This is an incredibly well made short film that everyone should see.
It is not a narrative and not a documentary, but rather more of a video essay that follows Modine around various NYC locations as he explores the philosophy of Jesus Christ, and applies that philosophy to modern day society and current political situations.
The imagery is stunning, and the editing keeps the pace fast enough that the film never feels didactic. Instead it is a very honest and positive attempt to highlight the stories in the Bible that show Jesus to be a man whose political leanings might be classified as communist.
Modine is very careful to point out that when he refers to Communism he is not speaking of a specific form that has appeared in recent history (not the Communism of Lenin, Mao, or even Marx), but rather an ideal form of Communism based on egalitarian ideals.
The real strength of this piece is not in the argument that it makes, but in the questions it poses. At only 15 minutes in length (that feels closer to 5 because it moves so quickly), there isn't time, nor is there any attempt to provide answers or solutions. If Jesus were living in the America of today, what would he think of today's political parties? Whom would he support? And for those people who currently identify themselves as Christian and are followers of Christ, how often do your personal beliefs and actions really fall in line with the ideology of Jesus?
I think most works that pose such controversial questions often do so from a perspective that is anti-religion. But Jesus WAS A COMMIE doesn't do that. It simply asks you as the viewer to evaluate the world around you and ask yourself if it could be better, and what we could do to effect that change.
In a very positive, constructive, and optimistic manner, Jesus WAS A COMMIE provokes thought and reflection, and I expect for all those who see it, an incredible opportunity for debate and discussion. And that is the most valuable gift any film can offer.
It is not a narrative and not a documentary, but rather more of a video essay that follows Modine around various NYC locations as he explores the philosophy of Jesus Christ, and applies that philosophy to modern day society and current political situations.
The imagery is stunning, and the editing keeps the pace fast enough that the film never feels didactic. Instead it is a very honest and positive attempt to highlight the stories in the Bible that show Jesus to be a man whose political leanings might be classified as communist.
Modine is very careful to point out that when he refers to Communism he is not speaking of a specific form that has appeared in recent history (not the Communism of Lenin, Mao, or even Marx), but rather an ideal form of Communism based on egalitarian ideals.
The real strength of this piece is not in the argument that it makes, but in the questions it poses. At only 15 minutes in length (that feels closer to 5 because it moves so quickly), there isn't time, nor is there any attempt to provide answers or solutions. If Jesus were living in the America of today, what would he think of today's political parties? Whom would he support? And for those people who currently identify themselves as Christian and are followers of Christ, how often do your personal beliefs and actions really fall in line with the ideology of Jesus?
I think most works that pose such controversial questions often do so from a perspective that is anti-religion. But Jesus WAS A COMMIE doesn't do that. It simply asks you as the viewer to evaluate the world around you and ask yourself if it could be better, and what we could do to effect that change.
In a very positive, constructive, and optimistic manner, Jesus WAS A COMMIE provokes thought and reflection, and I expect for all those who see it, an incredible opportunity for debate and discussion. And that is the most valuable gift any film can offer.