The Miracle Maker

The Miracle Maker

Year: 1999

Runtime: 87 mins

Language: English

Directors: Stanislav Sokolov, Derek W. Hayes

AnimationFamilyDramaFaith and religionFaith and spiritual journeys

A desperate mother and father searching for a cure for their ailing daughter encounter an extraordinary carpenter named Jesus, who has dedicated his life to proclaiming God’s word. A wondrous miracle then reveals the true meaning of Christ and the sacrifices He made for humanity’s redemption, weaving a compelling tale of faith, trust and devotion.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – The Miracle Maker (1999)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Miracle Maker (1999). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1st century CE

Set in the 1st century CE during the Roman occupation of Judea, the narrative spans from John's baptism to Jesus’s resurrection. The era is defined by Roman governance, Jewish temple authority, and the volatile mood of prophetic movements. The political context drives how characters respond to Jesus’s message and the threat some authorities perceive.

Location

Sepphoris, Capernaum, Jordan River, Jerusalem, Judea

The film unfolds across key locations in ancient Judea, starting in Sepphoris and moving through Capernaum to Jerusalem. It presents a mosaic of urban and rural settings—temples, markets, boats, and rivers—reflecting life under Roman rule. The Jordan River area serves as the setting for John the Baptist’s baptism and the early miracles.

🏛️ Ancient cities 🗺️ Biblical landscapes 🏺 Roman-era Judea

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 18:09

Main Characters – The Miracle Maker (1999)

Meet the key characters of The Miracle Maker (1999), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Jesus (Ralph Fiennes)

A carpenter-turned-teacher who preaches a radical message of mercy, forgiveness, and love. He performs miracles, challenges temple authorities, and gathers a diverse group of followers. His charisma and resolve attract both devotion and dangerous opposition from the powerful.

🕊️ Spiritual leader ✨ Miracle worker 🗣️ Teacher

Judas Iscariot (David Thewlis)

A zealous follower who believes Jesus is the Messiah at first, but grows wary of the movement’s political implications. He becomes conflicted by the rising danger and factions within the priesthood. His eventual decision to betray is portrayed as a tragic clash between idealism and fear.

🤝 Disillusioned disciple 🗝️ Betrayer 🕊️ Skeptic

John The Baptist (Richard E. Grant)

A prophetic preacher who baptizes Jesus and testifies to divine voice. He calls for repentance and marks the beginning of Jesus’s ministry, standing as a bridge between prophetic tradition and the new teachings. His later death under Herod underscores the era’s volatile mix of faith and politics.

🕯️ Prophet 💧 Baptizer 🗣️ Preacher

Mary Magdalene (Miranda Richardson)

Once possessed by demons, she is healed by Jesus and becomes one of his closest followers. Her renewed faith and loyalty symbolize redemption and the inclusive reach of Jesus’s mercy.

🧭 Devoted follower ✨ Redeemed 🕊️ Witness to miracles

Mary of Nazareth (Emily Mortimer)

Jesus’s mother; memory and witness to his birth and early events; supportive of his mission.

👩 Mother 🕊️ Faithful witness 🗝️ Keeper of tradition

Pontius Pilate (Ian Holm)

Roman governor who struggles to balance law, public order, and political pressure. He reluctantly condemns Jesus to satisfy Caiaphas and the crowd.

🏛️ Roman governor ⚖️ Moral conflict 🗳️ Political pressure

Caiaphas (David Schofield)

High priest who fears Jesus's influence may incite rebellion; scheming to ensure his execution.

🕍 High priest 🗡️ Political strategist 🗳️ Opposition to Jesus

Barabbas (Tim McInnerny)

A rebel leader and prisoner representing resistance to Roman rule. His release at Passover contrasts with Jesus’s fate.

⚔️ Rebel leader 🗺️ Symbol of resistance 🕊️ Freedom seeker

Cleopas (Daniel Massey)

A disciple who travels with Jesus and helps spread his message; practical and perceptive.

🚶‍♂️ Disciple traveler 🗺️ Witness 🗣️ Companion

Rachel (Julie Christie)

Mother of Tamar and Jairus’s wife; she offers support and faith during trials.

👩 Wife and mother 🕊️ Faithful presence 🧭 Steadfast supporter

Tamar (Rebecca Callard)

Jairus’s daughter who falls ill and is revived by Jesus’s healing; her illness becomes a pivotal event.

👧 Ill child 💫 Healing witness 🕊️ Revival symbol

Jairus (William Hurt)

A synagogue official who defies priests to seek Jesus’s help for his daughter; a father torn between tradition and faith.

👨 Synagogue official 🕊️ Faithful father ⚖️ Dilemma between law and mercy

Joseph of Arimathea (Bob Peck)

A Sanhedrin member who harbors cautious support and helps with Jesus’s burial; a voice of measured humanity.

🧭 Sanhedrin member 🪶 Burial helper 🛡️ Moderate voice

Ben Azra (Antony Sher)

Priest who sees Jesus as a threat; part of the temple leadership that pushes for his demise.

🕍 Priest 🗡️ Political schemer 🗝️ Opponent to Jesus

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 18:09

Major Themes – The Miracle Maker (1999)

Explore the central themes of The Miracle Maker (1999), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🕊️ Faith and Doubt

The film centers on the tension between belief in Jesus’s message and the skepticism of religious authorities. Miracles and forgiveness challenge strict interpretations of the law, while Judas’s doubts and fears push him toward betrayal. The story tracks the pull between spiritual conviction and political risk, shaping the choices of followers and critics alike.

⚖️ Power and Mercy

The priests and rulers balance political survival with religious authority, often clashing with Jesus’s critique of temple commerce and imperial payoffs. Pilate’s cautious, pragmatic judgments show how empire politics influence life and death decisions. The narrative highlights mercy and compassion as a counterpoint to coercive power.

✨ Miracle and Resurrection

The miracles—healing Mary Magdalene, calming storms, and the resurrection claim—frame Jesus as a transformative figure beyond conventional expectations. These events spark both faith and fear among crowds, disciples, and priests. The film builds toward the empty tomb and the disciples’ renewed belief, underscoring hope as a driving force for spreading Jesus’s teachings.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 18:09

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The Miracle Maker Summary

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The Miracle Maker Timeline

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