The message of faith in God, humility, and forgiveness are the overriding themes in this movie, and the points are driven home in a way that leaves people touched and inspired.

This is a movie that makes us think about where we are with God, how great He is, how little we understand the 'big picture', and, through our faith, how God is able to do more... even through us... than we can think or imagine.

Paul Mercurio portrays Joseph as well as I can envision an actor to play him. He expresses a rare combination of genuineness, faith in God, intelligence, grace, and humility.

Ben Kingsley brings a characterization to Potifar that goes beyond the bible's describtion, but adds richly to the dramatization of Joseph's life, allowing us an insight to the heart of God, in Joseph, that IS very biblical.

I have enthusiastically encouraged many individuals and many of the other bible talk groups in our congregation to watch this movie, and I have yet to hear a poor opinion of it. The scene between Joseph and Potifar's wife is for adults only, and some adults may be a little squeamish watching it, but there is no nudity or scenes typical of 'R' rated movies, and there is no harsh language.

The scene, like the bible itself, though, is direct and leaves no doubt of the temptation put to Joseph that day, and the courage and faith that it took for him to resist.

This is a movie worth seeing for anyone who loves God and/or is inspired by greatness.


Gripping and accurate ...the ending will bring you to tears!   January 31, 1999
 51 out of 51 found this review helpful

As a teacher of ancient history with a doctorate in Biblical theology, I can say--without hesitation, this account of the Joseph story is as good as it gets! Although some of the sexually explicit (though historically accurate) scenes should be screened from the very young, this film is an ideal platform from which teens can search out characteristics of moral uprightness in a character of whom the Bible has not one negative thing to say! Kingsley (as he did in 'Moses') steals the show, and Mercurio does an admirable job as Joseph. Especially capable are the actors portraying Joseph's wicked brothers, with Vincenzo Nicoli sterling is his performance as the wicked Simeon. Having watched the film dozens of times with adults--as well as with my middle-schoolers in the classroom, I can say that the greatest of Bible stories is captured in all its power, pathos, and glory. Although creating a few anachronistic vignettes (such as Joseph's 'foreshadowing' Christ's "My God, my God..." speech from the Egyptian prison), the film also captures all of the great ironies of the Joseph story. When Mercurio tenderly reveals himself as the second most powerful man in the ancient world--to the brothers who hated him as a youth, the words 'I am Joseph' will not fail to bring even the most calloused heart to tears. As my students synthesized the thirty or so characteristics of moral goodness extant in Joseph into an essay, one asked why no such heroes existed today. The question revealed both the effectiveness of this presentation, and the dearth of role models in our society. 'Joseph' is both gripping in narration, and brilliant its direction. It is faithful to Scripture and well-acted. It is THE finest of the TNT productions to date, of which only one ('Jacob') was a failure. Everyone will appreciate this wonderful story of forgiveness, but those those who are looking for the 'hidden things of Christ' cannot miss the poignant messianic threads which are so skillfully woven through the life of Joseph. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!


Very well thought out, and sticks close to the bible facts.   December 12, 1998
 1 out of 5 found this review helpful

This is a hartwarming rendition of the Joseph story. It even touches on the parabble of Joseph and the Messiah. If not for the fact of being to explicit in the scenes of Potiphar's wife, and the use of (the LORD) in place of the true name of Yahweh, this movie would be a five star rating. This movie captures all the real life struggles of the bible, and helps in understanding the time laps between the struggles of the bible.


A very entertaining Bible epic   September 27, 1998
 11 out of 11 found this review helpful

TNT has put together a surprisingly good account of the Biblical story of Joseph, betrayed into slavery in Egypt by his jealous brothers. Martin Landau as Jacob and Ben Kingsley as Potiphar give their usual first-rate performances, with the role of Joseph also well-acted. Leslie-Anne Down is the lustful wife of Potiphar, who unsuccessfully tries to seduce Joseph, and lands him in the Pharoah's prison. This film offers a very credible depiction of life in the ancient Near East, from the desert tents of the Hebrews, to the claustrophobic walled towns like Sichem, to the lushness of civilized Egypt and the Pharoah's court. The film is faithful to the Biblical account, and succeeds in making it come alive on the screen. A well-acted, well-scripted, and entertaining film. END