40 Nights (2016) User Reviews

a pleasant surprise, and inspirational

[WildRej · 10/10 · 11 April 2016]

I recently saw this movie, and I have to say I was very pleasantly surprised. The film covers the time when Jesus spent 40 nights in the desert after he was baptized. In the desert, Jesus is tempted three times by the devil.

The filmmakers used Jesus's time in the desert as an opportunity to flash back to other times in Jesus's life. The flashbacks are some of my favorite moments in the film. I also really enjoyed the conversations between Jesus and the devil.

In this era of faith-based films, I was relieved to find that this film does not serve as a revisionist version of the Bible. I felt this was an extremely honest version of the story and represented a theologically sound story. This was what caused my pleasant sense of surprise.

I am someone who very much enjoyed watching "The Passion of the Christ," but that is also a movie that I have only watched one time, due to the nature of some of the scenes. This is a similar type of movie in terms of its portrayal of Jesus, except that I can see myself watching this movie on a regular basis. The themes of faith and fear are inspiring, and I actually look forward to seeing this movie again. The movie leaves on a high note, and is quite uplifting.

The film looks beautiful overall. Some of the desert shots are gorgeous.

In total, I was pleasantly surprised by this film, and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys faith-based movies but also to anyone who is looking for an inspirational movie that will capture your attention.

decent

[Kirpianuscus · 18 April 2022]

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.

Fascinating Look at Key Time Christ's Life

[russwilliams-2 · 8/10 · 20 June 2017]

According to all four gospels in the Christian New Testament, the primary pivotal time in Jesus' life and ministry was his baptism in the Jordan River by John the Baptist. Before this act, Jesus was just a "face in the crowd" at least outwardly. Possibly he was just another disciple of John, maybe even one so nondescript, he wasn't even worth writing or talking about.

All of this changed when Jesus emerged from the water in John's arms. At this point he had a vision from God. The impact on Jesus was so great , he had to go into the wilderness afterward for 40 days of fasting and praying to help him reflect on and process this experience. What was this vision and its impact on Jesus? The Gospels describe his vision (mainly of a dove descending from heaven) but don't really tell us what was going on in Jesus' mind during this time of radical inward change. What we do know is that after this time was over, Jesus immediately began preaching his (and our) Gospel of love and peace.

So we see this profound outward radicalization of Christ's life but get nothing of his thoughts on the matter, at least from the Gospels. The film "40 Nights" seeks to fill in these gaps during his desert time and speculates on how Jesus realized his calling and decided what to do next. Ingeniously, the film gives us this information by "filling in" Jesus' personal reactions to his subsequent temptations in the desert. The gospels have Jesus react to Satan's temptations by quoting scripture from the Old Testament (the Hebrew Bible). What do these quotes mean in their context? Why is Jesus saying these things? What do these reactions say about Jesus' thoughts and feelings about these "mere" scripture verses? Most importantly, what was Jesus thinking while he wasn't encountering Satan.

The Bible is silent on these questions. For centuries Bible scholars, church leaders and theologians have speculated on these questions (and questioned Jesus' personal reactions to other events in his life). In the tradition of such scholarship, "40 Nights" seeks answer these questions simply, by reasonably speculating on what was going on in his mind during this time. Naturally this film uses visual imagery to portray Jesus' thoughts, focusing on his reaction to Satan's attempts to suborn him. You may agree or disagree with what you see and hear, but the results are both moving and at the same time biblical and revealing. How would you react to such "divine" visions and personal revelations? "40 Nights" shows a plausible interpretation of the human side of Christ, the side most of us can best relate to, including Jesus' astonishment at realizing His true message and, most importantly, who he really is. The film's basic story line shows us Christ's baptism and Jesus' subsequent time in the wilderness. This lonely experience brought Jesus to three profound temptations from "the devil." Christians have interpreted these "visions" variously as either real temptations from a real Satan or as metaphors for his inner thoughts and feelings, or both. "40 Nights" chooses to focus on the metaphorical side of the temptations as Jesus journeys through the desert encountering visions of phony "what do I do next" ideas courtesy of Satan himself.

"40 Nights" did a wonderful job of showing Jesus as human, including flashbacks to Jesus' past. Most Christian movies, literature and teaching never do this. Christ's being the son of God was faithfully rendered but not trumpeted. It's good that the film showed what Jesus experienced personally. Instead of trying to turn this tale into a trite "biblical epic," the film focuses on Jesus' interactions, memories and personal internal battles. I especially liked the film's showing that Jesus' temptation in the wilderness was not just a prologue for his ministry but also part of his preparation for death on the cross. In its symbolism, this film's story shows one man's search for faith and God-given strength while he sets off on a journey of fasting to prepare his soul for sacrifice. Of course some artistic license was taken to fill in gaps not shown in the Bible. But hey, the movie is never as good as the book, right? Still, the film was careful to be faithful to the biblical accounts.

In essence, the film boils down to a personal drama, a character study if you like, seeking to reveal Jesus' internal conflicts and struggles. You will either agree with its portrayal or not, but you cannot argue that it doesn't show reverence for its subject. "40 Nights" is a film that inspires, no matter whether the viewer is believer. In essence, it is a thought-provoking and challenging attempt to glimpse the soul of Christ.

Although the "action" is at times a bit slow, I found that some of these moments actually gave me good personal time to reflect on what the film was actually trying to say. I really enjoyed the landscape and scenic shots. I got a profound sense of the natural ruggedness and spiritual solitude of the desert. Certainly DJ Perry does an excellent job portraying Christ. In addition to being entertaining, "40 Nights" is a good study tool for any church Christian education program. Watch it, think about it and enjoy it. Share it with others. Above all, you can use it as a way to help with your own personal journey in Christ.

Challenging!

[twbomar · 9/10 · 25 April 2016]

This was the last film that the iconic actor Dan Haggerty (aka Grizzly Adams) was in. He is heard at the beginning as "the voice of God," which is interesting as he died not long after of January 15th. 2016. Dan was my dear friend and business partner for about 20 years, he was always good with exits, but wow! What a way to go - as the voice of God!

I enjoyed watching the film '40 Nights' and I have to say that it was challenging and encouraging. The film uniquely tells the story of Jesus and the 40 Nights in the wilderness after he was baptized. Beautifully shot in the desert, Jesus is confronted by the enemy. Flashbacks take the viewer back into the life of Jesus and addresses real issues that we all face every day. The film stays true and doesn't try to reshape Biblical truth, it is a glimpse into the lives of those in time of Christ. It portrays the eternal messages in a powerful but simple setting that is enjoyable to watch. It is a film that will build your faith and inspire you as you apply it to your life. The ending is especially direct and challenging. Watch it, you will be glad you did. – Terry Bomar, Minister, speaker, (Former manager to Dan "Grizzly Adams" Haggerty – this was Dan's last movie)

Okay...Excellent

[lisalaurensmith · 9 November 2016]

There are at least 6 or 7 sermons I could write off of this movie alone. First, the cinematography was beautiful. Wow. The actor who portrays the devil, made me mad and that could only mean he performed this role very well. The portrayal of Jesus Christ is effortlessly genuine and comforting to both watch and hear. The lamb was adorable. So representative of how we stray away so easily. It's something how most want to only portray the crucifixion, when very little emphasis is put on all the moments before. I plan to watch this again. But, after just one time watching it my spirit is left in gratitude and awe of my Lord and Saviors sacrifice on my behalf. It's a showing of how capable our spirit really is over our flesh, if we are willing. This film is anointed from start to finish. That means it's favored to win souls. I thought the portrayal of decreasing in strength, an actors ability to play hunger and the extreme effects there off was quite accurate. The way the enemy comes at us in our weaknesses in times of weaknesses. For example, the scene involving the lust and the woman who wasn't a woman at first. Clever. The different voices were chilling and scary and just what I would've imagined. Wow. I can't say enough good things. I ask that you please continue to write and produce stories rarely touched, out of the bible. Since, you do them so well. I plan to order to add to my collection! Good work.

Our November 12 Showing of 40 Nights at Miller's Theatre, in Navasota, TX

[editor-bumcnl · 8/10 · 13 November 2017]

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.

Well done

[creechthomas · 9/10 · 22 April 2016]

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 !

Compelling and inspirational

[tammymiss · 10/10 · 27 May 2017]

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.

A Journey of Spirituality and Faith

[darsisylvester · 10/10 · 14 May 2016]

There are several things I enjoy about this original Biblical drama movie. One is that no one has ever focused before on imagining the true test Jesus was put to in the desert for 40 days and nights tempted by Satan. An account of the search for the faith and strength that lies within him. In this movie, we see the human side of Christ and flashbacks of his past as he sets off on his journey of fasting to prepare his soul for sacrifice. I like that the movie's style of dialogue and visual style are consistent with each other. Biblical dramas in the 50s and 60s had more of the "European painting" and theatrical look to them, and dialogue that was theatrically stilted, because they were more like large-scale pageants. In this movie, the dialogue is not poetic or theatrical at all, but more realistic, in keeping with the gritty visual look. It was filmed in Yuma AZ desert and though it was impossible to show the largeness of Jerusalem, I didn't feel cheated out of anything worthwhile. The scenery and panoramic shots took my breath away. There also were many special affects that enhanced the realism and powers of Satan and the Angels. I like that the movie doesn't show anything except what Jesus Christ experiences. His interactions, memories and personal internal battles. Some people might call it a suspenseful mystery, but it seemed more to me like a character-focused drama where Jesus must make choices based on the knowledge given to him. A film that will inspire, whether a believer or not. It is thought provoking and challenging. DJ Perry is superb as Jesus. Perfect Lenten material as one reflects upon his or her relationship with Jesus. It's a pretty interesting movie. I loved it.

I would recommend that all young Christians watch this film.

[ronnieleerocks · 2 June 2016]

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!

A nice, low budget, Biblical character study

[jacobburbidge · 8/10 · 19 August 2019]

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

[cos-9 · 10 October 2017]

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.

A Film That Tells a Story Not Told Before on the Big Screen! An insightful & quality film!

[shipnbottle · 9/10 · 20 April 2018]

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!

The Story of Christ

[mandyvs-87214 · 9/10 · 6 July 2021]

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