Riddled with historical distortions, at least some of which seem agenda-driven, perhaps even more or less deliberate.
1 Comment
04/18/08
Constantine's Sword (2008)
86
%
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:29
Fresh:25
Rotten:4
Average Rating:6.9/10
Consensus: Exceptional research elevates Constantine's Sword from a talking heads documentary to a resonant and thought-provoking expose of the church's dark history.
Runtime: 1 min 35 secs
Genre: Education/General Interest
Synopsis: This politically explosive documentary delves into the mingling of religion and violence, following former Catholic priest James Carroll as he tracks the trail of blood that leads from the Crusades... [More]
Starring: James Carroll, Liev Schreiber, Philip Bosco, Natasha Richardson
Director: Oren Jacoby
Reviews for Constantine's Sword
Former priest and author James Carroll is simply pointing out that the use of cover up and propaganda -- whether it's aimed at another religion or another country -- is still represented at the point of a sword. That sword is shaped like a cross.
06/01/08
Less a history lesson than Carroll's personal odyssey through the opposing powers of church and state.
08/29/08
This exceedingly contemplative work is both topically important -- warning of what happens when military might and religious fervor are mixed -- and intellectually stimulating as all get out.
08/28/08
thoughtful
04/17/08
Although honest and earnest, 'Constantine's Sword' illustrates the rut the burgeoning genre has fallen into. The message is clear, but the medium is muddled.
04/17/08
Though Carroll's presentation is unquestionably oversimplified...his points are well-taken and worthy of serious regard.
06/02/08
A poignant and passionately presented depiction of church-sanctioned violence against Jews.
04/24/08
[A] harsh, frightening and stunning dissection of Church history.
04/15/08
The breadth of Carroll's scholarship and the depth of his religious understanding strengthen his assertion that our misadventure in Iraq is the beginning of a new holy war.
05/30/08
[A] searching, intellectually lively documentary.
04/16/08
Jacoby and Carroll make their case skillfully, carefully excerpting key scenes from Lenny (with Dustin Hoffman doing a Lenny Bruce monologue on anti-Jewish prejudice) and The Robe.
08/29/08
Though the material is clearly explained, little of it will shock viewers.
04/17/08
A powerful documentary which makes the case that the faith-based fanaticism that has destabilized the planet has been fueled as much by the West as by radical Islam.
05/02/08
[Director Oren] Jacoby's haunting documentary joins cowriter and producer Carroll, the author of Constantine's Sword: The Church and the Jews -- A History, for a fascinating dual journey.
04/24/08
Absolutely stunning mixture of the personal story of a disillusioned Catholic priest and the sordid Christian history that drove him to cut his ties--all the while remaining deeply committed to the ethical vision of Jesus.
09/08/08
[I]t was probably inevitable that such an audacious attempt would fail to succeed entirely. Which isn't to say that this bold and fearless film isn't worth a look.
05/07/08
With so much ground to cover, Carroll's own story must hold everything together. And it just about does, because it's inherently fascinating.
06/20/08
Whatever your persuasion, you'll walk out enriched.
05/23/08
It's a film at once depressing and exhilarating.
08/24/09
Latest News for Constantine's Sword
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