What is the good and the bad about the Passover Plot? Starting with the positive, since history describes Pilate as a brutal ruler, this is the most accurate portrayal of Pilate on film. Next the movie accurately shows the oppression of the Jewish people in Judea by the Romans and the longing of most of the people to be free of Roman domination. The film explains that the Romans could not understand the Jewish religion and for that many of the Jewish people could not tolerate the Romans. The movie also explains that under Roman law no one could rule a province unless they were appointed by the Emperor. Also, the music is appropriate, as were the sets and costumes. There are some pretty scenes and sometimes a decent use of the camera. Donald Pleasence as Pilate was very effective in his portrayal.
The film has many problems because of the script. Keeping track of the supporting characters is made difficult first because the Hebrew names are used instead of English versions. Second, the script often has supporting characters almost always appearing with no explanation. The central part of the movie will often cut to new characters with no setup about who they are. So, the middle part of the film has a series of disjointed speeches.
The story from the book involves a secret plan to try and fool the Romans. This should lead to suspense in an adaptation about whether this scheme will work but there is no tension in the screen version which points to poor directing. The director doesn't know how to keep the audience involved with the secret maneuvering by Jesus. Overall while the book is about a careful plan, the film doesn't show that there is much of a plan at all.
Some of the acting and directing was mediocre at the level of a TV movie. One jarring moment was when the color was reversed in a few shots trying to look more avant garde when this is supposed to be an historical epic.
However, in spite of all the problems, the film has moments, more than any other, in accurately showing life in Roman occupied first century Judea. And for that, I rate it 7/10.
