Thomas – Gli amici di Ges – Tommaso (2001)

Directed by: Raffaele Mertes | 91 minutes | biography, drama, history | Actors: Ricky Tognazzi, Maria Grazia Cucinotta, Mehmet Gunsur, Mathias Herrmann, Hannes Jaenicke, Enrica Maria Modugno, Danny Quin, Mathieu Carrière, Manfred Zapatka

Several years ago the Italian director Raffaele Mertes made a short story collection of television films about the people who played an important role in the life of Jesus Christ. This collection, ‘The Bible’ – or ‘Amici di Gesù’ (Friends of Jesus), tells the stories of the faithful follower Mary Magdalene, the carpenter Joseph of Nazareth, traitor Judas and the unbelieving Thomas. The latter is a faithful friend and follower of Jesus and finds it hard to believe that he was crucified. After Jesus is placed in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea, Thomas fights to take the body of his dear friend and bury him in Galilee, where he was born.

The film shows not only Thomas’s battle against the Romans, but also his battle with himself: whether he should believe the rest of the disciples when they say that Jesus has risen and that they have seen him. The film shows beautiful landscapes and beautiful scenery, such as the temple in Jerusalem. The Biblical villages and houses look primitive, making the film feel authentic and the costumes also add to the credibility of the film. Actor Ricky Tognazzi, who plays the lead role, does well as ‘doubting’ disciple Thomas. This Italian actor knows how to convey his pain and inner struggle well; especially the scene where Jesus appears before him and Thomas begs Jesus to forgive him is very well played.

What’s nice is that attention is also paid to the character of Mary Magdalene, a role played by the gorgeous Italian actress Maria Grazia Cucinotta. The film doesn’t elaborate on whether or not she is anything more than just a staunch adherent of Jesus Christ – for interesting theories like this, viewers can turn to the 2006 blockbuster ‘The Da Vinci Code’. All in all, the actors in ‘Thomas’ deliver fairly good and convincing performances. The film is a bit long-winded at times, but the authenticity, actors and beautiful music make up for that. All in all, a film that fits perfectly in the collection of lovers of Bible adaptations.