As a film enthusiast who has spent countless hours delving into biblical epics and historical dramas, I must say that Netflix’s latest offering, ‘Mary’, left me feeling rather underwhelmed and somewhat troubled. The casting of Noa Cohen as Mary, while not necessarily problematic in terms of acting talent, has sparked a lot of controversy due to the ongoing conflict in Israel, with some viewers believing it negates Mary’s Palestinian roots.
Debuting perfectly for the Christmas celebration, Netflix’s movie titled “Mary” claims to be an extensive biblical tale chronicling the story of Mary (Noa Cohen) and the birth of Jesus Christ. The film opens with Mary’s parents praying earnestly for a child after years of unsuccessful attempts. Following their visits from Archangel Gabriel (Dudley O’Shaughnessy), they are blessed with a daughter, who they learn will serve God when required. As she matures into a teenager, she is sent to a temple to fulfill this service. Later, she crosses paths with a young man named Joseph (Ido Tako), led there by Gabriel. Consequently, Mary becomes engaged to him through her father’s arrangement. Before their marriage, she receives another visit from the same angel and learns that she is carrying God’s child. Since it appears she has breached her vows and the law, she is expelled from the temple and essentially shunned by society.
Despite everything, her family and Joseph stay by her side. After marrying, they face immediate danger when an enraged crowd hunts for them. On the run, Mary delivers Jesus in less than ideal conditions, as there was no inn available. Those who are familiar with the biblical tale can predict how it unfolds, but this film expands upon that narrative by portraying Mary’s story as a tense thriller. Since its debut, the movie has garnered negative feedback from both viewers and critics due to several contentious issues associated with the production.
‘Mary’s Casting Has Sparked a Lot of Outrage
One of the biggest controversies surrounding Mary involves its casting, particularly of its titular character, played by Israeli actress Noa Cohen. Given the ongoing conflict in Israel between the country’s government and displaced Palestinians, many believe such casting purposefully negates Mary’s Palestinian roots and acts as an affront to Palestinians fighting to survive today. However, others have retorted that such political lines were not the same 2,000 years ago and therefore shouldn’t be an issue.
Despite this, featuring an Israeli actress in a film deeply rooted in Middle Eastern narrative will undoubtedly catch some attention. Whether her casting was intended to address a broader topic or not, many critics of Cohen’s portrayal of Mary find it symbolic, particularly those who support Palestinian causes. However, similar to most films inspired by religion, the casting isn’t the sole point of contention among viewers regarding this movie.
‘Mary’ Strays Too Far From the Original Bible Story
In the movie aimed at captivating audiences across various religious backgrounds, it’s been noted that Mary, in its storytelling, takes certain artistic liberties. This has sparked disapproval among many viewers and Biblical scholars alike, who argue that the film strays too far from the Bible and departs significantly from traditional religious teachings. To elaborate, the depiction of Mary’s relationship with her father in this film has received heavy scrutiny due to its historical inaccuracies. The movie offers an extensive background for Mary’s parents and her own birth, but these elements fall far short of how she is initially introduced in the Bible.
As the story unfolds, I find myself drawn into the life of Mary, a character who is repeatedly visited by Lucifer, aiming to seduce her from her faith and her divine path. Interestingly, this tempter knows full well the destiny that God has in store for her. At several points in her life, he makes an appearance, most notably during her time in the temple where he’s confronted by Archangel Gabriel, who seems to drive him off with a warning from God. In one dreamlike sequence, Lucifer succeeds in taking Mary away, only to be saved by Joseph, who seemingly defeats him by striking him down in the back, a move that appears to have vanquished him permanently.
It appears that Gabriel and Lucifer’s modern attire in the movie has sparked debate among viewers seeking a more conventional portrayal of angels. Furthermore, the inclusion of Lucifer in the film initially stirred up controversy due to his absence from Mary’s story and the birth of Jesus Christ. In essence, the movie strays so far from biblical accounts that almost everything about it is contentious. Viewers hoping for an epic narrative about Mary and Jesus found themselves immersed in fan fiction and casting dilemmas instead.
Mary is currently streaming on Netflix.
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2024-12-15 02:01