The Final Inquiry Review
13 March 2013
There are not a lot of Biblical Period Dramas around. When this challenge came by, I knew I had to make sure I watched this one before July, just so that we could have a Biblical PD in amongst the Austen, Dickens, Gaskell, 1900 and 1930 ones.
I received this film a couple of years ago as a birthday present and watched it again over the weekend with some friends. As nice as this story is, I can’t take it seriously because of the Scriptural errors, over-exaggerated romance, and ‘interesting’ acting. Don’t get me wrong… I do like this movie, it’s just not quite believable. And a film – especially one with Biblical characters – should be.
One the flip side, there is romance, adventure, battle, treachery, intrigue, faith, and a handsome hero to its credit. :) Take a look and judge for yourself.
*While researching this film for my review I made quite a few startling discoveries... the most important of all was that this film was originally called The Inquiry (or L'inchiesta) , a two-part TV serial - over 3 hours long! As a result there were more scenes in it that would have made better sense to the storyline. One day I plan to watch the whole, unedited version online somewhere... if I do while still participating with this challenge, you'll get a review. :)*
SYNOPSIS
I received this film a couple of years ago as a birthday present and watched it again over the weekend with some friends. As nice as this story is, I can’t take it seriously because of the Scriptural errors, over-exaggerated romance, and ‘interesting’ acting. Don’t get me wrong… I do like this movie, it’s just not quite believable. And a film – especially one with Biblical characters – should be.
One the flip side, there is romance, adventure, battle, treachery, intrigue, faith, and a handsome hero to its credit. :) Take a look and judge for yourself.
*While researching this film for my review I made quite a few startling discoveries... the most important of all was that this film was originally called The Inquiry (or L'inchiesta) , a two-part TV serial - over 3 hours long! As a result there were more scenes in it that would have made better sense to the storyline. One day I plan to watch the whole, unedited version online somewhere... if I do while still participating with this challenge, you'll get a review. :)*
SYNOPSIS
A thrilling tale of one man’s quest to uncover the truth, the Final Inquiry is an epic adventure that explores the mystery of all mysteries.
Rome’s greatest warrior, Tauro, on a special assignment from his emperor, travels in secret to Jerusalem to disprove the rumoured resurrection of a Jewish rabbi. Facing treachery and deceit from all sides, Tauro discovers faith, love, a revelatory truth that could ultimately shatter the empire!
SCENERY
The scenery in this Biblical period drama leaps from beautiful countryside to desolate dry desert. Perhaps it is this way in Israel? One of these days I’ll pop over there for a visit and let you know. :)
Sorry about the lack of photos... this film isn't very popular online! On the left is the Germanian Forest where Tauros has his victory. One the right is Jerusalem, where Tabitha lives.
Rome’s greatest warrior, Tauro, on a special assignment from his emperor, travels in secret to Jerusalem to disprove the rumoured resurrection of a Jewish rabbi. Facing treachery and deceit from all sides, Tauro discovers faith, love, a revelatory truth that could ultimately shatter the empire!
SCENERY
The scenery in this Biblical period drama leaps from beautiful countryside to desolate dry desert. Perhaps it is this way in Israel? One of these days I’ll pop over there for a visit and let you know. :)
Sorry about the lack of photos... this film isn't very popular online! On the left is the Germanian Forest where Tauros has his victory. One the right is Jerusalem, where Tabitha lives.
STORY
This is the story of a man’s mission.
Titus Valerius Tauros has just completed a successful takeover of a village in Germania, when he is called to the island of Capri to receive a mission from the emperor himself: to do to Jerusalem and find a body. The body of a Jewish rabbi who has allegedly disappeared. Jesus of Nazareth.
So Tauros goes to Jerusalem, with his trusty axe-wielding German servant at his side, and finds himself right in the middle of something he never ever would have anticipated: murder, political intrigue, and a strange cult that turns the other cheek. Along with that, he is smitten with a beautiful Jewish girl betrothed to another man. Does he find the answers the emperor – and he – is searching for? Well… you’ll have to watch the movie and see!
This is the story of a man’s mission.
Titus Valerius Tauros has just completed a successful takeover of a village in Germania, when he is called to the island of Capri to receive a mission from the emperor himself: to do to Jerusalem and find a body. The body of a Jewish rabbi who has allegedly disappeared. Jesus of Nazareth.
So Tauros goes to Jerusalem, with his trusty axe-wielding German servant at his side, and finds himself right in the middle of something he never ever would have anticipated: murder, political intrigue, and a strange cult that turns the other cheek. Along with that, he is smitten with a beautiful Jewish girl betrothed to another man. Does he find the answers the emperor – and he – is searching for? Well… you’ll have to watch the movie and see!
CHARACTERS
Titus Valerius Tauros is played by Daniele Liotti. Now, before anyone gets too confused with this fellow’s name, it is Daniele (dan-yell-eh)… not Danielle (danny-elle). He is Italian. ‘Daniele’ is the Italian of our ‘Daniel’.
Banished from Rome because he knew too much about the death of Tiberius’ predecessor, Tauros holds a successful campaign against the German barbarians and captures one warrior, Brixus, to be his bodyguard. Tiberius calls him back to Rome and recruits him in discovering all he can about the death and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. Tauros is brave, strong, and handsome, but unsure about what he believes and can get riled when those he loves gets hurt.
I have to judge the wisdom of the casting team. Daniele Liotti is great… but does he look like a Roman Tribune to you? He doesn’t to me. It’s the beard.
Titus Valerius Tauros is played by Daniele Liotti. Now, before anyone gets too confused with this fellow’s name, it is Daniele (dan-yell-eh)… not Danielle (danny-elle). He is Italian. ‘Daniele’ is the Italian of our ‘Daniel’.
Banished from Rome because he knew too much about the death of Tiberius’ predecessor, Tauros holds a successful campaign against the German barbarians and captures one warrior, Brixus, to be his bodyguard. Tiberius calls him back to Rome and recruits him in discovering all he can about the death and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. Tauros is brave, strong, and handsome, but unsure about what he believes and can get riled when those he loves gets hurt.
I have to judge the wisdom of the casting team. Daniele Liotti is great… but does he look like a Roman Tribune to you? He doesn’t to me. It’s the beard.
Monica Cruz plays Tabitha: Jewish girl, daughter of a prominent Jewish Pharisee, betrothed to an elderly man, follower of Jesus of Nazareth… Tabitha is a very quiet girl. The movie portrays her almost as sad and pensive, to be honest it makes sense. The film begins as she watches her mother stoned for adultery, then as she learns more about The Way, one of her friends – Stephan – is arrested and stoned as well. She and her grandmother bump into Tauros and Brixus by chance in an alley and later that evening he saves her from a drunk admirer. The attraction they feel for each other is obvious, but she is bound by certain laws and traditions that make taking the hand of, and even talking to, this handsome Roman forbidden. That doesn’t stop him from persistently talking to her and asking her questions. Her walls break down over time and she agrees to leave Jerusalem with Tauros and go to Rome, but is stopped by her father. Spoiler Filled with rage at her love for this Roman Tribune, he beats her nearly to death. Her grandmother runs to tell Tauros, who rushes to the scene, ready to kill her father. Thankfully Tabitha’s grandmother dissuades him and takes him up to see Tabitha. The dying girl has one wish: She wants Tauros to bring some of Jesus’ disciples to talk to her about His kingdom and to pray with her. This trip and Tabitha’s resulting death changes Tauros’ life (I know this is in the spoiler section… but I’m not going to give everything away!) :P End of Spoiler
I love these two together!
Dolph Lundgren plays the brawny German Brixus. This man –along with the rest of his tribe – fights desperately, and unsuccessfully, to save their piece of Germania from Rome. Tauros admires Brixus’ strength and loyalty and takes Brixus as his personal bodyguard. While Brixus agrees to serve Tauros he emphatically declares, “But you won’t have my loyalty… unless I decide to give it to you.” They travel to Jerusalem where Brixus helps Tauros fight against Jewish zealots, gladiators in disguise, and desert bandits – saving his master’s life multiple times. Along the way he sees the true heart of Tauros and gives him his loyalty. Spoiler Shortly before his death, Brixus and Tauros discover that they have become more than just master and servant… they have become friends. Tauros gives Brixus his freedom, to which he replies, “Thank you master… but I have always been a free man.” That is a mentality that I think I’m going to keep for the rest of my life. No matter what your situation, only you can put yourself in slavery. End of Spoiler
Those are the three main characters, but there are others that are featured less, but play important parts of the story…
Those are the three main characters, but there are others that are featured less, but play important parts of the story…
Tabitha’s father is played by F. Murray Abraham. Tabitha’s father – Nathan – is a well respected Pharisee who is emphatically against Jesus and his disciples, but after his incident with Tabitha and Jesus’followers, he has a change of heart.
Tabitha’s grandmother plays the part of her chaperone and confidante. Also a follower of Jesus, she takes them to meetings of The Way. When Tabitha and Tauros first meet, it is her grandmother that acts as spokesperson between them; she also is the one that ran for Tauros’ aid when Tabitha was in dire need. This dear lady is such a sweet person, always on the lookout for Tabitha’s best interests.
Tabitha’s grandmother plays the part of her chaperone and confidante. Also a follower of Jesus, she takes them to meetings of The Way. When Tabitha and Tauros first meet, it is her grandmother that acts as spokesperson between them; she also is the one that ran for Tauros’ aid when Tabitha was in dire need. This dear lady is such a sweet person, always on the lookout for Tabitha’s best interests.
Steven is played by Christo Jivkiv. You can see David, Stephan’s younger brother, grow in his faith as he learns to turn the other cheek, and although the terms of Steven’s stoning are Biblically inaccurate, I can believe that the Biblical Steven was like this. His faith is quiet and well-grounded, and he will not deny Jesus to save his own life, even at the urging of his fellow-believers.
David and Saul
Fernando Guillén Cuervo plays Saul of Tarsus. This is one character that I feel is very badly portrayed and if you did not know Scripture you could be deceived by him. This Saul is cruel, violent, devious, and crafty. Although the Biblical Saul did arrest Jesus’ followers, this character portrays him far more violently than I would have believed him to be. Spoiler When arresting Stephan, he knocks the fellow to the ground and kicks him in the stomach repeatedly just to urge David to pick up the sword and defend his brother. That’s too extreme for me. Saul stood strictly within the lines of Jewish law, and that breaks it. End of Spoiler
Pontius Pilate is played by Hristo Shopov. This is the same Pilate that was in The Passion. Apparently the Italian makers of this film wanted this to be a ‘sequel’ of The Passion, so brought in the same actor to play Pilate. I don’t think too much for or against this character…though perhaps he is played a little too deviously and underhanded than he would have been.
Tiberius and Caligula
Briefly featured are the characters of Tiberius Caesar and Caligula. Tiberius is played by Max von Sydow, and Caligula is played by Vincenzo Bocciarelli. This historical addition is rather interesting. I’m not sure how historically accurate Tiberius’ assassination is, but I do know that Caligula was mad/insane, and that was extremely well portrayed by Vincenzo Bocciarelli. Caligula does look and act insane.
The brief appearance of Jesus is played by Fabrizio Bucci. I do not like this Jesus. This is one Biblical character that I’m very particular about. #1: He has to look Jewish. Jesus was a Jew. This is like expecting Bruce Lee to be played by a black African. #2: Jesus was not a depressed, sour, sad person. I refuse to believe this of my Messiah. The man laughed, He dance, He sang, He smiled. Bucci’s Jesus broke both of these fundamental rules. In fact, he looks almost as if he is sick whenever he comes on screen.
COSTUMES/HAIRSTYLES
The costumes in this period drama are Biblical (don’t say ‘duh’… I’m already thinking it!)… There is a mix of Jewish dress, Roman armour, and Germanic tribal furs. I would say that they are all pretty well portrayed – except for Tauros’ beard, but I’ve covered that one already. Also, I’m not sure if the Germans painted their faces for war… I think it was more the Celts. I really love the way that Tabitha wears her head coverings. She looks so beautiful. Also Mary Magdalene (played by Ornella Muti) does hers beautifully too.
The costumes in this period drama are Biblical (don’t say ‘duh’… I’m already thinking it!)… There is a mix of Jewish dress, Roman armour, and Germanic tribal furs. I would say that they are all pretty well portrayed – except for Tauros’ beard, but I’ve covered that one already. Also, I’m not sure if the Germans painted their faces for war… I think it was more the Celts. I really love the way that Tabitha wears her head coverings. She looks so beautiful. Also Mary Magdalene (played by Ornella Muti) does hers beautifully too.
RATING
Between 1 and 5, I’d give this film a 3. Even though I have a lot of criticism for this film, I do actually like it. Take everything I say with a pinch of salt and watch it yourself to reach your own conclusions. :)
Now, The Final Inquiry is PG for violence . Because of the mentioned attacks and battles, there is a little gore. Really, it is quite a minimal amount. Even though Brixus wields an axe and Tauros uses his sword a lot, there are not many wounds shown. There is blood on wounds after the battles, and around the mouths of the dying, but seriously, very minimal. There is a brief reference of the German people going to their priestess for wisdom.
NOTE: There are constant references to ‘the law’: Nathan insisting that his wife be punished to the full extent of the law, Tabitha
refusing (at first) to touch the hand of or tell her name to Tauros, Nathan’s maid refusing to admit Simon Peter into his home because it is against the law... Remember what Jesus/Yeshua about the laws of the Pharisees : “For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of the their fingers.” (Matt 23:4) The latter two examples I gave show the extra rules and traditions created by the Pharisees, ones that cause us to live in bondage and make the true law – Torah – a chore. These extra rules were the ones that Yeshua came to do away with. The Torah (Genesis – Deuteronomy) is known as “holy, just, and good” (Rom 7:12) and “the perfect law of liberty” (James 1:25); added manmade rules and traditions make following God into something that it shouldn’t be.
Between 1 and 5, I’d give this film a 3. Even though I have a lot of criticism for this film, I do actually like it. Take everything I say with a pinch of salt and watch it yourself to reach your own conclusions. :)
Now, The Final Inquiry is PG for violence . Because of the mentioned attacks and battles, there is a little gore. Really, it is quite a minimal amount. Even though Brixus wields an axe and Tauros uses his sword a lot, there are not many wounds shown. There is blood on wounds after the battles, and around the mouths of the dying, but seriously, very minimal. There is a brief reference of the German people going to their priestess for wisdom.
NOTE: There are constant references to ‘the law’: Nathan insisting that his wife be punished to the full extent of the law, Tabitha
refusing (at first) to touch the hand of or tell her name to Tauros, Nathan’s maid refusing to admit Simon Peter into his home because it is against the law... Remember what Jesus/Yeshua about the laws of the Pharisees : “For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of the their fingers.” (Matt 23:4) The latter two examples I gave show the extra rules and traditions created by the Pharisees, ones that cause us to live in bondage and make the true law – Torah – a chore. These extra rules were the ones that Yeshua came to do away with. The Torah (Genesis – Deuteronomy) is known as “holy, just, and good” (Rom 7:12) and “the perfect law of liberty” (James 1:25); added manmade rules and traditions make following God into something that it shouldn’t be.