He directing, costume design, cinematography, and music score are quite good. The director, Nicholas Ray, was known for making smaller films, such as REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE, dealing with flawed characters.
This was his first (and I believe) only epic. Jeffery Hunter plays Jesus in it. He's not a bad Jesus, but he is underwhelming compared to other actors who have played Jesus like Robert Powell, Max von Sydow, Enrique Irazoqui, Henry Ian Cusick, and even Jim Caviezel. The supporting actors are better such as Siobhan McKenna as Mary, Harry Guardino as Barabbas, Rip Torn as Judas, Robert Ryan as John the Baptist, Carmen Sevilla as Mary Magdalene (who is portrayed as a former prostitute, even though there is no evidence she was), and Ron Randell as Rufus, a fictitious Roman soldier created for the film, who is sympathetic to John the Baptist and Jesus.
The film focuses a lot on the political situation of the time. It focuses on Pilate, Herod Antipas, and Barabbas and Judas (who are friends in this film). While, interesting it should have been focusing more on Jesus. Also, we don't really get to know the twelve apostles that well, except Peter and John a little bit and Judas the most. The sermon on the Mount is the best part of the film. Even though Jesus is speaking lines not just from Matthew's Gospel, but the others as well, including John. The film is based on all four Gospel, which is always tricky.
If you have never seen this film it is worthwhile seeing once. It would be nice to see on the big screen in 70mm.
Review of King of Kings
King of Kings
(1961)
Compelling, well made, but flawed film on the life of Jesus
9 March 2021
Warning: Spoilers