40 Nights

source: 40 Nights

A good idea represents the root of this film - to explore the temptations of devil against the Lord in Carantania dessert. And , not ignoring the few serious reserves about cast , dialogues and technical solutions, it is just a decent work. Because, in essence, it is an interogation to viewer. Sure, some parts are not the most inspired and the dialogue with the Archangel or with little shepard are too, too much , but it is a Christian film and its purpose is, not doubts, more than clear. Sure, not the expected Jesus, not the familiar form of temptation, but the voice of Dan Haggerty helps a lot the film.

This was a good segment of the 3 part series that illustrates the life of Christ.

When I saw the score for this film I went into it expecting another poor excuse for a biblical adaptation. However I was presently surprised by the depth that 40 Nights brings to a story that is alluded to in only one chapter in all the gospels and in some cases only a few verses. It is an exceptional Biblical story with a lot of passion poured into it. The story of Jesus being tempted in the desert is something that has always interested me. However, very few Jesus adaptations have actually shown this in great detail. The Bible tv series had a small scene of a physical Satan coming after Jesus, most other adaptations have either a snake as a representation of Satan or just his voice in Jesus' head. Having an entire film dedicated to Jesus' suffering was an excellent idea. Similar to the Passion of the Christ dedicating the entire film to the gruesome detail of Christ's last day, 40 Nights has more opportunity to show the detail of Christ's suffering through his temptation. It adds to more sympathy to Christ knowing that he not only suffered on the cross but he also suffered in the desert as a sort of pre-atonement. DJ Perry does an excellent Jesus and, although his role is minimised in the Christ Slayer, he is given the full reign of his acting ability here, especially in the scenes where he quarrels with Satan. Having Satan appear as a boy, then a man, then an elder shows the manipulation of the devil in a very thematic way. Jesus remains the same in all their encounters but Satan has to change every time in order to try and win Jesus' favour. It also shows the depths the Father of Lies will go to achieve victory. All three actors who play Satan's various forms do a phenomenal job, with none superseding the other's. Although they are consistent, Taymour Ghazi gets the spotlight the most with his scenes of temptation and he owns it all. The writing compliments all three of the actors but I feel like Taymour had the most fun doing it. You can just see in his eyes. There are moments that raise a few eyebrows. Like when Gabriel teleports in front of Satan to protect Jesus and the effects look like something from Powerpoint mixed with a weird jump cut. However, given that it is likely not a large budget film, I can forgive the effects. It's just the actor who plays Gabriel is a bit off in his delivery of lines. Especially when he's coupled against Taymour Ghazi's madman portrayal of Satan, he falls slightly short. I vehemently disagree with the idea that this is the worst of the quest trilogy. Some shoddy effects here and there, some cheesy lines occasionally. But what does that take away from the experience of the story? Really not that much. 40 Nights is well worth the watch for anyone interested in the stories of the Bible, Christian or otherwise.

FORTY NIGHTS, starring DJ Perry as Jesus, directed by Jesse Low, is the first part of the Quest Trilogy of films--the next films being CHASING THE STAR and THE CHRIST-SLAYER. In this film, we see a side to Jesus of Nazareth that perhaps we've not quite seen before on the Big Screen as He faces the wilderness alone against the Tempter. Within that interaction comes many questions and considerations about the nature of mankind, the frailty, the evil, the good--as well as the Goodness of the Lord. The film, though on a low budget, punches above its weight telling the story in a unique, thoughtful, quality way. I really enjoyed the film and reflected on it long after watching it. The acting in this film is good and notable. I highly recommend FORTY NIGHTS!

We host a monthly Christian movie night at a local theatre in Navasota, TX. Miller's Theatre donates its space for our movie showings and we are able to show our films without admission charge. Yesterday, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, we shared 40 Nights, by DJ Perry. Which is the first film of a trilogy, 40 Nights, Chasing the Star and the soon to be released, Christ Slayer. DJ was generous enough to license our showings and to provide background material for our showing. We had about 40 people in attendance for our showing and we were very pleased with the audience reaction which ended in applause at the close of the film. 40 Nights a is well done telling of Christ's 40 days in the wilderness from an intimate perspective of Christ's experience in building His strength for the coming trials of his ministry and its conclusion in the crucifixion. We recommend this film to viewers who seek a deeper perspective on Christ's experience at the beginning of His ministry and the challenges met in the wilderness.

Great movie. Did a wonderful job of portraying Jesus as human, something not enough Christian base moves address in my opinion. Yet His being the Son of God was never omitted. I especially liked tying together his time in the wilderness, to his preparation for death on the cross, and the fall of man through Adam and Eve. There is of course some artistic license taken to fill in some gaps of time not covered in the Bible. But I feel the story remained faithful to all biblical accounts. I would really enjoy sharing this with fellow believers . I think it could create some interesting conversation. It is a powerful statement of Christ's willingness to die for us. And ask the question, are we worth saving !

I am, admittedly, only a little over halfway into this (although it feels like I've been watching for hours), but am doubtful that I will finish it (and that's saying something, since, as a peplum fan, I'm an extremely tolerant viewer), so here is my assessment thus far: Ron Swanson as definitely well over 30 (or 40, for that matter) hippy, new age Jesus, and the villain from an old made-for-TV children's movie as Satan (we used to achieve the same "scary voice" effect playing with a tape recorder as kids in the 80's), in an apparently no-budget "Bible movie" that's really a western, with painfully modern, American non-actors, reciting dialogue that can't decide what century it's being spoken in, and seems to have been written by Tommy Wiseau.

Most Bible-based films fall short for Christian viewers when the story strays too far outside of Biblical parameters. Even though the 40 nights is imagined, it's still grounded in Scriputur and is quite believable, unlike the film Noah, which would have been more successful had it been faithful to the Biblical version. Give 40 Nights a try and you won't be sorry. DJ Perry brings out the human, personal side of Christ, and you won't read the Bible passage the same way after viewing this film.

40 Nights Excellent script about an unknown subject matter. When you try to imagine what was said in the historical situation it is difficult not to step on someone's toes compared with their views of the subject. The dialogue maneuvered very comfortably through these deep waters. Even a stiff neck Christian would appreciate the clever way it was portrayed what Christ might have went through. It was very believable that it could happen that way. The accuracy with Scripture was very pleasing. This allowed me as a viewer to trust the script to take me in any direction. The story line inspires the viewer to think about what could have happened with an open mind. A truly beautiful film. The shooting location looked like right out of the holy land. The cinematography is first-class. The editing of the film was so smooth it was hardly even noticed. You certainly have a great crew working with you. I would give it five stars and encourage all believers to view it. Good job!