The Apocalypse (2002 TV Movie) User Reviews (17)

Ambitious TV film about the elderly apostle John and his visions in Revelation

[Wuchakk · 7/10 · 24 September 2017]

RELEASED TO TV IN 2000 and directed by Raffaele Mertes, "The Apocalypse" chronicles events during the reign of Roman Emperor Domitian (Bruce Payne) circa 90 AD when the elderly apostle John (Richard Harris) is imprisoned on the island of Patmos in the Aegean Sea (off the coast of modern day Turkey). John experiences strange visions, as detailed in the book of Revelation. Christian Kohlund plays a formidable Roman commander ordered to kill Christians in Asia Minor while Vittoria Belvedere plays a devout believer in love with a duplicitous man who is sent to the penal colony on Patmos as a Roman spy (Benjamin Sadler).

Any film that attempts to tackle the biblical book of Revelation is ambitious, to say the least, and "The Apocalypse" should be respected for this, particularly since it's a surprisingly quality period movie, which doesn't forget to be entertaining while conveying worthy mind/spirit food. Being made in 1999 and limited by a TV budget, I was expecting lousy sets, costuming, locations and, especially, bad CGI effects. But, thankfully, the movie delivers in all these areas. The F/X hold up surprisingly well, all things considered, and they helped me better visualize John's visions in Revelation, which heretofore I had only 'seen' in my mind. Speaking of which, to appreciate this movie it helps to be a little familiar with the book of Revelation, otherwise you might be lost, especially since the movie's plot is a tad convoluted.

Interestingly, in one of his apocalyptic visions John sees the twin towers of the World Trade Center burning, which of course came to pass in real life a mere year after the film's initial release!

THE MOVIE RUNS 96 minutes and was shot (at least in part) in Morocco (I can't find any other info on the locations). WRITER: Francesco Contaldo.

GRADE: B

A Very Fine Performance by Richard Harris

[Uriah43 · 6/10 · 7 September 2013]

While banished to the island of Patmos, "St. John" (played by Richard Harris) receives visions from the Lord which results in his writing the "Book of Revelation". However, this is not a movie about "the Apocalypse". Rather, this film is more about his life on Patmos and his visions than anything else. I say this for several reasons. First, the event called "the Apocalypse" isn't constrained to just the "Book of Revelation". The fact is that much of what we know about this subject also comes from the "Book of Daniel" and the "Gospel of Matthew" along with various passages from other books in the Bible as well. Because of this, there were many passages about the Apocalypse which were left out of the film. Along with that, those passages that were included weren't explained well at all. Further, like so many other Biblical movies, there are some non-Biblical elements thrown in for dramatic effect. In this particular case it involves a beautiful Christian woman named "Irene" (Vittoria Belvedere) and a Roman spy by the name of "Valerius" (Benjamin Sadler). So basically, if you're looking for a film about the Apocalypse then it might be better to look elsewhere. However, thanks to a very fine performance by Richard Harris, this movie is still somewhat enjoyable all the same and can safely be recommended to anybody of any faith. That said, I rate it as slightly above average.

Saint John mini-biography regarding his existence in Patmos island where he wrote down Apocalypse book

[ma-cortes · 6/10 · 13 April 2020]

It is 90 A. C. , world is mostly governed by the Roman Empire and its nasty emperor Domician (Bruce Payne). As the ruthless Domician praclaims himself only emperor of Heaven and Earth, carrying out a cruel pursuit against the Christians. Elderly John the Evangelist (Richard Harris) has withdrawn at a small village in Asia Minor, but it is attacked by the Romans who exact a bloody massacre. But John is only person to getaway, and he goes to Patmos island . Christians of Asia Minor think of John is dead and everyone is deeply worried about being chased by Emperor troops. As the kind Christians are eally chased and subsequently locked at a mines camp to work as slaves and tyrannically ruled by a corrupt Roman official named Corvus . Being extremely pursued, the Cristians and their religion can no longer exist. Then, the young girl Irene) Vittoria Belvedere) , believes John is still alive, in spite being held captive by the Romans . Irene is in love for a good-looking young called Valerius (Benjamin Sadler), who is really a Roman officer sent by Emperor Domician to Island of Patmos to find out if Apostle is still alive. While John has deep vision about weird happenings, as he saw as God sat on a throne and on the right hand has a book that was sealed with seven seals, being surrounded by some beasts-alike, the first was like a lion, the second beast as a calf, the third one has a face like a man, the fourth as a flying eagle .As he has vision of a final Apocalypse.

Religious an epic movie dealing about historical events concerning San Giovanni or St. John, regarding his hard existence in Patmos , where he was confined for 15 years, there he wrote down the Apocalypse Book, also called Book of Revelations that belongs to last book of the Bible . It depelops his life at the island of Patmos, where he received divine orders to write down the book of Apocalyse. There he wrote down this famous Bible book in which he described a peculiar vision of heaven with strange voices, thunderings, lightning, besides he prophetized world destruction, a complete apocalypse, it is shown by means of below average special effects and old visual effects . It is set during the rule of the Emperor Domician of the dynasty Flavia formed by Vespasian, Tito and Domician, and following dynasty Antoninos. Stars the veteran Richard Harris in one of his last films, he gives a decent acting but he is really aged. In fact, the film is well dedicated to this wonderful actor. Richard Harris is well accompanied by a good plethora of mostly Italian actors, such as : Vittoria Beldevere as the beautiful Irene, Benjamin Sadller as an undercover Roman officer named Valerius, Christian Kohlund as his father, Paolo Villaggio, Ian Duncan, Luca Ward, Loris Loddi, brief acting by Aaron Taylor Johnson, Bruce Payne as the cruel emperor Domician, among others.

It contains an evocative and colorful cinematography by series' usual, Giovanni Galasso. As well as sensitive and spiritual musical score by ordinary Marco Frisina in Ennio Morricone style. The motion picture was uneven but professionally directed by Raffaele Mertes in his customary style. He made other Biblical episodes as Apostle Thomas, Judas Iscariot, Mary Magdalene, Joseph of Nazareth. Furthermore, Raffaele Mertes photographed these popular series about Biblic roles, such as : The Bible David, Jeremiah, Jesus, Salomon, Joseph, Samson and Dalilah, among others. Ratig : 6/10, acceptable and passable Biblical story that will appeal to religious people.

Richard Harris' - L'apocalisse

[caspian1978 · 26 August 2004]

Without the addition to Richard Harris to the movie, the movie would never have been made. With that, San Giovanni would still be trying to sell his script to a religious market. Still, without Harris, the movie is very good. The production value and story are worthy of a straight to video release. One of Richard Harris' last movies, you can tell it was since he dies at the end of the movie. Gladiator, Caesar, and about 5 other films all have Richard Harris dying during the movie. The same goes for his role as John the Apostle. A brilliant performance like much of his work, Harris carries the film as he speaks of his visions in Revelations. Not too much is said of Titus in 90 AD. This is the story of John and his journey in the last years of his life.

pretty good movie.

[jacobjohntaylor1 · 6/10 · 30 August 2019]

Not the worst movie. Not the greatest movie ever. A good movie. It has a an okay story line. It has great acting. This is a good movie. 10 out of 10 is overrating it. But still will say it is 6 out of 10.

Revelatory

[marxsarx · 10/10 · 1 January 2005]

I was blown away when I happened upon this film while channel surfing on TV. Richard Harris is tremendous. The story captured my attention immediately.

The biblical and historical underpinning of this account seems as solid as a rock. The account of what happened to John on Patmos is engrossing and whether based wholly on historical research or or embellished by the author's imagination, I believe it is close to what actually occurred. I highly recommend this film to all believers. I hope to find it on DVD.

I also found the other actors in this film to be outstanding, especially the actress playing Irene and the actor playing Valerius.

Apocalypse is inspiring. Don't miss it.

OK Movie but Weak Biblically

[guy-372 · 6/10 · 29 October 2021]

I feel that I was bait and switched. I feel that the characters and the actors we're all good and even the drama was good. But I don't feel like the Patmos setting realistically and historically fit the actual exile which Saint John experienced at the time of the writing of the Book of Revelations. Although we know that all the revelations we're written into the first book and the other six or more copies would have all been copied from the first, before sending them out, the movie portrays the visions being sent out as an incomplete work, in fragments. Moreover, the visions are portrayed in the movie, but don't attempt to do an accurate enough portrayal of the words written in the Book of revelation, of the revelations. My expectation is that biblical visions would be is exact to the words as are written down in the Bible. Although I didn't mind the weapons of war being shown as modern weapons of war, as this war is still into our future, I didn't like that Jesus first portrayal didn't look exactly as was described in revelation. He should have been portrayed as a Divine version of the Hebrew high priest in all his costume. Moreover, simply viewing the vision as we did, without a narration of what John saw aborted our ability to enjoy the Grandeur of the spectacle for what was represented. I feel that a biblical movie should as exactly as possible represent the historical situation, or at minimum to not distort the historical situation. I wanted to give the movie a 7 for the action, historical settings, actors and characters, but I had to give it a 6, because it strayed from logic, and history, and the biblical account, making me feel bait and switched.

And then I beheld............................

[bkoganbing · 5/10 · 9 November 2016]

The Apocalypse is essentially two films. First it's a ground to earth story about corruption in high places and persecution of Christians in the Roman Empire during the days of the Emperor Domitian. Depending on the politics of the day until Constantine became a Christian, persecution waxed and waned in those first 200 or so years. Domitian like some of his predecessors has declared himself a god and doesn't like people around who aren't recognizing his deity. So it's round up the Christians like it was during Nero and slay them, sometimes for sport and amusement.

Sent to the Isle of Patmos where it is rumored that the last of the disciples of Jesus is living the Apostle John, is Benjamin Sadler who both finds John and finds true love with Christian girl Vittoria Belvedere. He also finds a lot of corruption and a great deal about himself.

The aged John is played by Richard Harris and he does it well, one of his better performances in his last years. The second part of the film are the fantasy sequences that become the basis for the Book of Revelation. Do not be watching this film if you are on any kind of pharmaceuticals.

The Apocalypse does have a preachy tone to it which might be off putting to many. Still it's not a bad work and should get more than church viewings.

This was a first; a very good one

[EighthSense · 9/10 · 27 April 2006]

I will only write about one thing, since others have covered the excellent Richard Harris' performance: This was the first time we got a small idea of Revelation, thanks to good computerized special effects. I say a small idea, because the actual book of Revelation in the Bible contains what must be the ultimate in fantastically spectacular scenes-and a multitude of them at that. It is strange that no big production has ever attempted it. From all the existing films with titles referring to Apocalypse or Revelation, this is the best one by far. The others are no different than low budget-low interest movies, which don't even begin to reach the magnitude and magnificence of the book of Revelation.

Well meaning but problematic.

[mark.waltz · 5/10 · 22 January 2021]

Like others have stated, this is listed as a 2000 release (apparently straight to video), listed at 3 hours, and including what appears to be the 9/11 attack on the world trade centers. The running time seems to be knocked down to just over 90 minutes, possibly with news footage of the attack added for a rerelease. Enough story detail is given over the 90 minutes I saw, and the flash of the trade centers (joining other human tragedies over recorded history) is really quick.

As a big Roman history buff (and a fan of the British TV miniseries "I, Claudius"), I looked forward to this as it explodes time during the reign of emperor Domitian, one of those rulers that the Sybil in "I Claudius" described in the finale as one of the bad ones. Indeed, he is, as played by Bruce Payne, evil, who like Caligula declared himself a god and ordered the Christians to be killed. Apostle John (the legendary Richard Harris in his final role) has a series of visions which unleash the seven seals to give him a glimpse into the future about the fight against Christianity.

One step above a 1960's gladiator movie, this succeeds slightly better because of an impressive production design and a view of history that started with "The Robe". It also succeeds in not being too preachy, a film that one can enjoy for the entertainment aspects as well as the educational benefits. A sincere performance by Harris makes this commanding as it doesn't shirk on showing how early Christians suffered. As a religious film, it provides subtle guidance for those who follow the teachings of Jesus Christ. I'm grateful to have found the edited version because three hours of this might have been far too cumbersome.

Worthwhile and moving

[meredithdevoe · 8/10 · 25 April 2013]

Richard Harris's moving performance is the centerpiece of this film, in which members of the early church, struggling for faith and reassurance in the face of violent persecution, are searching for John the Beloved, last of the living apostles, who is "hiding in plain sight" on the prison island of Patmos. However, don't ignore some very good performances by several of the others. The visions of John are depicted judiciously, considering the CGI available in 2000 and the budget (that is, they don't scream "made-for-TV"); the montages do not try to show every detail but give a general idea of the visions. To watch this is a good adjunct to reading Revelation, to remind one that these fantastic visions came to a real person in a very chaotic time.

Preaching to the Quire

[t_atzmueller · 2/10 · 27 March 2012]

"Holy s**t", was my first impression when watching "The Apocalypse".

There are two types of films when it comes to historic-religious movies: there are such epics as "Ben Hur" or "Quo Vadis", which have religious undertones, yet are fun and accessible to those who don't particularly care for religion. And then there is a legion (pardon the pun) of pesky little bible films, that makes you feel like you've invited Jehovah's Witnesses into your DVD player. "The Apocalypse" belongs to the second category.

Two reasons prompted me to watch this film: for one, this was to be one of the final performances of Richard Harris. Secondly, since "Passenger 57", I've always rooted for Bruce Payne playing a villain, but in the end, I wished that I hadn't squandered two hours of my precious time.

Harris looks like what he is: a frail, dying old man. Payne as the megalomaniac Emperor Domitian is hamming it up for all it's worth, grimacing and glaring, never tired to remind the audience that he's "Domitian the God" (fortunately Payne's role is rather small, probably filmed in a single afternoon). The rest of the cast are extras and two-bit actors, assembled from European TV-shows and series. None of them practice what in the classic sense you would call 'acting', but who are we to deny them a handful of dollars and warm meals from the caterers.

So, what speaks for the film? Preciously little. The overall tone is so preachy, the viewers come to believe that this was actually directed by Ned Flanders of "The Simpsons". The special effects (remember: this is a film about the apocalypse, the end of mankind) are laughable, either culled from documentaries (exploding volcanoes, bad weather at sea, etc) or animated on some cheap computer. Watch out for the scene of the angels appearing with their trumpets and tell me that you didn't expect Eric Idle to appear, blowing a bullhorn. Let's not forget the music: since this is a bible film, there is a strong need for incessant, ever unnerving choruses and quire music, that will make you wonder, whether you want to listen to this for all eternity or rather join the opposition, where at least they play catchy Rock n' Roll.

And watch out for that talking sheep that randomly appears during scenes, preaching and sermonizing about some things or the other.

You may have seen the film and wonder where all those glowing reviews and the high ratings came from. You may also have noticed that virtually every movie of the same ilk has similar positive comments and ratings. Yes, sometimes the wish is the father of thought … but mostly it all just remains wishful thinking.

If you're into Roman films, why not go for the TV-show "Rome" or re-watch "Gladiator"? If fantasy films are your thing, "The Hobbit" is only a few month away. If the Apocalypse interests you, Roland Emmerich has made quiet a few films about that but as far as religious films, none was able to live up to the standards of "Life of Brian" yet.

I give it two points out of ten: one for the memory of Richard Harris, and one for the preaching sheep. Amen!

How was the release in the 2000?

[cddavis-74158 · 10/10 · 3 February 2019]

In the movie during John's vision of the 4 horsemen, there is a clip of the World Trade Center being attacked on 9/11/2001, so how can it's release date be from 2000? Great movie, but I had to make an account because this is driving me crazy!

Excellent movie

[conleyfamily-78082 · 8/10 · 1 July 2021]

Evocative rendition of John's visions that doesn't shove a particular interpretation down your throat ala "Left Behind." More likely to provoke worship than to scratch your theological itches. Which is why I liked it.

Nice film

[BeckyandJesus · 8/10 · 19 December 2016]

I really enjoyed this film. The only problem was the lack of the whole story of Revelation. They also added in extra characters, including a romance. Which really was not necessary. There were some really great parts such as depictions of the prophecies which were really beautiful and moving. But they did not put John in a cave writing any of the prophecies. A prison it seemed...but no cave. They have him on Patmos treated as some sort of prestige person for a while, including making him sign things in an office of some sort?? (No idea what he was doing there..looked like he booked in visitors to the island?) Then he helps a man, gets kicked and thrown into prison. He does not do any labour in the film and wears the best clothes. Even though an old man was treated bad until death. Found that would confuse people. I admit I have not read Revelation completely but it seemed odd. A cave does feature at the end of the film, but he has a vision and does not write it down. It was more like an arch than cave. As no one could really hide in that. It had some good parts but surely could've been more biblical and left out all the extra nonsense.

A very Catholic view of John...

[matthangas · 9/10 · 26 November 2017]

Movie takes a very Catholic view of John of Patmos, in that he is portrayed as the Apostle who witnessed the Crucifixion, when in fact no such hard link has ever been presented...most scholars place the writing of Revelation around 85-90 AD, almost sixty years after the crucifixion. While possible, John would have been close to 100 years old at the time of the writings...having said that, this version of the film must have been edited, because it shows scenes from 9/11 and the attack on the Twin Towers, or at least in the version I watched...which would be a mean trick, as that attack occurred two years after this movie was filmed...minor point, and there may be a number of releases...a solid telling of one of the most moving Bible stories, and one of the most vivid as well. Told, or rather shown, in a fashion that makes sense and semblance of a very cryptic writing...well done...a fitting work to end a brilliant career...

Biblical Revelation, Fact or Fiction ...

[berberian00-276-69085 · 10/10 · 10 January 2014]

I write this commentary with standard copy of the Holy Bible by my side not because I distrust the Movie which has many Bible Advisors in making, but for sake of corroboration which is essence of life today - cf., "The Apocalypsis Revelation" (2002). I am an end-user myself, neither working for the Cinema Business nor for some Church Society. My experience by now show me that religion in 21st century shall continue to play important role both as a Statecraft and Community-Family institutional matter.

Watching this movie I disbelieve many of the things presented as such pertaining to 1st century A.D. when Christianity was thriving to establish itself as a Cult vs. Emperor Domitian being a God. Times were sore for the Gentiles in those days and the visions of St. John (last of Jesus Christ's Apostles) were reflecting their inanimate fight for survival. John fled from the penal colony of Patmos (island in the Aegean) and went to Ephesus where he wrote the last chapter of the Bible before dying in 90 A.D. Christianity didn't perish, the Bible became most read book for all times and we Christians should read it from time-to-time although not necessarily believing in every word of it. Moreover, new communities of converts in Christianity are appearing as of modern times which should be encouraged to believe in God as common parlance. Otherwise Morality is gone, we should resolve to War.

Richard Harris (1930-2002) in his last role deserves commemoration. I always wanted to say few words about him and a handful of other British actors that made Film Industry in the 20th century something big. They were Gods for our young generation and now when we in turn are becoming old, it's relevant to pay humble tribute. I liked every movie of that Actor, not standing lower than Marlon Brando for any particular reason. Strongest are his appearances in the 1970s and 1980s when crack movies manifested, such as "Man Called Horse" (1970), "Man in the Wilderness" (1971), "99 and 44/100% Dead" (1974), "Cassandra Crossing" (1976), "Orca" (1977), "Wild Geese" (1978), etc. Particularly striking is the last scene from "Wild Geese" when wounded Harris couldn't overcome the pursuing enemy and cries to Richard Burton in taxiing plane - "Shoot me damn it, I'm ill!" Still haven't watched all the Movies from Harris' collection yet.

Finally, I have prepared some notes on the Apocalypse (Revelation to John) as given in the Bible and want to share them with the reading list. Albeit, the Movie interpretation is abridged, nevertheless, remains the fullest record of events narrated in this vision. I checked also works of Art (frescoes, icons, paintings) that have endeavored to present fragments from Biblical Revelation. Those are numerous items under the title "Antiquities" whose owners or galleries don't even know what is the story about. Now shameful as it is, we shouldn't hallucinate as the Elder St. John. I would recommend to anyone interested in reading to consult the Encyclopedia of Biblical Scriptures (from Jehovah Witnesses). Best presentation. Amen!