Color of the Cross
Color of the Crossproffers an interesting idea: Jesus Christ was a man of color, and race played a significant part in the events that led to his crucifixion and the Biblical aftermath. Co-writer, director and star Jean-Claude La Marre plays Jesus in this Christian re-telling of the final hours and days of the Messiah, but his spin is certainly unique. La Marre's Christ is an object of worry and derision by Romans and Pharisees, both because the Judean population so fervently hopes for its emancipator, and because he might be a "dark-skinned Nazarene." This provocative element keepsColor of the Crossfairly interesting despite its low budget and La Marre's curious portrayal of Jesus as frequently petulant, a Messiah one can never please. There are some strong performances, including Jean-Pierre Parent as Thomas and Johann John Jean as Judas.--Tom Keogh