We like how the NT is fleshed out (in motion) with imaginative moments in terms of how people would behave especially in the opening of the Gospel narrative. It helped us also visualise what the characters would look like, behave, etc.

It was also good to see the historical narrative such as the skepticism of King Herod and the killing of his own son and all the first born in Bethlehem. We learnt that the NT is situated in the midst of superpowers and things going on behind the scenes.

2. What did you not like about the film clip?

Could have more Bible verses - for example John the Baptist citing John 15 was great and could be more.

The portrayal of the angel was kind of strange - looked like a human (blonde, blue eyed guy).

The pacing was quite fast. Certain key moments could have been fleshed out more ... the destruction of the eagle was extra biblical.

They called Mary Jezebel...whut? Although it does make sense that it would be socially unacceptable to have a child before they were married.

3. What surprised you?

"I didn't know Mary living in Palestine would be Angmo"

We also didn't realise that it was so politically unstable. We thought that it was just due to one man's insecurity.

4. How would you describe the political environment of the NT period?

Because of the political climate, there was a lot of oppression. During the revolt, there was a lot of chaos, instability and violence. A lot of depiction of killings. No sense of identity too.

5. Other Thoughts?

Compared to our time, there are some similarities - whenever there is an upheaval and change in guard, it is chaotic. Perhaps a modern day authoritarian rule like North Korea or Middle Eastern rulers (in the past).

However, conflicts of today gets resolved comparatively quicker than compared to the NT time.

This is all we have to say.

Brings life to the book, makes it clearer to audience what Jesus, Mary, Joseph have been through.

Understand how the Jews have been oppressed.

Portrayal of social and political climate helps to understand situation better. (e.g. Mary's pregnancy)

Dynamic between Romans and Jews allows audience to empathise with them better.

Favourite scenes: Maggi presenting gifts, John the Baptist.

2. What did you not like about the film clip?

Use of too many white Caucasian actors/actresses.

Certain aspects slightly caricatured in this production. e.g. Herod's portrayal, the revolt of the Jews.

Not too sure whether this was an appropriate portrayal of Angel Gabriel (not too sure what the intention was behind this portrayal of him).

We need to be careful of adding extra layers of interpretation when producing movies.

Could consider both sides to Rome's rule - there are good things that they brought to the table, but only the bad things are focused on.

3. What surprised you?

Gabriel. Would not have guessed that the man was Gabriel. Pilate's portrayal as well.

Crucifixion - did not anticipate how graphic it would be to just walk past a crucifixion site.

Dramatisation of Joseph and Mary travelling in the storm.

Comparison of how this series is filled with more dramatisation, whereas in The Chosen there is substantial coverage of Jewish culture and tradition (e.g. prayers and Synagogue)

4. How would you describe the political environment of the NT period?

Very religious (mixing of religious power of High Priests, Herod trying to please the religious nature of Israel)

Religion is very influenced by politics and there is a lot of tension. Sadducees, Pharisees, and the High Priest were often offices that held a fine balance of power with Rome to achieve certain level of societal and political influence.

Rome just wants tax and peace, but Jews make it difficult with their religious requirements. Have to contend with the enforced belief that the Roman Emperor is a godlike figure.

Pilate forced to sentence Jesus to death out of pressure despite him finding Jesus not guilty, need to maintain social order drove him to make this decision that he did not agree with.

Tension of being ruled by foreign authority sparked desire for military rebellion. (e.g. the Zealots)

5. Other Thoughts?

How old is Jesus when the Maggi came looking for Jesus? Why did Herod command for boys under 2 to be killed?

• Good production quality

• Narrative generally follows Biblical accounts

• True to historical accounts (e.g. Herod the Great's building of the temple, Herod Antipas' reign over Galilee and Pontius Pilate during Jesus' time)

2. What did you not like about the film clip?

• slight exaggeration (e.g. portrayal of Herod as evil)

• Creative liberty in filling in of gaps (e.g. Joseph's dream in Bethlehem)

• Portrayal of the angel's appearance to Joseph, in Matthew's account the angel appeared to Joseph in a dream. Very different from our impression of the setting where this would have taken place

3. What surprised you?

• Eagle statue on the top of the temple, not found in any accounts? Perhaps a representation of Romans identifying Zeus/Jupiter with the Jewish God

4. How would you describe the political environment of the NT period?

• Great unhappiness and rebellion

• Taxation by the Roman empire

• Jewish monotheistic religion standing out from the polytheistic views of the Romans

5. Other Thoughts?

• Strange interpretation of the angel as a normal human appearing to Mary

• Casting of different races (e.g. African magi whereas most other cast Caucasian looking)

• It’s not part of the show, but I would say it’s pretty divine that Jesus Christ, throughout his entire ministry up to the end, sidestepped all the political intrigue, rebellions, and so on during this turbulent period.

2. What did you not like about the film clip?

3. What surprised you?

4. How would you describe the political environment of the NT period?

5. Other Thoughts?