A luxurious visual interpretation of the biblical text performed entirely by non-professionals. The director's Catholicism and Marxism serve him well here as the Messiah is presented as a distinctly political figure fuelled by anger at social injustice, while the miracles are just incidental. Pasolini's stunning photography combined with a magnificent musical score, from Bach to Billie Holiday, make this a breath-taking feast. Both religiously and politically powerful.