Judas is a 2004 Biblical television drama film depicting the intertwined lives of Judas Iscariot and Jesus of Nazareth. The story depicts Judas as having sympathetic motives, desiring to free the Jewish people from Roman rule. It was shot in Ouarzazate, Morocco.
The film was originally slated to be titled, Judas and Jesus.[1] One source stated of the film that "The ABC television network tried to cash in on the craze for The Passion of the Christ".[2] The film "focuses on Judas himself with Jesus being a significant being a significant presence but having more of a supporting role".[1]
Judas meets Jesus and at first does not know what to make of him or whether or not to trust him. A cynical city boy, Judas makes fun of the country bumpkin disciples who follow Jesus but eventually decides to join the band, as well.
He and Jesus become good friends, even though they often see things very differently. Ultimately, Judas is convinced that Jesus needs to use his popularity and wonder-working powers to free the Jews from the Romans, and Jesus sees a larger, spiritual perspective. As a friend, Judas convinces Jesus to give his disciples his miraculous powers, and he does with good results.
Finally, the Jewish leaders spy on Judas and convince him of the greater good of betraying Jesus, in order to save the Jewish people. Judas gets caught between the corrupt leaders – Caiaphas and Pontius Pilate – and Jesus.
