MovieChat Forums > The Robe (1953) Discussion > REDEMPTION.

REDEMPTION.

posted 17 years ago by terencefisher
12 replies | jump to latest

Some of my favorite movies are about redemption. I especially like to see it in Christmas movies, which is why, warped as it may sound, I actually find the movie "Bad Santa" superior, from a moral standpoint, to the all-time, beloved Christmas classic, "It's a Wonderful Life". The former concerned, or at least involved, the redemption of a seemingly, grotesquely irredeemable character. The latter had a happy ending because everyone showed up to dump bushels of money on Jimmy Stewart's dining room table, while the "warped, frustrated old man" was left to stew in his own juices.

But, I digress. And "The Robe," of course, is not a Christmas story... I just wanted to say that I viewed this film today, for the first time in something like ten years, and was immediately reminded of why I've always considered it one of my favorite films. I do have reservations about it; I really doubt that so many folks from Bible times bore out so much of a resemblance in their appearance and manner to the cast of "Leave It To Beaver;" and the skinny Burl Ives guy who introduces Simon Peter really sticks in my craw. I always have to quell the urge to cheer, even silently, when he takes one in the heart.

That's because I'm a bad guy. Or very conflicted, anyhow. And that's why I enjoy movies like this. It's nice to know that even the worst of us can find redemption; and the man who crucified Christ needed that, and needed forgiveness, more than anyone.

And as Simon Peter pointed out, in this film, Marcellus received that forgiveness, from the cross. I love this movie, although I'll admit, I prefer the novel. I guess it's time to read that again, too.

Good night, everyone. God bless you all.

Terence

[–] slf1313 15 years ago

This movie brings tears to my eyes every time I watch it. I love how the compassion and charity of Christianity is exemplified.

Yay for Jesus. :)

[–] gaelicguy 15 years ago

One of the many themes of the film is conversion and how the power that such a transformation can alter in one's life. Marcellus, for all of his womanizing, drinking and carousing, is aimless and, despite the outer trappings of wealth, prestige and power, happiness seems to elude him when we first encounter him. Though he's puzzled initially, he is very impressed with the good people of Cana and considers, I would suspect for the first time in his life, what it takes to find meaning to and in his life and in a very concrete, specific way.

Demetrius is able to jettison his shackles, but he's found his own serenity and comfort in Christ. Diana, in her own words, wants to 'be like those people, to think as they do," but her faith isn't strong enough. She is convinced when she sees that Marcellus is happy to renounce all things temporal and is ready and happy to meet his King and enter into his kingdom.

Warts and all, this film always impresses me profoundly and stays with me for days.

The devil turns away from a closed door.

[–] cwente2 12 years ago

In Marcellus there's something of Sydney Carton in "A Tale of Two Cities".

[–] vinidici 12 years ago

Funny you should say that. The 1935 screen version of "A Tale of Two Cities" tacks on a title card quoting II Timothy 4:7,8 (which Dickens didn't include in the book.) Still, it seemed appropriate; Ronald Colman's Carton (by far the best interpretation of this character, in my book) began his redemptive process that Christmas Eve at church, some years before his trip to pay "a little visit" to the condemned Charles Darnay, and finished that process as Darnay's secret substitute on the scaffold.

Okay folks, show's over, nothing to see here!

[–] jkholman 12 years ago

Fisher,
if you would like, watch the film, The Mission - with Jeremy Irons, Robert De Niro and a young Liam Neesom. De Niro plays a heartless slave trader and ends displaying one of the finest acts of Repentance I have ever seen on screen.

- JKHolman

[–] 12 years ago

[deleted]

[–] cwente2 12 years ago

"Successfully"? There's usually a reason for success. And, ah, what do you dream about? Oh, and what, in particular, are you seeking redemption from? . . .

[–] pjglynndoora 12 years ago

Very well put, Terence

[–] Rapturegal 11 years ago

It's nice to know that even the worst of us can find redemption; and the man who crucified Christ.... needed forgiveness, more than anyone.

That's a popular idea but it's wrong. The Bible says we all qualify equally as "the worst of sinners" in need of forgiveness. No exceptions. No scales weighing our sins against our good deeds.

God doesn't want any of us to think we aren't "that bad" compared to the next guy thus believing our own righteousness will somehow save us. Only Christ's blood atonement can bring salvation & eternal life to those who sincerely want it. :)

* * * *
...and the dead shall be raised incorruptible,and we shall be changed.~1 Corinthians 15:52

[–] carlc64 10 years ago

I like movies about redemption, but from a non-religious angle (I'm an atheist). I think it's more interesting for humans to be good people and do noble acts without any fear of hellfire or promise of an eternal reward. Which is why I think the story and message of "The Robe" is pretty bad ---- it's basically using torment and punishment to force someone to convert. Which is why I'd say it's similar to Alex in "A Clockwork Orange" -- who has to undergo the "Ludovico's Technique" procedure to force him to make moral choices to be "good" in the eyes of society.

[–] cwente2 10 years ago

"Procedures" to "force" someone to make good moral choices is as antithetical to the Christian point of view as you can get. "Free will" is essential to living within the precepts, and observing the "choices" you mention ("hellfire" or "eternal reward"), of any of the Abrahamic religions. . . You either believe the consequences of those choices are true and from God -- or you do not. As an atheist, it would seem you do not. So, fundamentally, your disappointment with The Robe and its theme of redemption is in no way surprising.

[–] bhoover247 10 years ago

Marcellus has become in his words "quite mad" over his actions. The question remains would have felt remorse if he had not started hearing the noises and having the nightmares? He redeems himself in the end, but is it because he has been made uncomfortable.