What Is The Big Fisherman About?
The premise of The Big Fisherman in 319 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
Set against the rugged backdrop of ancient Galilee, the film introduces Simon Peter, a rugged and self-sufficient fisherman whose life is defined by the rhythms of the sea. Though he begins as a man anchored in the tangible world of labor and survival, his path is destined to intersect with a rising spiritual movement that challenges his skepticism. As the narrative unfolds, Peter stands on the precipice of a profound transformation, poised to leave behind his nets for a purpose that promises to test the very foundations of his character.
Entwined with Peter’s journey is the story of Fara, a young woman of Arab and Jewish descent who enters his life under circumstances of peril and disguise. Driven by a deep-seated need for resolution regarding her past, she carries a secret that threatens to upend the political order of the region. Under Peter’s protection, she becomes a catalyst for examining the complexities of loyalty, power, and identity. Her presence brings a sharp tension to the narrative, forcing those around her to confront the collision between personal vendettas and the demands of a higher ideal.
As the voice of prophecy and the teachings of Jesus begin to permeate the region, the film explores the friction between the region’s ruling powers and the burgeoning message of peace. The atmosphere is thick with political intrigue and personal reckoning, as characters from vastly different worlds find themselves listening to the same transformative words. Themes of forgiveness and redemption are woven throughout, highlighting the difficult choices required to break the cycles of violence and retribution.
Ultimately, the story focuses on the internal struggles of its protagonists as they navigate a world where faith requires relinquishing control. Through the evolving dynamic between Peter and Fara, the film paints a resonant portrait of human resilience, illustrating how the decision to follow a path of peace can redefine one’s destiny and alter the course of a community.
What Happens in The Big Fisherman?
The complete story of The Big Fisherman, from the first scene to the last, in 597 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 7 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
Simon Peter (Howard Keel) begins as a self-sufficient fisherman who gradually leans into a new life centered on a risen Christ, a transformation that marks the core arc of the story. Across this journey, another thread of redemption and forgiveness unfolds as he takes in a young Arab/Jewish girl named Fara (Susan Kohner). Their unlikely alliance becomes the conduit through which both characters are forced to reexamine loyalty, power, and what it means to follow a higher ideal.
Fara is revealed to be the daughter of Herod Antipas (Herbert Lom) who married and quickly discarded her Arab mother Arnon (Marian Seldes) in favor of Herodias (Martha Hyer). Disguised as a boy, Fara travels to Galilee with a burning desire for revenge against Antipas, setting in motion a tense collision between personal vengeance and spiritual awakening. On the road, she is robbed by bandits, and her path intersects with the voice of prophecy when she is found by John the Baptist (Jay Barney), who counsels her to listen to the great teacher, Jesus.
Under John the Baptist’s guidance, Fara falls under Peter’s protection, even as she clings to her vow to kill Antipas. Her presence within Antipas’ household gives her access to a string of prophecies she translates, a task that tethers her fate to the political and religious intrigues surrounding the ruler. As the two protagonists inhabit the same space where power, faith, and prophecy collide, they begin to hear Jesus teaching, a moment that slowly shifts their priorities and perceptions.
Fara wrestles with the teachings of nonviolence, and her internal struggle becomes a crucible for Peter as well. At first, he approaches this new soundscape with skepticism, but his resolve gradually bends toward discipleship as the lessons of Christ begin to resonate. The pair’s shared experiences—listening to the Sermon in the midst of political scheming and personal hurt—spark a transformation in both. When Fara gains a chance to strike against Antipas, she finally faces him and reveals her true identity. Watching intently, Antipas urges her not to descend into murder, and in a pivotal moment, she recalls the words of Christ and lowers her knife. Peter’s response is a quiet affirmation: she is free of her own chains.
Together, Peter and Fara depart for Arabia and undertake a rescue mission for Voldi (John Saxon), an Arab prince who wishes to marry her. The romance and political reality collide once more as Fara realizes that her mixed heritage would imperil Voldi’s future rule. In a selfless choice, she chooses to accompany Peter as they travel onward to spread the message of peace, leaving behind the personal longing that might have secured her place in Voldi’s realm.
Throughout this intertwined tale, themes of forgiveness, redemption, and the testing power of faith are explored against a backdrop of ancient political intrigue. The film centers on the idea that personal salvation and a broader peace can emerge from difficult choices, even when those choices involve relinquishing love for a higher calling. The emotional journey of Simon Peter and Fara remains at the heart of the narrative, illustrating how resilience, compassion, and a willingness to listen can alter the course of lives and communities.
- Emphasized motifs include the tension between revenge and mercy, the discovery of shared humanity across cultural divides, and the way loyalty to a larger truth can redefine one’s path. The performances of the principal players, along with the historical and biblical context, work together to create a resonant portrait of transformation, faith, and the enduring question of what it means to follow a message of peace.
The Big Fisherman Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
12 key events in the order they happen, from “Peter's life as a self-sufficient fisherman” to “Fara leaves Arabia to spread peace with Peter”. 12 events name a place, across 7 locations.
- 1
Peter's life as a self-sufficient fisherman
Peter lives as a skilled, self-sufficient fisherman along the Sea of Galilee, relying on his own strength and routines. His days are defined by nets, boats, and the rhythm of the lake. This timeline follows the shift that will come as he encounters Jesus and steps into a new, guiding path.
Where:Sea of Galilee
- 2
Fara's lineage and vow for revenge
Fara is the daughter of Herod Antipas, born into a world of political and religious intrigue. Her Arab mother Arnon is briefly discarded as Antipas pursues Herodias, shaping Fara's sense of betrayal. Fueled by vengeance, she disguises herself to travel to Galilee with the intent to assassinate Antipas.
Where:Herod Antipas's realm
- 3
Disguised as a boy, Fara travels to Galilee to assassinate Antipas
Disguised as a boy, Fara journeys toward Galilee to carry out her vow of revenge against Antipas. She plows through danger and hardship, determined to strike at the ruler who wronged her family. Her plan is interrupted when robbers interrupt her path, forcing her to reassess her mission.
Where:Galilee
- 4
Robbed by bandits; discovered by John the Baptist
Robbed by bandits on the road, Fara's resolve remains intact but her fate intertwines with a larger spiritual invitation. John the Baptist appears and guides her toward Jesus, advising her to listen to the great teacher. This encounter plants the first seed of mercy that will influence her choices.
Where:Desert/Jordan
- 5
Fara comes under Peter's protection
John the Baptist directs Fara toward Jesus, and she comes under the protection of Peter. Peter, initially wary of her vow and agenda, decides to shelter her and help navigate the dangers of Antipas's world. Their unlikely alliance begins to shape both of their journeys toward faith.
Where:Galilee
- 6
Fara employed in Antipas' household as translator
Fara gains an access point into Antipas's household by serving as a translator of prophecies. The job gives her proximity to her target while weaving in observations of Jesus' growing teachings. Her inner conflict deepens as she balances loyalty, love, and revenge.
Where:Antipas' household, Galilee
- 7
Peter and Fara hear Jesus teaching
Peter and Fara hear Jesus teaching, and the message stirs something in both of them. Fara remains torn between her vow of vengeance and the possibility of peace, while Peter's skepticism about Jesus begins to soften. The moment marks a turning point in their respective paths.
Where:Galilee
- 8
Fara turns away from nonviolence
After hearing Jesus advocate nonviolence, Fara falters and turns away from this central teaching. Her vow to kill Antipas resurfaces, threatening to derail the new sense of mercy she is beginning to feel. Peter continues to be drawn toward Jesus, his own doubts gradually giving way.
Where:Galilee
- 9
Peter's transformation toward discipleship
Peter's cynicism gives way as he is drawn toward becoming Jesus' disciple. He begins to abandon his old guard and open his heart to a transformative, faith-filled path. The relationship with Fara adds complexity to his growing commitment to peace and forgiveness.
Where:Galilee
- 10
Fara's opportunity to kill Antipas and her revelation
Fara gains a moment to kill Antipas and reveals her true identity to him. Antipas urges restraint, and in the face of his counsel, Fara recalls Christ's words and hesitates. Watching this, Peter declares her free from the chains of vengeance and invites a new future.
Where:Antipas' household, Galilee
- 11
Peter and Fara flee to Arabia; rescue Voldi
Peter takes Fara to Arabia where they rescue Voldi, an Arab prince who seeks to marry her. The rescue demonstrates their growing partnership and their mission to pursue peace. The journey abroad expands their horizons and deepens their bond.
Where:Arabia
- 12
Fara leaves Arabia to spread peace with Peter
Fara realizes that her mixed heritage would jeopardize Voldi's rule, prompting her to leave him. She and Peter decide to spread the word of peace, choosing a life of reconciliation over personal ambitions. Their shared mission marks a lasting commitment to forgiveness.
Where:Arabia and beyond
Who Are the Main Characters in The Big Fisherman?
5 characters, among them Simon Peter (Howard Keel), Fara (Susan Kohner) and Herod Antipas (Herbert Lom): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
- SP
Simon Peter (Howard Keel)
Played by Howard Keel
A fisherman who starts with independence and skepticism, gradually becoming a follower of Jesus. His arc moves from practical self-reliance to faith, as he learns to trust the teaching he once doubted. He protects Fara and evolves into a central figure of the early Christian journey.
- 🙏 Faith
- 💫 Transformation
- F(
Fara (Susan Kohner)
Played by Susan Kohner
The young daughter of Herod Antipas and Arnon, she disguises herself as a boy to avenge past wrongs. Her journey intertwines revenge with the teachings she encounters, and she grapples with love and loyalty as she encounters Jesus' message. Ultimately she lowers her knife in search of peace.
- 🗡️ Revenge
- 🕊️ Redemption
-
Herod Antipas (Herbert Lom)
Played by Herbert Lom
Ruler of Galilee who becomes entangled in courtly politics and personal vendettas. He interacts with Fara's quest for vengeance and with the emerging peace preached by Jesus. His choices reflect the tug-of-war between power, mercy, and restraint.
- 👑 Authority
- 🗳️ Politics
- JT
John the Baptist (Jay Barney)
Played by Jay Barney
Prophet who guides Fara toward listening to Jesus and emphasizes repentance. He appears as a voice of moral clarity in a time of political and personal turmoil and helps shape Peter's perception of the new teachings.
- 🕯️ Prophecy
- 🤝 Guidance
- H(
Herodias (Martha Hyer)
Played by Martha Hyer
Wife of Antipas who embodies the political influence and intrigue surrounding the royal court. Her presence frames the power dynamics and the fragile balance between desire, loyalty, and political ambition.
- 👑 Queen
- 🎭 Drama
Where and When Is The Big Fisherman Set?
The Big Fisherman is set in Galilee, Herod Antipas' household and Arabia (1st century CE). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
1st century CE
Set in the early decades of the 1st century CE, during Roman Judea. Galilee is home to fishermen like Peter, while Herod Antipas governs from regional power centers. The period is marked by the emergence of Jesus' teachings and the tension between tradition and Roman authority.
Where
Galilee, Herod Antipas' household, Arabia
The narrative unfolds across ancient Galilee—fishing villages and the countryside—before moving into the political atmosphere of Herod Antipas' court. Key locations include Antipas' household and the journey to Arabia. The settings reflect a rustic, religious landscape where prophets and early followers meet.
- 📜 Historical
- ✝️ Biblical
What Are the Themes of The Big Fisherman?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Forgiveness, Transformation and Redemption.
-
01
Forgiveness
The story centers on the possibility of letting go of vengeance, as characters confront personal wounds. Peter's transformation and Fara's surrender to a higher calling illustrate mercy in the face of pain. Forgiveness becomes the bridge between pain and peace, guiding actions beyond personal revenge.
-
02
Transformation
Both Peter and Fara move from doubt and anger toward faith and commitment. The film traces how a single encounter with Jesus' message can redirect lives. The setting of conflict and prophecy acts as a catalyst for inner growth.
-
03
Redemption
Characters seek moral renewal through exposure to Jesus' teachings. Fara's decision to abandon murder demonstrates redemption through choosing peace. Peter's declaration of freedom from his inner chains signals the possibility of new purpose.
What Kind of Film Is The Big Fisherman?
Hopeful in tone, with steady pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Hopeful
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Happy
A solemn and epic spiritual drama that follows a journey from personal vengeance to peace, culminating in a hopeful and redemptive conclusion built on faith and forgiveness.
- redemptive
- solemn
- spiritual
- hopeful
- introspective
- epic
- religious conversion
- redemption
- forgiveness
- faith journey
Content notes: whipping, racial prejudice.
Quiz
How well do you remember The Big Fisherman? Test yourself on the story.
