In 2016 a movie called Risen came out. I believe I saw it in the theatre when it came out, and I was pretty impressed. This is not to be confused with a thriller movie by the same name that came out in 2021. This movie is the true story of Jesus’ resurrection intertwined with a fictitious story of a Roman. I thought it was quite realistic. The story begins at Passover in A.D. 33. It is from the viewpoint of a Roman tribune (officer) named Clavius, who is required to accomplish brutal tasks. The Roman ruler Pilate tells Clavius that he has had to have a Jew claiming to be the Messiah crucified, and he asks Clavius to go and break the Jew’s legs to hasten his death.

Before Clavius arrives at the crucifixion scene, an earthquake strikes the area.
At the scene a centurion (Roman soldier) tells the tribune that just before the tremor the man on one of the crosses who claimed to be the Messiah said, “It is finished.” The cruelty and gore of crucifixion is depicted, but showing some of the most graphic actions directly is avoided.

A conversation between Pilate and Clavius in a Roman bath reveals that Clavius is desirous of wealth and power that will lead to a family and a more peaceful life and “a day without death.” Later Clavius is summoned from a Roman funeral to command soldiers to oversee the body of this “Messiah” named Yeshua (Hebrew for Jesus) and make sure it isn’t stolen. Any rumors that Yeshua was alive would make Him once again a perceived competitor to Roman power.

The tribune is faced with a dilemma when he is informed that the body of Yeshua has disappeared, despite having soldiers guarding the tomb. He must investigate what happened. The bogus story of the first soldier he interviews makes no sense, leading the tribune into a deeper investigation. One witness he sought, the disciple of Yeshua named Bartholomew, testifies that he has seen Yeshua alive and that it means eternal life for all who believe.

Clavius has an encounter with Yeshua’s disciples and the risen Yeshua. Knowing the truth makes the tribune a liability to Roman leaders, so he decides to disappear. Clavius’ curiosity causes him to follow the disciples. When Yeshua appears again, Clavius is an eyewitness to a miracle of healing. One night he speaks one on one with Yeshua, and Yeshua sees his deepest desires.

Clavius is present when Yeshua ascends into Heaven. The disciple Peter invites Clavius to join the disciples. When he refuses the invitation, Peter bids farewell and embraces him, calling him a brother. Clavius, in the end, confesses his faith to another man and states the he will never be the same.
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Though I have summarized the entire storyline, witnessing it visually and hearing the dialogue will be a whole different experience. The movie is 107 minutes long. It is rated PG-13 for some violence and disturbing images. It was produced by Christians, so there is no foul language or sexual content.