The recent drama The Passion concluded last night on BBC 1 and truly brought to life a story which is so often confined to the pages of dusty Bibles.

 

The tremendous performance by Joseph Mawle as Jesus shone throughout the 4 part series and delivered on every level. Mawle was fantastic and surrounded by a supporting cast that included the like of James Nesbitt as the devious Pontius Pilot helped to deliver a message which is not often told.

 

Having been advised by leading historical and religious scholars from across the world the BBC set about dissecting the story in to four easily digestible segments, the although on the whole entertaining did at some points drag.

 

Less gruesome than Mel Gibson’s controversial Passion of the Christ and more enjoyable, writer Frank Deasy crafted the ancient tale into one of distinct mysticism and sought to engage a society that is more devoid of faith than perhaps ever before.

 

Having spent his last meal with his disciples Jesus faced the terrors that he knew were in-store and the audience witnessed his crucifixion and his tumultuous statement that is not oft hear now ‘Forgive them Father, they know not what they are doing.’

 

Having received glittering reviews from the Guardian ‘There’s a vitality and a realness about it.’ and the Telegraph ‘Intelligent and engaging.’ The BBC will surely be confident about their project which took roughly 8 months to film.

 

Having risen from the dead Mawle performed brilliantly in convincing his disciples that they had to go on and has left the way open for many more adaptation of Biblical texts.