The Last Temptation Of Christ (1988)

A very human take on the life of Christ (Willem Dafoe) as he comes to terms with his destiny.

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Growing up in Little Italy, young Martin Scorsese found himself caught between two worlds. On one side there was The Church and on the other side there was The Street. This conflict was the focus of many of his early films such as Who's That Knocking At My Door and Mean Streets. Scorsese aspired to a pious life and even pursued the idea of becoming a priest, yet as the saying goes: The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. The Last Temptation Of Christ is a unique film in that it chooses to grapple with the idea that Jesus likely faced that same conflict. It's right there in Luke 22:42 “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” He knows what must be done, but deep down he also yearns to live a normal human life. Without this conflict the film would simply be a story about a Super Human who always said and did the right things. With this conflict, it becomes an inspiring story about overcoming your inner demons in order to do what needs to be done. Personally I prefer the latter.