User reviews

This film is far from the epic scale of DeMille's "The Ten Commandments" but its startling accuracy pays homage to the text of Genesis and it is full of drama, bitterness, provocative character, and spiritual development. The film takes time to address Jacob's family background without taking away from the protagonist's ongoing journey.

Since my school classes covered the story of Joseph with Old Testament commentaries, I am impressed with the remarkable precision in the film from a Jewish perspective. They include Joseph's meeting with a "man" (i.e. angel), his title as "Tzapaneth Paneah", and the incident of Judah and his daughter-in-law Tamar. While some of the brothers dispute with their father Jacob, it is Judah who redeems himself from his errors.

The casting is well-credited with Ben Kingsley (superb as ever) as Potiphar. Paul Mercurio as Joseph is a quiet and righteous man who restrains himself in the face of fear and temptation.

The simple backgrounds and sets work well and while this is not an elaborate film, it is a great biblical one. Whether others are watching this film for educational, spiritual, or personal reasons, I hope they enjoy it as much as I did.

They throw him into a well and sell him into slavery; yet, he makes them rich masters and forgives them all the misery and hatred... that would be called 'simpleton's naiveness' in a world where luck takes over all respected values and where power reigns over goodness. Many people would mock such naiveness nowadays and throughout history when a strong hand has been far more appreciated than a good heart. Is there still anything that can persuade us to believe in 'subtle reign of goodness' 'subtle reign of heart'?

Yes! That is the story of Joseph from the Book of Genesis, the story of a young boy sold into slavery by his envious brothers who overcomes particular hardship and injustice in order to be placed one day over the Pharaoh's house, his people and his entire kingdom, in order to become "Zapaneth Paneah" – a 'saviour' for Egypt and all surrounding lands; finally, in order to embrace his brothers in tears of pardoning.

Although the story of Joseph was, for a long time, quite neglected in cinema, the new biblical project in the 1990s could not skip this significant tale after ABRAHAM with Richard Harris and JACOB with Matthew Modine. I was quite skeptical about this movie in the mid-1990s taking into consideration some critics' opinions. The director, Roger Young, is known for taking liberties with historical content and, as he was not known in my country at that time, some critics spread negative viewpoints about the production before its TV premiere in Poland. Nevertheless, what we saw during the 1996 Easter time was far beyond our expectations. Again, critics disappointed us terribly...

The entire movie is faithful to the Bible to such extend that there are hardly any changes, even minor ones, which makes it one of the most accurate productions ever. Yet, it is not a sort of sheer continuous narrative in accordance with the Bible but a very innovative execution of the captivating, mesmerizing content. The story in most part of the film's first half is told 'in media res.' We get the insight into an Egyptian slave market and a slave boy of Canaan who opens his mouth only in prayer bought by a rich master Potiphar (Ben Kingsley). Although things begin to improve for both, a woman steps in... Joseph (Paul Mercurio) tells his dramatic story to his master just after the unfair accusations have been made up by Potiphar's wife (Lesley Ann Warren) and... everything gets so vivid, combined with emotions and personal suggestions. Thanks to that, Potiphar is more aware of Joseph's innocence. In a memorable scene, his wife asks him sarcastically: "What is more important to you? His God or my good name?" his thrilling answer sounds "Truth" ... At the same time, Joseph shouts desperately "Lord, my God why have you forsaken me?" Events to come truly prove that his God was with him...

However, besides the story that has overwhelmed lots of different people for centuries, "Joseph" offers much more. When the story itself does not suffice for many (that is the case with all biblical material) what we want, as viewers, is something that will remain in our memories, that will leave us breathless, something awesome within the perfectly familiar walls of our knowledge and experience. Something like that may be provided only by certain artistic merits. "Joseph" as a movie offers us all of them including lovely cinematography, memorable sets and very good camera work. While watching the movie for the second time, I paid particular attention to camera work, to single images and I was mesmerized by some moments which are both symbolically and visually significant.

The cast... Paul Mercurio in the lead portrays a man of integrity, a man of forgiveness, a man who has truly seen the evils of rape and vengeance and, consequently, appears to be "endowed with a spirit of God" as poetically described in the script, or, more realistically, very reliable to all the people around, even to such greatness itself like the Pharaoh himself. He is boyish for women, upright for masters, gentle for brothers and faithful to his values. All these unique features of Joseph are beautifully portrayed by Paul Mercurio. The supporting cast include great stars of cinema as well as unknown actors who do equally fine jobs in their roles. Ben Kingsley as Potiphar focuses on patience, Martin Landau as Jacob emphasizes father's love, Stefano Dionisi as Pharaoh highlights confusion of a ruler and Vincenzo Nicoli as, perhaps, Joseph's most wicked brother, Simeon, stresses integral aspect of jealousy and hatred. A mention must be made of beautiful Monica Bellucci as Pharaoh's wife. But a nice contrast is highlighted by two women: Valeria Cavalli as Asenath: a subtle, beautiful woman pleasing to Joseph and Lesley Ann Warren as wicked, lustful and cruel Potiphar's wife.

In short, for me, Joseph has been a biblical experience on screen, a movie that touched me to tears, a motion picture that addressed my heart. Whenever I am depressed, sad or tired of earthly vanity, it is one of the films that takes me into a consoling reality. Timeless story of a gentle heart that brings all worldly revenge, cruelty and jealousy to their knees, which never stops saying "Forgiveness is greater than vengeance; compassion more powerful than anger"

Joseph is an excellent dramatisation of the Biblical story. It's a tale best known in popular culture today as the basis for the Lloyd Webber musical, but I found it refreshing to sit down and watch a thorough and accurate account of the story as it was in the Bible, and without all the glitzy silliness that Webber brought to the table.

The production values and script are as great as ever for this series, with the Moroccan locations perfectly standing in for Canaan and Egypt (the depiction of the famine in particular is terrifyingly realised). What stands out most, though, is the calibre of the cast in this one.

Ben Kingsley far and away steals the show as the complicated Potiphar; he's a man you could easily hate when he first shows up, but there's much more to him than that. Kingsley isn't the only winner here. Martin Landau, as the ancient elder Jacob, is also outstanding, adding real heart to the production. Lesley Ann Warren is sexy and delicious as Potiphar's scheming wife. Paul Mercurio (STRICTLY BALLROOM) makes a charismatic Joseph, even if he didn't entirely lose his Aussie accent, and it makes you wonder what happened to him.

I happened to catch the TV movie Joseph a few weeks ago. Didn't see the beginning but it captured my attention immediately. I am a senior and usually 'fade' around 10 PM, but this movie had me alert and involved until over at 11 or midnight! The realism, the scenery, the accuracy; it was great! Martin Landau was the best I have ever seen him as the Patriarch Father. I absolutely LOVED the Pharaoh portrayed by Stephen Landisi. He was perfect. But Paul Mercurio gets 10 stars in this role. He was superb!!! Throughout he portrays the slave role with quiet dignity; his faith and belief in God absolutely marvelous, convincing, pure. The scene where he reveals himself as Joseph, not as second in command of all Egypt, to his brothers tearfully, poignantly is one of the best acting scenes I have seen in years. How refreshing the movie was, so revealing of human frailties, evil; so full of compassion, forgiveness. Mr. Mercurio has emotional depths there to hopefully portray many powerfully moving roles in the future. Bravo! THE BEST movie I've seen in years. I bought it and have since viewed it three times. My two sons loved it, my sister (a savvy New York theater goer) loved it, and now my future daughter- in-law is to see it with son who wants to see it a second time. It moved me deeply. Mercurio is wonderful. Isn't this the epitome of great film? To bring history alive?To touch hearts and lift the spirit?

The film was the most faithful Bible adaptation I have seen. It kept faithful to the Bible with intelligent in-filling of Biblical gaps of plot and character. The drama was maintained with real depth and passion to the characters

The story of Joseph and his brothers is one of the most impressing and rich of significance stories amongst the many others great legends from the Bible. Even the Nobel Prize winner - German author Thomas Mann - wrote a novel called 'Joseph and his Brothers' giving his personal interpretation of this intense, gripping and compassionate episode of the Bible. However, the cinema never pays much attention to this story. In fact, anyone can easily remember movies like 'The Ten Commandments' which tells the adventure of Moses in his search for the Promised Land or 'Sanson and Dellila'. But the drama of the betrayed Joseph, his suffer among the Egyptians and his conquer of power and fortune, was never at the first line of consideration by the producers of Hollywood. This movie, produced in Italy, bring to us this entranced story with an average success. The movie is a bit overlong (180 min) but never boring; the sets and costumes are accurate and the movie has a great photograph. Martin Landau gives a convinced performance as Jacob, Ben Kingsley is correct as Potifar but Paul Mercurio is very bad as Joseph. Maybe another actor with more intensity could give more strenght and energy to the movie. Anyway, if you find this one in a DVD/VHS rent store and if you like Biblical movies, don't lose this one. It's really worthwhile.

As a teacher of ancient history with an earned doctorate in Biblical theology, I must compliment the producers of 'Joseph' for doing the impossible: staying faithfully true to Biblical text, and holding the attention of young and old alike for three hours.

'Joseph' captures the power, pathos, and splendor of the greatest of Bible characterizations--Joseph, the hated brother, becomes not only lord over his entire family, but the second most powerful man in the ancient world. Ben Kingsley, as he did in 'Moses', and Martin Landau (as Jacob) steal the show, but Paul Mercurio does an admirable job as the main character. Vincenzo Nicoli is outstanding as the vengeful brother Simeon, and, as the last to confront the powerful Joseph--now his savior, Nicoli does nothing less than reduce us to tears.

The film is also true to the many nuances of Egyptian and Hebrew history, which most audiences would neither notice, nor care to notice; yet, such nuances prove highly effective! To note the Egyptians' penchant for cleanliness, and to depict Joseph's famous coat as not necessarily 'many colored' shows the expert research which went into this film.

Although some explicit (though historically accurate) sexual scenes must be screened from the very young, this film captures not only the drama and climactic ascension to a powerful emotional conclusion, but also the characterization of moral goodness so extant in Joseph. I watched 'Joseph' with my middle school students, and as they busily synthesized their thirty or so 'characteristics of a role model' into an essay, one of them asked why there were no such heroes today. The question at once revealed not only the impression this film made, but also the perceptive dearth of role-models in our modern society.

Though including a few anachronistic liberties (such as Joseph's "My God, my God..." paraphrase of Christ's cry from the cross, 'Joseph' is a winner! It is THE best of the TNT series, of which only 'Jacob' was a flop. Kudos for the direction, musical score, and casting directors; they are well-deserving of the awards which this film has earned. To quote Potifer: "...what matters most is the truth", and 'Joseph' delivers it with Biblical reverance and Hollywood expertise. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

As a minister, I liked this movie which caused the Bible to "come alive". Canaan and Egypt were well-depicted, and the acting was excellent. Martin Landau was very convincing as the aging and often angry Jacob, Ben Kingsley was the one to be chosen for Potipher, Lesley Ann Warren definitely let the viewer(s) see very clearly what a beautiful, sultry, and wicked wife Potipher had. Paul Mercurio portrayed Joseph a godly man who, in turn, was terribly mistreated by his brothers, Potipher's wife, and Egyptian taskmasters. Needless to say, it was inspiring to see Joseph "come out on top" in this story. The movie did follow the Biblical story line very closely. The TV movie was very impressive.

Competently made Biblical production dealing with revelant epic deeds narrated in the Old Testament. It is a luxuriously mounted production that gives a feeling of religious spectacle. Biblic story of Joseph: Paul Mercurio, and his 10 envious siblings. Covering Jacob, who long time ago was blessed as successor by Isaac posing as Esau, his sons and especially Joseph. He was sold to slavery by his jealous brothers Reuben, Zebulon, Simeon, Judah .. They had a real jealousy of his skills and of being their father's favorite. As they take him, seize, tear off his coat and throw him into a dry well. The following day, he is given to traders on their way to Egypt . At a popular market, Joseph is sold as a slave to Pothipar, the Pharaoh Prime Minister : Ben Kingsley . His prophetic abilities and highly productive work win his master's trust and he is appointed as a major servant. One day, he is seduced Pothiphar's tempting wife : Lesley Ann Warren , but Joseph rejects her . The scorned woman seeks vengeance and acussing him of violation. He is imprisionated and at the jail prophetizes the future of two locked powerful men who served the Pharaoh . Later on, he is called by Pharaoh himself : Stefano Dionisi , to interpret his twisted dreams . As Joseph describes the famous dream of seven thin cows that eat seven fat cows. Then Joseph predicts the dream in which 7 years of plentiful harvest, Egypt will suffer 7 years famine .Later on, Pharaoh Ramses I appoints Joseph as the main Chancellor.

Biblical history miniseries formed by two long episodes , shot in enough budget imitating the American Colossal, but made in Italian style. This Old Testament story is decently told , taking parts here and there of the notorious historical happenings . It contains great production design, spectacular scenes and famous as well as charming actors. The movie gives engaging messages about fraternity, compassion, forgiveness, love, brotherhood and redemption. Paul Mercurio gives an acceptable acting as the good son whose ruthless brothers become increasily resentful of their dad's preference of Joseph, carring out a merciless revenge . Martin Landau gives a good interpretation as Jacob who married Rachel well played by Alice Krige .Support cast is frankly fine, such as Dominique Sanda, Ben Kingsley, Warren Clarke, Lesley Ann Warren, Renato Scarpa, Peter Eyre, Oliver Cotton, Arthur Brass, and Monica Bellucci as Pharaoh's wife, among others.

It packs an impressive and rousing musical score by Marco Frisina supervised by Ennio Morricone. And a colorful, brilliant cinematography by Raffaele de Mertes, shot on location in Morocco. The picture was compellingly directed by Roger Young. Roger is a good artisan, usually filming for TV and occassionally for big screen. He has shot various miniseries which have been a joy of his long career. He filmed several episodes of the prestigious Bible series, such as Jesus, Moses, Paulus of Tarso, Salomon, Barrabbas and Joseph. Rating 7/10. Better than average. Well worth seeing.

This story has been previously adapted as follows : Joseph and hid Bethren 1961 by Luciano Ricci, Irving Rapper with Geoffrey Horne as Joseph, Finlay Currie, Robert Morley, Terence Hill, Belinda Lee, Helmut Schneider. In the beginning 2000 by Kevin Connor with Eddie Cibrian as Joseph, Christopher Lee as Pharaoh Ramses, Steven Berkoff as Puthiphar, Amanda Donohue as his wife.

One of an excellent series of movies that depect events as described in the Bible. This one (as are the others) is very accurate and a pleasure to watch for any student of the Bible. Further, it has a top notch cast, Kingsley, Landau, Warren. This is one film that members of my family return to again and again.

Godly principles shown in this story of Joseph. We all know the story of Joseph being favored of his father and given a coat of many colors. Then the jealousy of his brothers who ultimately sold him into slavery. A true story of how God made provision for Joseph's family during the famine so they would not starve. It will encourage you in your Faith in God. The whole story can be read in the Bible starting in Genesis 30. God did and does Provide for His own. Great film. I liked the cast. Sets were great. It made the whole story come to life.

A little background information. I grew up in a hyper religious family. Church every week was as normal as attending school, probably more so since my early years (all the way up until high school) were attending a private Christian academy.

While I still hold on to my beliefs, I have an intense dislike for the modern church as an entity.

So I have experience with these stories. This is one of the best examples of Biblical history being translated into entertainment. While I'm sure there has been some exaggeration in the original text (we're all human of course) this follows that guideline almost to the letter.

Plus, it's just a good story. A man, fallen from favor and devoted to his own religious/moral compass rising again. And then being the better person by embracing those who actually caused his downfall?

That's a classic tale of 'rising above' and one that should be held up as an example (even if I struggle with being that noble myself).

Really wish we got more quality interpretations of biblical history. While I understand the undertones because the modern church is almost always garbage, I still feel the life lessons from these histories could help us be better human beings.

Every time this 1995 version of Joseph's profound story is on TV again, I watch it. I'm mesmerized by the beautiful Soul of Joseph as depicted by the really likable Paul Mercurio. He brings Joseph's kind and courageous spirit to life.

Also excellent is Ben Kingsley, Martin Landau, Leslie A. Warren. This film is thoughtful, beautifully photographed and directed. For me it is essential viewing for audiences who want accurate Biblical stories, as well as for those who simply like well-produced movies.

Joseph truly has a character to aspire to as followers of the deeper nature of humanity, and his characterization is both believable and amazing in this rendition. Because it isn't certain who really made this story work, I have to give everyone in the production credit.

Very accessible Bible film. The leads are great. I take exception to the Christlike "My God...why have you forsaken me" (which would have been more fitting in a film about David) Joseph utters when thrown into prison though. Major blunder that one - but still well meaning.

Mercurio was perfect for the role and Kingsley is always exceptional. What a shame this film and others like it are not out on DVD. Pardon my saying so, but thats a sin!

When I first saw this adaptation in the early nineties, I was very pleased indeed at how great care was taken to stick closely to the narrative in the scriptures. Only one event was taken out of order. When Joseph revealed himself he openly forgave them, this happened after the death of Jacob when his body was taken to Canaan for burial, his brothers expressed fear that Joseph would take his vengeance once Jacob had died. That's when he made the statements made right after he revealed himself in the show. It didn't take away from the enjoyment of the show. However I believe budgetary issues might have prevented the land and houses of Egypt not being painted and more colorful. The Egyptians were well known to be colorful. They painted everything they built almost. Great presentation. All the acting were spot on. Great production.

From the 21 films in this series this is the best one. if u love the bible films u should be getting all the films minor the boring genesis book which is not worth it. all the others have their value. others are better others not so great but all are worth your time. in my book this film is the best of them all. even better than the great Abraham film. there's story...emotion...plot.....great performances and in the end u understand the greatness of forgiveness. the story of joseph son of the patriarch Jacob in all it's glory. how he was sold by his brothers...how he became the 2nd most important man in Egypt and in the end how he forgave his brothers. it's all in this epic movie.

below are the titles u should own from this series. the most well done films the top 10 of the 21 films and yes unfortunately moses is not included in this list as the movie in this series about him was not done the way it should. choose to watch the epic heston 1956 film than the moses version from this series.

THE TOP 10 FROM THE 1993-2001 FILM SERIES IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER OF THE EVENTS........(Around from 1,800 bc - 96 AD....................from Abraham era to the reign of the emperor Domitian that is...)

ABRAHAM

JACOB

JOSEPH

SAMSON

DAVID

SOLOMON

JEREMIAH

JESUS

SAINT PAUL

THE APOCALYPSE

accuracy and a great cast. wise manner to present a classic story and carefully recreation of atmosphere . an episode of Bible who escapes from religious movies clichés for a real admirable style to introduce the viewer in a world well-known who becomes new at whole. the levels of story, the faith of Joseph, the nuances of performances, the image, locations, music all, each gives soul to events in a special manner. it is an universal story, one of mankind cultural history and that soul who becomes present in each scene transforms the Joseph adventure in a touching discovery. result - a historical movie more than biblical. but more useful for its pure virtue of admirable work of a brilliant artistic team.

I remember watching this when it first came out. While I am not the most religious. This is a beautiful story related to the power of faith and perseverance. I am currently re-watching it now and decided it deserved a rating. They really do not make classics like this any more.

This was the second Ben Kingsley appearance after Moses. The writing of this was clear and from start to finish it was easy to follow along. While I cant say how accurate it is in regards to the biblical story. This adaptation would be fitting for believers and non believers. A masterpiece. Rated G and suitable for all ages.

convincing. one of films who gives a beautiful, touching story in the right manner, with wise precision. the story of Joseph is presented with grace and respect. and that is a good thing. the bad one - Potiphar by Ben Kingsley remains across the film, the real lead character. motif, maybe, the small courage of Paul Mercurio to give more substance to his character words and gestures, to be, in fact, Joseph. the presence of Martin Landau is another support for film. the film is a good surprise for the art to be more than a religious movie. for message. for the photograph. for the translation of Bible word in powerful images. and each of them is brick for a beautiful job.