Bloodline (2008)

I noticed that the "Shroud" was different than the one in the old footage shown in the first half. I Paused the movie and searched on internet. I found out that Ben had already confessed about faking the discovery and planting the clues by himself.Bruce could have caught it in time. He seems to have no eye for detail. He got tricked like a fifth grader. And I got tricked for a worth of four packs of cigarettes. And I spent 5 more minutes in writing this review than actually finishing the rest of it.An honest approach by a not very observant director ruined by a con artist's ambition to feel important.

From a purely filmatic point of view, the journalistic objectivity might be a bit skewed, but it is entertaining nonetheless - especially if you enjoyed The Da Vinci Code. Which reveals a lot...Simply put, devout Christians and Catholics (and maybe even also the moderates) will hate this movie because it goes against their faith, and will probably therefore never ever change their closed-minds about it. End of debate.Anyone else who has an open mind and sees the definite possibility that Jesus just was an (albeit, outstanding) man (as in non-supernatural with a human male nature) also sees the historical possibility of the marriage between Mary Magdalene and Jesus. And that's not even taking in the account of numerous historical documents that are pro the marriage of Christ (Gospel of Thomas, Judas and Mary Magdalene - the Gnostic Gospels etc.) that are all historically equal and equally legitimate to the Roman-favored texts that ended up in the new testament, that decline that version of history. Historical sociology even tells us that it would be very ill-seen-upon for a Jewish man not to be married by the time of his twenties, making it even more likely Jesus became married.The Roman Church had to change this story because in their time of religious reformation towards Christianity, the other faiths had demi-gods that could otherwise compete with the new official faith. So besides of all kinds of symbolism being mixed into the practice of worship (symbolic eating of the flesh and blood, the sun-symbols of the halo, the astrological cross etc.) to ensure an easy societal-transformation, they also rewrote the gospels, making Jesus more God-like and Mary Magdalene a mere whore.So there - it's a repetition of the tired debate "faith vs. logic" and as always the illogical religious people are really getting their panties in a twist over it.But honestly, I think most thinking people don't even care at all - and why should they? That, on the other hand, would be worth discussing.As I see it the ultimate question is whether you believe the big-bang (an unavoidable fact of science) was created by some sort of intelligence or simply happened on account of something that may be explained some day. All the religious texts are just lazy answers to big questions that have since been answered logically - and I believe this will also become the case with the big bang. Which way the coin will turn up remains the only valid question where the use of faith is acceptable.But religion as a concept is so middle-ages. It's time to get over it.

Ignore all the controversy about this film and the comments from those who have not even seen the film yet, go and view it for yourself you will not regret it. It is a cool film and the best cinema documentary I have seen. Riveting, Intriguing and informative. I see that the Vatican had a spokesman appear on TV to attack the film and many Catholic web sites responded in kind, so there must be something revealed in the film they are afraid of, although I believe if Christians just went and saw the film it may help them to raise questions that the Vatican needs to answer. The film will in no way bring the Vatican crashing down, far from it, it may even help them if they would just put their hands up and say Yes in the past we have made mistakes and hidden some truths but let us wipe the slate clean by revealing what we know to make the church stronger and more in line to the message Jesus wanted us to follow.

I was taken to the premiere of this film in NY by my boyfriend who is interested in this sort of thing, yawn. I have sat through many of his documentary films on TV so I wasn't looking forward to sitting through another at the cinema but as he had already brought the tickets I went with none of the enthusiasm he felt. But this all changed as soon as we entered the packed cinema, the atmosphere was electrifying and listening to all the others talking excitedly about the film, it wasn't long before I too became excited to see it.As soon as the film started I was drawn into the story, wanting, no hungering, to know more, hanging on every word that was said, and every image shown. I don't want to give anything away about the story here but the image at the end stayed with me long after the film had finished. When the film ended a wave of applause spread across the cinema by everyone in the room and I found myself joining in.There followed a Q&A session next with the Director and Producer of the film, which was engrossing and their answers to the many questions put to them by the audience was very interesting.I am sure this film will receive mixed reviews due to its controversial nature, but I can tell you everyone I have spoken to who has seen the film, thoroughly enjoyed it and I am sure you too will not be disappointed.I have never felt this way about a film before, the closest if I had to make a choice would be Dirty Dancing, but Guys, please don't let that put you off, Bloodline is nothing like Dirty Dancing. Bloodline is one of those films that you will be thinking about long after the final credits and I cannot recommend this film enough.I am certain the issues it explores and the evidence revealed, will be debated for many years to come, so don't be left out, go and see it while you can.