Assassin 33 A.D.

Movie review by
Lynnette Nicholas, Common Sense Media
Assassin 33 A.D. Movie Poster Image
Religion and time-travel converge in intense thriller.
  • PG-13
  • 2020
  • 109 minutes

Parents say

age 16+
Based on 4 reviews

Kids say

age 13+
Based on 1 review

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The parents' guide to what's in this movie.

Positive Messages

Messages include respecting different beliefs, the benefits of science and technological advancements, and collaboration. Themes include forgiveness, teamwork, courage, religious tolerance, and pursuing academic excellence. Religion, God's love, and Jesus Christ as an historic figure are all present.

Positive Role Models & Representations

Four young adult geniuses show that it's cool to be science "nerds"/high-ranking academic scholars. Jesus stays committed to his God-given assignment on Earth, despite the awareness of his forthcoming torture and death. Young adults show that through teamwork, persistence, and grit, great advancements can be made in science and in evolving humanity.


Gun violence/shoot-out scenes, additional weapons (many types), and graphic scenes that involve death. A wife and two daughters die in a car crash, a car explodes, parents are murdered execution-style, a mother and father are beheaded (suggested), Jesus is crucified, pepole are badly beaten, and many lives are lost. Throat slit, someone is stabbed. Scene in which someone ponders suicide.


Kissing between two consenting young adults. Flirting/kissing between two scientists. Character shown in underwear.


Use of the word "imbecile."

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

Grieving character drinks while crying at home alone.

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that Assassin 33 A.D. (also known as Black Easter) is a sci-fi thriller that centers on a group of scientists who discover a secret plan to use a time machine to change the past. The movie deals with Christianity, science/technological advancements, time travel, religious tolerance (as well as religious conflict), friendship, and more. While there's barely any strong language, sexual content beyond kissing, or substance use, you can expect plenty of violence. There's gun/weapon use, shoot-outs, graphic murder scenes, crucifixion, car crashes, and serious beatings. Loved ones are killed, and people mourn them. That said, there are positive themes related to teamwork, academic excellence, and perseverance. And while religious beliefs are central to the movie's plot, the positive benefits of science are highlighted, too.

User Reviews

  • Parents say
  • Kids say
Adult Written byBDT December 28, 2020

Awesome Concept

I think this puts a good spin on the concept of religious movies, I would be very happy to see a sequel.

I personally really enjoyed the movie.
Adult Written byDmlooez6035 December 23, 2020
Loved It...
Teen, 15 years old Written bystopmakingmovies November 3, 2020


The whole time I was watching this I was like "what is even happening??" The Islamic villain wants to kill Jesus because Christians are nasty???? Jesu... Continue reading

What's the story?

Directed by Jim Carroll (Evil Behind You), ASSASSIN 33 A.D. centers four brilliant young scientists who discover a secret plan to use a time machine to alter the past. Ram (Morgan Roberts), Simon (Lamar Usher), Amy Lee (Ilsa Levine), and Kabil (Johnny Rey Diaz) -- all skilled in the area of Matter Transfer -- embark on a scientific journey that will test their beliefs.

Is it any good?

This unique, suspenseful thriller not only chronicles the crucifixion of Jesus, but it also showcases the benefits of science and technological advancement. Assassin 33 A.D. is action-packed and intriguing, and it poses really relevant questions about science, religious beliefs, power, and the potential negative and positive effects of time travel. That said, the movie's concept and plot are more powerful than the cinematic delivery. While the messages of forgiveness, God's love, and respecting different beliefs are very powerful, the transitions from one scene to the next -- as well as the changes from one time period to another -- aren't seamless. Still, despite some obvious indications of budget constraints, the writing is engaging, which helps make up for where some of the cinematography is lacking.

The relationship between Ram and Amy shows that people with totally different beliefs can still work together while respecting and loving each other. In the supporting cast, Donny Boaz shows great emotional range as Brandt, the conflicted Christian's experienced so much pain and disappointment that he no longer believes. Jason Castro is eerily good as Jesus, and, as Simon, Lamar Usher is relatable, contemporary, and genuine. While some may label this film as religious propaganda, others will beg to differ. It tackles its topics and themes diplomatically and poses thought-provoking questions. It addresses both Christianity and Islam, and science isn't pitted against faith but rather creates a parallel space for scientific minds to look at bible-based historical events. Ultimately it suggests that whether or not you believe in the Bible, it may not be a bad idea to actually read it and see what it says for yourself.

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