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Parents' Guide to

Jesus Christ Superstar (1973)

By Renee Longstreet, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Dated, unconventional rock opera has some violence.

Movie G 1973 108 minutes
Jesus Christ Superstar (1973) Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

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age 12+

Based on 8 parent reviews

CsabiPapdi
CsabiPapdi Adult
April 12, 2021
age 13+
Thefunparent
Thefunparent Adult
August 6, 2020
age 10+

Good movie for kids and parents

This movie is awesome. It is cool because it tells the easier version of life was like for Jesus and his followers. How he got crucified and died. Some people may say it’s not accurate to the Bible but, this is the movie’s interpretation of it. We don’t know what actually would have happened so, this is what they did. Some people may say that it’s not suitable because the crucifixion scene at the end but, if your kid has seen someone get killed on another movie, It won’t be a surprise on this one. The movie features an amazing score from the legendary Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
See all 8 parent reviews

What's the Story?

In this version of New Testament events surrounding Jesus' death, Christ (Ted Neely) is depicted as the first true celebrity. It's structured as a "play within a play," with a busload of pilgrims landing in a modern-day desert and making sets, props, and costumes to present their interpretation of the savior's last days. There is no spoken dialogue; a rock opera score by Andrew Lloyd Webber and dancing provide the narrative. JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR finds the young prophet leading an exuberant troop of starstruck followers with Mary Magdalene (Yvonne Elliman) at his side, while his dearest friend and disciple, Judas Iscariot (Carl Anderson), worries that his idol's message is being corrupted by the growing stardom. Here, Judas is far from a betrayer grasping for a satchel of gold but rather an honorable, if misguided, loyalist. Jesus himself recognizes that it is only in death that his word will become widespread and powerful. The rest of the players -- Pontius Pilate, Herod, and Caiaphas -- carry out their formidable roles as the villains.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (8 ):
Kids say (6 ):

Whether or not viewers will enjoy this movie mostly depends on an appreciation for Andrew Lloyd Webber's distinctive music, especially since there's no spoken dialogue. A few of the songs ("I Don't Know How to Love Him" and "Jesus Christ Superstar") have become classics, and they're representative of Webber's score for this unconventional treatment of the age-old tale. For some, it may simply register as silly or frenzied. For Christian scholars, the license taken by Webber, director Jewison, and company is of biblical proportions. Still, the movie is high on energy and irreverent at times and strives for originality. Impressive performances by both Carl Anderson and Yvonne Elliman stand out from the rest of the cast, most of whom play everything big, bigger, and biggest. Most likely, the MPAA ratings board that tagged the movie with a G rating would have second thoughts today; the crucifixion, bloody lashing, and suicide scenes are definitely not appropriate for kids. First conceived as an album of Webber's biblically themed music, Jesus Christ Superstar as a staged production has had revivals and played throughout the world over the last decades.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about Jesus Christ being portrayed as the world's first superstar. Which similarities do you see in the way celebrities are "worshipped" in today's world?

  • Besides the music, which techniques did the filmmakers use to update the telling of Jesus' story and make it more relevant for modern viewers?

  • Why was Judas afraid that Jesus' popularity might hurt his cause? Have you seen other instances in which the messenger becomes more important than the message?

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