The Great Commandment

The Great Commandment is a dramatic historical film that was released in 1939, which blends together biblical storytelling, political tension, and human emotions. Starring notable actors such as John Beal, Maurice Moscovitch, and Albert Dekker, the movie aims to transport viewers back to the tumultuous times of Ancient Rome's occupation of Jerusalem in the first century AD and the consequent birth of Christianity.

John Beal plays the leading role of Joel, a young, passionate Jewish zealot dissatisfied with the Roman rule in Jerusalem. He is a member of the Zealots, a militant group committed to overthrowing the Roman rule. As the story unfolds, Beal gives a moving portrayal of Joel’s moral and spiritual inner struggle. His determination and uncompromising stance towards Roman occupation gradually softens as he encounters the teachings of Jesus, played with kindred warmth by Warren McCollum.

Maurice Moscovitch impresses with his dynamic portrayal of the Jewish rabbi, the learned Lamachi. He oscillates between being the traditional and wisdom-breathing elderly figure and a man resistant to new revelations, adding depth to the narrative. His understanding, interpretation, and application of the biblical laws strongly impact Joel and push him further towards his spiritual evolution.

Albert Dekker plays the character of a stringent Roman centurion, Claudian, who is commanding but eventually befriends Joel. Dekker’s portrayal of Claudian adds a unique perspective on the Romans' side and provides a sympathetic window through which audiences can view the Roman Empire's representatives.

The Great Commandment effectively contextualizes the biblical values conveyed by Jesus within the tense political climate of the era. The larger political struggle represents a backdrop to the more personal tales of faith, redemption, and transformation.

The central narrative explores the fluctuating relationships among the characters as they navigate diverse ideological stands. While the subtext might be religious, the movie appeals to a larger audience due to its emphatic exploration of universal themes such as love, justice, brotherhood, and kindness.

The vivid and awe-inspiring scenery of the exotic middle east is set within the contrast of unsettling political upheaval and the awakening of a transformative spiritual movement. The large, ambitious sets, authentic-looking costumes contribute to the drama and dwell on creating realism and attention to historical detail. It truly captures the essence of the first-century milieu.

Revolving around the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, the film significantly does not portray Jesus’ actual face. The filmmaker's decision to only show Jesus from behind or from a distance gives a mystical and rather intriguing imbue to his character and leaves room for viewers' own perceptions and interpretations. This approach also reflects a respectful tradition in many biblical films to avoid explicitly presenting the face of such a revered figure.

The conversations woven around the philosophies and teachings of Jesus add an introspective dimension to the film. Joel's internal transformation is sensitively portrayed, making it a poignant journey from being a hardened zealot to a compassionate follower of new teachings. However, the movie artfully avoids overt preachiness and maintains a fine balance between its historical, human, and spiritual dimensions.

In terms of the film's production, The Great Commandment represents Hollywood's first attempt to tackle a biblical narrative, pre-dating even the much-celebrated biblical epics of the 1950s and 1960s. Despite operating within the confines of a relatively modest budget, director Irving Pichel successfully managed to create a film with considerable emotional depth and historical resonance.

The Great Commandment stands out as an important early example of the cinematic portrayal of biblical stories and their implications. It not only tells a story of religion but also successfully paints a vivid picture of the political tension felt under Roman rule. With potent acting performances, emotive dialogue, and meticulous detail to the historical setting, the monumental clash of cultures is remarkably brought to life. This is truly an intriguing film for both historical and religious film enthusiasts.