The Book of Life (1998)
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89% of critics liked it
(9 reviews) -
64% of users liked it
(1,351 ratings)
Hal Hartley directed this French-produced comedy about the Second Coming of Christ (Martin Donovan), with Thomas Jay Ryan in the role of Satan. While a gambler (David Simonds) and a waitress (Miho Nikaido) talk with Satan in a hotel bar, Jesus arrives at JFK airport with Magdalena (PJ Harvey). Jesus… More Hal Hartley directed this French-produced comedy about the Second Coming of Christ (Martin Donovan), with Thomas Jay Ryan in the role of Satan. While a gambler (David Simonds) and a waitress (Miho Nikaido) talk with Satan in a hotel bar, Jesus arrives at JFK airport with Magdalena (PJ Harvey). Jesus has been sent down to end the world by breaking the Seven Seals on a computer disk in a bowling alley locker room. Made in digital video blown up to 35mm, this film is part of the French "Collection 2000 Seen By" television series of one-hour films about the Millennium (and the only one by an American director). Shown at the 1998 Cannes Film Festival. ~ Bhob Stewart, Rovi
- Directed By
- Hal Hartley
- Written By
- Hal Hartley
- Genres
- Art House & International, Comedy
Unrated,
- In Theaters
- Oct 10, 1998 Wide
Critic Reviews
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Nick Davis, Nick's Flick Picks
Anything touched by PJ Harvey is bound to be worth the trouble; even better, Hartley has made one of his better, least grating films.
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Martin Scribbs, Mixed Reviews
Jesus-who's-come-again asks Himself soul-searching questions in what might've been called The Lack of Passion of the Christ.
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Jeremy Heilman, MovieMartyr.com
Hartley always underplays things, even when the world's about to end.
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Cast
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Martin Donovan
as Jesus Christ
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P.J. Harvey
as Magdalena
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Thomas Jay Ryan
as Satan
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David Simonds
as Guy in Bar
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Miho Nikaido
as Edie
- D.J. Mendel
- Katreen Hardt
- James Urbaniak
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Yo La Tengo
as Salvation Army Band
