Son of Man (2006 film)

Plot

During a violent raid from an ongoing civil war, Mary seeks shelter and discovers an abandoned school with deceased villagers inside. She hallucinates and is visited by an apparition who tells her she will give birth to the son of God. Mary raises Jesus until adulthood. Jesus begins preaching faith that embraces compassion and rejects the corruption and brutality of the political leadership.

His teachings attract disciples. Military occupation forces take over the land, and those opposing authority are monitored. Intelligence agents regard Jesus as harmless, but his disciple Judas secretly meets with authorities and convinces them Jesus is a threat. The military interrogate and torture Jesus, then murder him.

Mary exhumes his body from a shallow grave, and he is set on a cross for all to view. The inhabitants sing praises but are stopped by the military. Jesus is resurrected and urges the natives to continue singing in honor of his movement.

Reception

On Rotten Tomatoes, 86% of seven critics rated the film positively, giving it an average score of 6.80 out of 10. In 2006, Son of Man earned multiple award nominations and wins. On 5 May 2007, it claimed the first Veto-Jury prize at the Africa Film Festival in Louvain, Belgium. The jury, chosen by the student magazine Veto, comprised seven students from the Catholic University of Leuven.

They explained their choice: the film makes viewers think and does not leave them unmoved. Its musical beat, fast rhythms, varied styles, and original shots keep it engaging. Though based on a well-known story, the film subverts expectations and turns the familiar narrative on its head.

Did You Know?

• The film premiered in the Netherlands on 9 September 2006 at the Africa in the Picture Film Festival.