For many of us, Easter is a time of reflection. To help us ponder on this blessed of occasions there is nothing more effective than the visual representation of the passion of Christ that will undoubtedly be shown on TV.

Prior to the boost of religious epics during the 1960s Cecil B.DeMille directed The King of the Kings, one of the earliest silent films on the last weeks of Christ before the crucifixion ,starring H.B Warner in the title role. Although the film is in black and white the Resurrection finale scene is in colour.

One notable religious epic which is still a favourite to this day is The Robe starring Richard Burton (Cleopatra) and Victor Mature (Samson and Delilah). The film tells the story of the Roman military tribune Marcellus Gallio (Burton) that was assigned to lead the soldiers responsible for the crucifixion of Christ. Winning Christ’s robe at a game of dice Marcellus is consumed with guilt over the whole ordeal. Seeing the light for the first time in his life, he seeks repentance and becomes a follower of Christ. A definite must see for its poignant message and Burton’s stunning performance who commands the audience’s undivided attention in every scene. The Robe is also notable for being the first film released in Cinemascope. It went on to win Academy Awards for Best Art Direction, Set Decoration and Best Costume Design.

Inspired by Cecil B. DeMille’s 1927 film of the same name, Nicholas Ray’s King of Kings (1961) starring Jeffrey Hunter was more elaborate than the former as it delved into more detail, narrating the birth of Jesus, the miracles he performed and his Resurrection. The film is renowned for its scenic grandeur during the unforgettable Sermon on the Mount scene when Christ (Hunter) is surrounded by thousands of extras. One must also not forget the memorable music score composed by Miklos Rosza (Ben Hur). Although the film bombed at the box office upon release, it is now considered as spectacularly lavish as Ben Hur.

Undoubtedly classic religious epics do not get any better than The Greatest Story Ever Told, directed by George Stevens (Shane). Despite viewers feeling that Swedish actor Max Von Sydow’s portrayal of Christ was wooden, this film still makes for moving, compelling viewing. It features the crème de la crème of international stars such as Charlton Heston (John the Baptist), Telly Savalas (Pontius Pilate), Dorothy McGuire ( The Virgin, Mary), David McCallum (Judas Iscariot), Roddy McDowall (Matthew) and John Wayne as The Centurion.

The decision to cast stars of international stature would be emulated by Franco Zeffirelli in his British television miniseries Jesus of Nazareth. Starring Robert Powell. who visited Malta to promote the film prior to its first run on Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday way back in 1977, Jesus of Nazareth still continues to draw crowds as it is shown every Easter.

Another important Easter film is the screen adaptation of the Andrew Lloyd - Webber stage musical: Jesus Christ Superstar starring Ted Neeley as Jesus Christ, Yvonne Elliman as Mary Magdalene and the late Carl Anderson as Judas. Filmed in Israel, it uses 70’s hippie culture to tell the story of the last days of Christ.

Finally, one cannot but mention Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ (2002) when talking about Easter films. The eternal struggle between Good and Evil is powerfully transmitted through the facial expressions of James Caviezel as Christ.

Also, if there was ever an original depiction of Satan than it has to be Rosalinda Celentano portrayal of the devil as a woman.