Cast
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Erik Borner
as Self - Narrator (voice)
Justin Sweetser
as Young Josephus
Will Bergman
as Old Josephus
Jeremy Rose
as Vespasian
Ryan Cheeseman
as Titus
Matthew Hough
as Nero
Tony Nixon
as Lucius Flavius Silva
Jodi Magness
as Self - Bible Scholar
Helen Bond
as Self - Historian
Steve Mason
as Self - Historian
Henry Abramson
as Self - Historian
Lawrence Schiffman
as Self - Judaism Historian
Daniel R. Schwartz
as Self - Historian
Ariel Samuel Lewin
as Self - Historian
Rhiannon Evans
as Self - Historian
Crew
Director
- Nik Wansbrough
Writer
- Alan Rosenthal
- Nik Wansbrough
- Michael Eaton
Producer
- Serge Ou
- Michael Tear
- Massimo Rocchi
- Raffaella Bonivento
- Leonardo Paulillo
- Veronica Fury
- Alessia Ratzenberger
- Maite Bulgari
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
The Jewish-Roman Wars represents a fascinating example of Documentary/Animation/History/TV Movie cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Nik Wansbrough brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2019, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Jewish-Roman Wars took approximately 30 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 53 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 86 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 4 months to complete.
- The screenplay went through 8 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 2019, when this film is released:
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Jewish-Roman Wars shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Ben-Hur, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Jewish-Roman Wars subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Herod the Great: The Child Murderer of Bethlehem and Adolphe Appia Visionary of Invisible explore similar territory, The Jewish-Roman Wars stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: April 12, 2019
- Runtime: 53m
