Protestants and Catholics have different views on the importance of Mary who came from Nazareth to give birth to Jesus in Bethlehem, the city of David.

So when Ignatius Press, the Catholic publisher and distributor of videos releases the motion picture Mary of Nazareth in October it may get divergent reviews.

The YouTube trailer says, "Mary of Nazareth is an epic new motion picture on the life of Mary, mother of Christ, from her childhood through the Resurrection of Jesus."

Reviewers who had early viewings of the film have raved.

"The most stunning portrayal of the Virgin Mary on film. It will make you want to love her more than ever. An absolute masterpiece," wrote Marian expert Father John Calloway, on patheos.com.

"I can assure you that we finally have a movie that gets Mary totally right. Trust me, I am super hard to please when it comes to any portrayal of Mary in film, but this one nailed it entirely," wrote Calloway.

"I was captivated from the first scene of Mary of Nazareth to the last," said EWTN radio and television host Johnnette Benkovic, founder of Women of Grace.

"My appreciation of and entry into the mysteries of faith were deepened through the beautiful cinematic depictions of the annunciation, visitation, birth of Jesus, and His passion and death."

CATHOLICMOM

Lisa Hendey founder of CatholicMom.com said, "This film will bond families ever more closely to the life of a woman who forever changed our world."

The North American premiere will take place in San Francisco on October 11 featuring the actress who portrayed Mary in the film, German-born Alissa Jung.

Mary of Nazareth is an epic motion picture on the life of Mary from her childhood through the Resurrection of Jesus.

It was originally a 200-minute film and was edited down to 153 minutes for the theatrical release.

Ignatius Press marketing director, Anthony Ryan, says, "Produced by the same European studios who have made such other high-quality films with profound spiritual depth like Restless Heart: The Confessions of Augustine, Pope John Paul II, Bakhita: From Slave to Saint and Padre Pio: Miracle Man, this powerful film on the life of Mary will provide deep inspiration for all who see it on the big screen."

It was shot in English in High Definition and filmed in Europe with dazzling cinematography, a strong cast, and a majestic music score.

ALISSA JUNG

Alissa Jung made her stage debut in 1997 at age 16 years old and has acted in many TV movies and series in Europe. Her most recent film is the mystery thriller, "Open My Eyes."

Jung founded a non-profit charitable foundation for Haiti, "Pens, Paper and Peace," which raises funds in Germany and other countries to fund and build schools for the poorest children of Haiti.

The film is directed by Italian Giacomo Campiotti who has made films such as Doctor Zhivago the 2002 BBC TV miniseries starring British star Keira Knightley. He has also directed Like Two Crocodiles, St. Giuseppe Moscati, Bakhita, Corsa Di Primavera and Never Again as Before.

Others in star roles in the film include, Andreas Pietschmann as Jesus, Luca Marinelli as Joseph, Paz Vega as Mary Magdalene and Antonia Liskova as Herodias.

The original music score was written by Guy Farley.

The 2013 movie is not to be confused with a 2004 docudrama with the same name.