The Bible
Parents say
Based on 12 reviews
Kids say
Based on 17 reviews
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that The Bible contains lots of violent and bloody scenes, including beatings, drownings, and the murdering of infants and adults. It also features a very lengthy and graphic reenactment of a crucifixion. Adultery is discussed, and men are often shown shirtless and in loin cloths and occasionally women are shown undressed (but no real nudity). Wine is sometimes consumed during religious ceremonies and over meals. All of this is offered in context, but it may be too intense for younger and/or sensitive viewers.
Community Reviews
It's a dirty, immoral retelling of The Bible
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(15+) Because of violence
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What's the Story?
THE BIBLE is a docudrama that features adaptations of known Bible stories that are believed to have changed the world. From the stories of Noah's Ark and Moses (played by William Houston), to the birth and death of Jesus of Nazareth (Diogo Morgado), the series offers dramatic renditions of biblical tales that are understood to have a major impact on the way people interpret good, evil, faith, and religion around the globe.
Is It Any Good?
Those looking for an objective, history-oriented discussion of the Bible and its overall impact on humanity will not find it here. Some may also object to the representations of biblical figures, which reflect a very glamorous notion of what people looked and sounded like at the time. But viewers looking for an interesting and/or entertaining Judeo-Christian themed interpretation of Bible stories will find it worth watching.
The series, which is co-produced by Touched by an Angel star Roma Downey, attempts to reflect the essence of each story by following the traditional narratives about well-known biblical figures while adding flair with lots of theatrically violent action scenes and interesting actor portrayals of archangels and death. However, there is little explanation offered about why these events are believed to have changed the world. As a result, tales about acts like Abraham's banishment of his son Ishmael (which many believe led to the division between the Hebrews and the Arabs), are never contextualized, leaving those who are unfamiliar with these stories without any knowledge of their significance.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about media portrayals of the Bible. Why are there so many movies based on bible stories? What are some of the most famous actor portrayals of biblical figures? If you were to choose a story from the Bible to reenact, which one would it be? Why?
Is there anything controversial in this depiction of important religious stories?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: April 2, 2013
- Cast: Darwin Shaw, Diogo Morgado, Keith David
- Directors: Mark Burnett, Roma Downey
- Studio: LightWorkers Media
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: History
- Run time: 481 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: February 25, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
-
The Prince of Egypt
Animated feature tells story of Moses; some violence.
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The Ten Commandments
Stirring, even if it's as much showbiz as Bible.
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The Passion of the Christ
Controversial film is extremely violent and powerful.
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