The Last Temptation of Christ (1988) (Criterion Collection)

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Based on Nikos Kazantzakis' novel about Christ's last days on Earth --,The carpenter Jesus of Nazareth, tormented by the temptations of demons, the guilt of making crosses for the Romans, pity for men and the world, and the constant call of God, sets out to find what God wills for him. But as his mission nears fulfilment, he must face the greatest temptation : the normal life of a good man.

The Last Temptation of Christ, by Martin Scorsese is a towering achievement. Though it initially engendered enormous controversy, the film can now be viewed as the remarkable, profoundly personal work of faith that it is. This fifteen-year labour of love, an adaptation of Nikos Kazantzakis's landmark novel that imagines an alternate fate for Jesus Christ, features outstanding performances by Willem Dafoe, Barbara Hershey, Harvey Keitel, Harry Dean Stanton and David Bowie; bold cinematography by the great Michael Ballhaus; and a transcendent score by Peter Gabriel.

At last, Martin Scorsese`s most personal masterpiece can be viewed outside of the controversy it engendered, and seen for what it is: A 15 year labor of love. Nikos Kazantzakis` landmark novel comes to breathtaking life in this moving and spiritual film. The all-star cast includes Harvey Keitel, Barbara Hershey, Harry Dean Stanton, David Bowie, and Willem Dafoe as Jesus. Criterion is proud to present this cinematic treasure in an exclusive director approved special edition.