and not the red silk regalia and fineries found in the Vatican and on the Cardinals & Pope. Let me move to say that the story of Troy was thought to be "just a story", until the real treasures were actually unearthed. Therefore, it can also be possible that the Book of Revelation and its mysteries, will too, eventually unfold, but to those whom are spiritually evolved to hear it. I prefer keeping an open, positive mind to all.
Overall, we thought the film to be rather interesting, but sadly it only touched on certain facets of the Templars and the Apocrypha, which again is why one needs to have some exposure to it prior to viewing this film.
As with many things...Careful consideration must be given prior to handing over the "Philosoper's Stone"/information, as they are both equal in power.
Anything Goes Trivia
Megaton Man
Trevor
