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Jeffrey Hunter, Siobhan McKenna, Hurd Hatfield, Ron Randell, Harry Guardino ... see more see more... , Viveca Lindfors , Rip Torn , Rita Gam , Frank Thring , Carmen Sevilia , Brigid Bazlen , Guy Rolfe , Maurice Marsac , Grégoire Aslan , Royal Dano , Edric Connor , Robert Ryan , Orson Welles , George Coulouris , Conrado San Martin , Gérard Tichy , Luis Prendes , David Davies , Rubén Rojo , Fernando Sancho , Michael Wager , Adriano Rimoldi , Barry Keegan , Rafael Luis Calvo , Ted de Corsia , Félix de Pomés , José Nieto , Francisco Moran , Carmen Sevilla

The powerful and critically-acclaimed story of Jesus told in a strikingly beautiful visual style. Stars Oscar-nominees and Emmy-winner Rip Torn (TV's "The Larry Sanders Show") as Judas and Robert Ryan... read more read more... ("Bad Day at Black Rock," "Crossfire," "The Wild Bunch") as John the Baptist with Jeffrey Hunter ("A Kiss Before Dying") as Christ. Directed by Oscar-nominee Nicholas Ray ("Rebel Without a Cause," "In a Lonely Place"). Narrated by Orson Welles ("Citizen Kane"). "...grandly filmed...deeply moving" - Leonard Maltin.

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75% liked it

3,998 ratings

Critics

83% liked it

18 critics

PG-13, 2 hr. 45 min.

Directed by: Nicholas Ray

Release Date: October 30, 1961

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DVD Release Date: February 25, 2003

Stats: 210 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (210)

  • fb100002862287352
    December 28, 2011
    fb100002862287352
    Fine portrayal of the Diety's life.

    King of Kings is a biblical epic produced by many of the same people responsible for the making of Ben-Hur. Although not quite as grand as it's predecessor, it hits the highlights of Jesus's ministry and explores the political climate of Isra... read moreel.
    Jeffrey Hunter (Christopher Pike, Star Trek) is serviceable in the leading role but the supporting actors are the real treat. Robert Ryan delivers a subtle but powerful performance as John the Baptist. While other movies portray him as a wild, raving fanatic (Jesus of Nazareth, The Gospel of John) King of Kings suggests a more simple stoic character. My favorite scene is when Jesus hold his hand through the prison bars to free him from his doubts. Siobhan McKenna plays the Virgin Mary with sweetnesss and sympathy, Frank Thring (Pontius Pilate, Ben-Hur) a pompous, slow-witted Herod Antipas, Hurt Hatfield sutiably slimy as Pilate and Brigid Balzen (who could pass for Elizabeth Taylor's little sister) particulary good as the femme fatale Salome. The rest of the cast (Viveca Lindfords, lovely Carmen Sevilla, Rita Gam, Harry Guardino, Rip Torn etc.) deliver good strong performances that elevate the core virtues of the film.
    Costumes and sets are lovely (especially the palaces) cienematography is above average and Miklos Rozsa presents a magnificent musical score incredibly similar to his Academy-winning Ben-Hur.
    So why four stars? King of Kings spens a little too much time in Roman-Jewish politics while most of the teaching and miracles of Christ are told (rather than shown) from the perspective of others; it could have benefited from another half-hour to flesh out things like the woman at the well, the meeting with Nicodemus, the calming of the sea...etc.)
    Still this is a good film that hits the higlights of Jesus' life and deserves to be included in the group of sword-and-sandal dramas who do their job well.
  • thirdway821
    February 18, 2012
    thirdway821
    This picture, basically, it is a retelling of the story of Jesus. "King Of Kings" pretty much says it all and the director Nicolas Ray does a good job staying true to the life of the Son Of God. The cinematography is great, nice locations, thousands of extras, epic. Orson Welles ... read moreprovides the voice narration and covers the aspects of the story. Jefferey Hunter plays as Jesus and I couldn't help but notice the closeups of his blue eyes when he heals a blind man. Hunter doesn't over play the part and looks charismatic and confident as the Messiah. The film plays like theater since the characters talk and move like theater actors would. The vast, large epic scale is more important to the picture then the life of Jesus itself but overall this is a movie I'd recommend to athiests.
  • rosalindaflowers
    July 29, 2011
    rosalindaflowers
    Most "Hollywood" of the biblical epic movies about life and death of Jesus
    Well-made, vibrant colors and photography
  • mailfoo326
    February 7, 2011
    mailfoo326
    This is one of the first religious movies that I have seen. Loved Jeffery Hunter's portrail of Christ. It left a lasting impression on me.
  • MovieGuruDude72
    June 6, 2010
    MovieGuruDude72
    Before Passion of the Christ this film was considered THE authoritative film on the life and death of Jesus. Jeffrey Hunter plays his role superbly, though not without some melodramaticism. The Passion had none of that. Worth watching if you're religious or just like good individ... read moreual performances.
  • liquidthunder2002
    February 6, 2010
    liquidthunder2002
    This is THE quintessential classic Jesus movie usually shown every Christmas time. Certainly one of the best IMHO. There are a few others worth seeing but this movie is a must for anyone interested in this particular genre.
  • jam233
    July 25, 2009
    jam233
    Painfully overlong and talky, but the magnificent production is a big plus in an otherwise melodramatic and uninteresting story. The acting is way over the top and far too dramatic. Technically though it is excellent, if you can stay awake long enough to appreciate that.
  • MECreviews
    February 22, 2008
    MECreviews
    Just saw some of this movie on the TBN channel. The close-ups of Jeffrey Hunter's eyes were lovely. He also played Jesus well.
  • radtazman
    January 11, 2008
    radtazman
    If you haven't seen this, watch it next time it hits the TV Good version. Worth watching at least once.
  • angelag26
    July 17, 2007
    angelag26
    I've loved this movie since my childhood. I've watched it countless times and love it each time i see it.

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Critic Reviews

March 19, 2008
TIME Magazine

Director Nicholas Ray makes few positive contributions. Full Review

Variety Staff
October 22, 2007
Variety Staff, Variety

Director Nicholas Ray has brooded long and wisely upon the meaning of his meanings, has planted plenty of symbols along the path, yet avoided the banalities of religious calendar art. Full Review

Bosley Crowther
May 9, 2005
Bosley Crowther, New York Times

Let us say the spirit is hinted but the projection of it is weak. Full Review

Jonathan Rosenbaum
January 1, 2000
Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader

This quirky 'Scope biblical spectacular is a lot more thoughtful and interesting than most. Full Review

Matt Brunson
April 22, 2011
Matt Brunson, Creative Loafing

Because the makers of King of Kings took a chance by casting heartthrob Jeffrey Hunter as Christ, this was quickly dubbed by industry wags I Was a Teenage Jesus. But the film is far better than that l... Full Review

Emanuel Levy
April 5, 2011
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com

Nicholas Ray's biblical epic, toward the end of his career, is an intelligent film that finds the right balance between exteriors and interiors, stunning vistas and compelling characters. Full Review

Sean Axmaker
April 1, 2011
Sean Axmaker, Seanax.com

... whereas detractors dismissed the films as I Was a Teenage Jesus, it's more accurate to describe it as Rebel With a Cause. Full Review

John J. Puccio
March 23, 2011
John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis

Although it may rely a little too heavily on spectacle, it features fine acting, direction, and photography. On Blu-ray it makes a splendid showing. Full Review

David Parkinson
March 19, 2008
David Parkinson, Empire Magazine

Jeffrey Hunter is less Saviour of the Christian faith and more anti-hero with many very human doubts and concerns. Full Review

October 22, 2007
TV Guide's Movie Guide

An epic of considerable scope, filled with broad vistas, yet there are enough intimate moments to give audience a chance to engage with the characters rather than just admire their pontificating. Full Review

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    • Narrator [uncredited]: And when the tomb was found empty, some days passed, and Christ was seen at Emmaus, and in Jerusalem, and those who saw Him knew He was the Lord God. And then a final time He came among His disciples by the shore of Galilee...
    • Jesus Christ: [offscreen] Do you know and love Me? Feed My sheep, for My sheep are in all the nations. Go you into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature who hungers. I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. [We see the shadow of Jesus coming nearer toward the ocean, soon the shadow becomes perpendicular with the wood lying on the sand which makes a cross. The disciples leave; Peter is the last to go]
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King of Kings Trivia

  • "I'm am the King of Kings" "Careful King of Kings you first need a Victory" Name the Movie  Answer »
  • Three films have won 11 Oscars each: Ben-Hur, Titanic, and Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. Which of these three won every Oscar it was nominated for?  Answer »
  • In The lion king what is The kings name? You Chose: Skipped. (0 pts) Correct Answer: a. Simba (11%) b. Mufasa (85%) c. Scar (3%) d. Poomba (0%) How many of the characters listed above were the king of the lions, at one time or another?  Answer »
  • In The Madness of King George part of the King's therapy involves him reading scenes from a Shakespearean play. But which one?  Answer »
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