It being an early Easter Sunday over here in Britain, I decided to write a review of this animated gem. It tells the story of Jesus according to the Gospel of Luke, but in a very unusual style. Instead of using live actors, the characters are portrayed by puppets. Whilst it might seem dodgy, I think that the film succeeds very well, even if it is not perfect.

The animation itself is beautiful, if a bit stiff and jarring at points. The music doesn't intrude too much and simply sets the scene. There is also some 2D animation which is used for surreal scenes, such as Jesus telling his parables and the plight of a woman infected by demons.
What I like most about this film is the way it portrays Jesus. The filmmakers actually dared to give him negative emotions - we see him being scared and frustrated and it really lets us know how human he really is. At heart, he is a man that happens to be the Son of God. Unlike the other puppets, he actually looks warm and full of emotion.
Christ's crucifixion is done superbly. It gives us an idea of what it is like without being overly gory or sentimental.

Now, as I said before, it isn't entirely perfect. If there is one thing this film could have used a bit more of, it is joy. It is simply too melancholy, even in scenes which are meant to be blissful. Also, aside from Jesus, the other figures just seem a bit blank and emotionless.

Still, despite the flaws, The Miracle Maker is a Bibically accurate re-telling of the life of Jesus. It should appeal to most Christians (like me) and even non-religious people might like it, since it isn't a preachy film or a 'Hey kids - it's time for fun with your Bible' sort of thing. In fact, small children will probably find it too frightening and disturbing. But I recommend this if you are a Christian or simply someone who wants to learn more about a certain bloke who lives two thousand years ago. Definately my favourite Jesus film, along with (if it counts) Monty Python's Life of Brian.

This was an exceptional blend of the most beautiful, detailed claymation I've ever seen and stylized cell animation. It's always difficult to tell this biography in a short time but was glad to see that they captured all the sweet and bitter truth of the entirety. I was especially impressed with the Baptism and the casting out of demons from Mary scenes. I was surprised that something like the casting out was put in and very glad as it was a powerful scene and done exceedingly well. The change up from clay to cell serves as an exceptional device to create the effect of the clay world as real and the cell as mnemetic world. "Coming down" from the cell scenes, there are moments that give a glimpse of an impression of live action - a remarkable visual that I have not seen before; a fantastic illussion. I feel the mediums chosen reflect the childlike quality Jesus tried to convey. The wonder and awe one could have when one is in the process of thinking about God is captured. Thank you God and bless the people who were involved.

This is probably the best Jesus movie ever made.
The stop motion animation is stunning and the hand drawn animation is some of the best I've ever seen.
Ralph Feinnes (YES, Voldemort (the bad guy) from Harry Potter) does an excellent job as Jesus and the rest of the cast is excellent also.
A very good movie. If you can find it, watch it.

it's been too long since we've seen the likes of claymation and stop-motion on t.v . last I remember anything like this. was the Rankin-Bass specials. though the the characters are finely crafted in the Claymation-like characters. the story does seem a bit dull in some areas. then again , I'm not Christian. but decided to watch the film due to good reviews.it though I did enjoy the story told to from Tamara's view. and her resurection by Jesus.

overall, some people might like it. but I didn't care for it.