“Mary,” Netflix’s latest offering, is a cinematic exploration of the life of the Virgin Mary, written by Timothy Michael Hayes and directed by D.J. Caruso. The film takes viewers on a journey from Mary’s early life to the birth of Jesus, focusing on her humanity and the challenges she faced. Premiered on December 6, the film has elicited much controversy from religious communities and critics alike.
The film features Noa Cohen as Mary, Ido Tako as Joseph, and Sir Anthony Hopkins as King Herod. The casting of relatively unknown actors for Mary and Joseph adds a layer of authenticity, while Hopkins’ portrayal of Herod brings a touch of gravitas to the film.
I am not a film critic but as an ordinary viewer, I find “Mary” a visually stunning film, with beautiful cinematography that captures the essence of the period. The film’s atmosphere is enriched by its attention to detail in costumes and settings, creating an immersive experience for the audience.
However, it’s very important to approach “Mary” with the understanding that it is a work of fiction.
As my favorite priest Rev. Fr. Dave Concepcion advises, viewers should take the movie as it is—a piece of entertainment. In his recent homily at the Greenbelt chapel, Fr. Concepcion emphasized that movies are meant to entertain and should not be taken as a source of catechism or biblical truth. For those seeking the true biblical account, he recommends reading the scriptures and studying the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
“People ask me what can I say about the film “Mary.” Well, it is a movie. Movies are meant to entertain. You don’t expect movies to be a good source of Catechism. If you want a good catechism, read the scriptures, read the Catechism of the Catholic Church,” he said.
“Movies are bad source of catechism,” Fr. Dave stressed.
The film does take creative liberties with the story, incorporating elements from apocryphal texts and historical sources outside the Bible. This has led to some criticism from viewers who feel that the movie strays too far from the scriptural narrative. Despite this, “Mary” offers a fresh perspective on a well-known story, presenting Mary as a relatable and human figure.
While the film has its flaws, including some historical inaccuracies and dramatized scenes, it succeeds in portraying the emotional and spiritual journey of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The depiction of her innocence, virtue, and unwavering faith provides a compelling narrative that resonates with viewers.
As People Asia editor-in-chief Joanne Rae Ramirez aptly puts it: “The portrayal of Mary as a strong, courageous woman who changed the world by saying ‘yes’ is clear as day.”
In conclusion, “Mary” is a film that should be enjoyed for its artistic and entertainment value. This film, however, is not meant for “Catolico Cerrado” as it’s not a faithful retelling of the Blessed Mother’s story in the Bible. But if only for the multi-awarded Anthony Hopkins’ brilliant acting, go and watch it with caution.
