The Passion Of The Christ Movie
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Storyline
TAGLINES
By his wounds, we were healed.
The movie, behind the greatest event in the history of the world.
One man changed the world forever.
The Passion of The Christ focusses on the last twelve hours of Jesus of Nazareth's life. The film begins in the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus has gone to pray after sitting the Last Supper. Jesus must resist the temptations of Satan. Betrayed by Judas Iscariot, Jesus is then arrested and taken within the city walls of Jerusalem where leaders of the Pharisees confront him with accusations of blasphemy and his trial results in a condemnation to death.
| Monica Bellucci | Magdalen |
| James Caviezel | Jesus |
| Rosalinda Celentano | |
| Sergio Rubini | |
| Hristo Jivkov | John |
| Maia Morgenstern | Mary |
| Francesco De Vito | Peter |
| Mattia Sbragia | Caiphas |
| Toni Bertorelli | Annas |
| Luca Lionello | Judas |
| Hristo Shopov | Pontius Pilate |
| Claudia Gerini | Claudia Procles |
| Fabio Sartor | Abenader |
| Giacinto Ferro | Joseph of Arimathea |
| Olek Mincer | Nicodemus |
| Sheila Mokhtari | Woman in Audience |
| Lucio Allocca | Old Temple Guard |
| Mel Gibson |
7.20 out of 10 (54134 votes)
Visitor Reviews
A Masterful Visualization of Belief...
posted on 26 Aug 2009First, let me say that I think it is a shame that this great film will be used in agenda-pushing by both proponents and opponents of its content and message. Many of the extreme right-wing Christian conservatives will use the film to fuel their fires, and some in the Jewish community will use the film to bolster their fears of worldwide anti-Semitism. Both groups will be equally misguided in their rhetoric and motivations.Can't we all just remember that this is a film... only a film? 'The Passion of the Christ' is Mel Gibson's version of his faith-based historical beliefs, and it doesn't necessarily need to be any more than that. Most of us fall somewhere between the two extremes and, hopefully, in that group, this film will find a reasonable and open minded audience that can appreciate this work as art.However, it is inevitable that people's beliefs will guide their opinion of this film. Most of those that believe this is all historical fact will love 'The Passion'. Most of those that think this is either folly or a twisting of truth will not. Perhaps, only those who can remove themselves from religious bias will be able to look at 'The Passion of the Christ' with an honest eye toward artistic and cinematic appreciation. Granted, that is a tremendously hard thing to do. But if you can muster that state of mind, I think you will discover a truly masterful film about a factual/fictional/symbolic man (depending on your point of view) who sacrifices himself, in the most unselfish of ways, for the benefit of mankind. In that sacrifice, lies a poetic profundity that serves as a magnificent story, a magnificent lesson, and a magnificent film... but just a film.In the spirit of honesty, I must declare that, although I believe in a higher power, I am not a particularly religious person. I don't go to Church, I very rarely pray, and I definitely don't feel the need to impose my views on anyone else. But because of the nature of Mel Gibson's work, I feel it is necessary for readers of this review to be aware of my liberal stance on religion. I believe in the ideal of 'To each his own'.With all that being said, I think it is important to note that, among reasonably open-minded people, your beliefs shouldn't really affect your admiration, or lack thereof, toward this motion picture.I believe a great film should possess most, if not all, of the following -- Originality, Focus, Passion, Heart, Intelligence & Wit... all framed by magnificent acting, sure-handed & inspired directing, gorgeous cinematography and a beautiful score. Pulitzer Prize winning film critic, Roger Ebert, claims that "a film should not be judged on what it is about, but how it is about it."With those guidelines in mind, I believe that Mel Gibson's 'The Passion of the Christ' is a masterful visualization of his beliefs regarding the central moments of the Christian/Catholic religion. Those final twelve hours of Jesus' life are vividly realized in ways that many people, even devout believers, have never fully contemplated. Most Christian images have been sanitized for mass marketing over the centuries. To have the gruesome details brought back into light will shock many of those who are used to the 'greeting card Jesus' that they are so accustomed to.This film is one of the most graphically violent you will ever see... and it needs to be. If you believe the gospel to be literal truth, as does Gibson, there needs to be an honest depiction of the horrific events that led up to and were manifested in the crucifixion. To recount those moments in this review would diminish their impact. The beating, whipping and scourging of Jesus is gut-wrenching stuff to watch. Mel Gibson's lens never turns away. He wants you to see all the suffering. He wants to convey, in the clearest possible sense, the vicious nature of this moment and the depths of man's inhumanity to man. This film offers no relief until the final fifteen seconds, when we see the first few moments of Jesus' resurrection.This is an unrelenting film that challenges the viewer. How often can you say that about a film? It transcends the medium. It is a film that can make 'entertainment cinema' seem so astonishingly inconsequential. Its power can make so many other things in our daily lives seem inconsequential. This film demands a certain reverence, even from non-believers or casual believers like me. I found it odd that, during my screening, a number of people brought in tubs of popcorn and giant red slurpee drinks to feast on. This just doesn't feel like that kind of film to me. I think it deserves a little more respect than regular movies... a little more humility.As for the claims of anti-Semitism, I think they are unwarranted. However, I also understand that if one approaches this film looking for anti-Semitism, you can probably find it. Biases will determine what you see or don't see in a film like this. I agree with Roger Ebert who wrote in his review, "My own feeling is that Gibson's film is not anti-Semitic, but reflects a range of behavior on the part of its Jewish characters, on balance favorably. The Jews who seem to desire Jesus' death are in the priesthood, and have political as well as theological reasons for acting. The other Jews seen in the film are viewed positively; Simon helps Jesus to carry the cross, Veronica brings a cloth to wipe his face, Jews in the crowd cry out against his torture."I think "The Passion of the Christ" is a masterpiece. It is a great film about a profound subject, shown with astonishing clarity and unnerving conviction by Mel Gibson, who has now fashioned two of the greatest films that I have ever seen, the other being 'Braveheart'. It took a lot of guts to decide to make this film, even more to finance it himself. There are very few in Hollywood who will ever display the courage to venture beyond the next comfortable project. But Gibson wrapped himself in that conviction and surrounded himself with a tremendous cast who were willing to take this precarious journey with him. Jim Caviezel assumes the impossible task of portraying Jesus, but he does it with steely determination and unflinching emotional control. Maia Morgenstern is heartbreaking as Mary. When her sad eyes watch, as her son endures the inhumanity, we feel her pain viscerally. When she cries, we cry. Monica Bellucci is equally devastating to watch as Mary Magdalene, who remains loyal to Jesus to the end. And the supporting cast are all tremendously dedicated to delivering Gibson's vision to the silver screen.This film is a collective effort of brave artists who risked more than we will fully appreciate. I commend all involved in the making of this transcendent motion picture. It is a profound work of art that deserves more than the petty controversies it will stir up. However, as time passes, both ends of the extremist argument will reflect as utter inconsequentiality when mirrored with Gibson's masterwork. Some films exist on a plain aside from all the other clutter. 'The Passion of the Christ' is assuredly one of those films.TC Candler
I just don't see the point...
posted on 26 Aug 2009I understand that this movie is important. I understand that it is groundbreaking in its "graphic depiction of the final hours of Jesus Christ". What I don't understand is the alleged power that this movie has. People have claimed that this movie has made them realize the flaws in their lives and made themselves want to be better christians, but I fail to see the religious enlightenment that comes from watching what is essentially a two-hour snuff film. While watching this movie I was moved by its brashness and intense violence, but it was no more uncomfortable or upset than I would feel at any point during any movie where the lead character is put through hell. I understand that Jesus was a real person who changed the lives of many and supposedly died for our sins, but this movie does not put those events into perspective. The beating that Jesus Christ takes in this movie would kill any human being, Mel Gibson has shown that Christ's will was truly strong and he knew what he had to do. This, however, teaches the viewer nothing in the way of christianity, it merely rehashes what is spoken of in churches every year. Granted, this is an adequate visual representation of a Passion play, but the excessive violence does little to further the message of the movie, other than putting the viewers off food for awhile. It is much more important to know what Christ did during his life than to focus merely on his death. I was disappointed. (3/10)
awful
posted on 26 Aug 2009everything about this movie was comically bad. if it wasn't about Jesus, it would be universally reviled as horrendous, but it wasn't, so people think it's good. absolutely the worst movie i've ever seen. it was ridiculous. utterly ridiculous. the acting was horrible. everything was so over the top, it was like a children's play. the violence was unnecessary and brutal and unrealistic. there was more violence than in braveheart, with less cause. the fact that you can make a movie like this and slap religion on it to sell to people makes me incredibly angry. it just goes to show the huuuuge blind spots people have in their thinking.
tell me a story
posted on 24 Aug 2009Not being a very religious person, I went to see this because wanted to learn more the last 12 hours of JC's life. The only thing that Mel taught me was that he had an extraordinary high threshold for pain. I GET IT. I got it it after the first five minutes of beatings. I thought Gibson did a terrible job of telling us a story. If I had not read reviews or seen some of the furor, I would not have even known who some of the people in the movie were. Who was that guy with the two Mary's? John? Paul? Why did those men who called for Jesus to be crucified wield such power and influence over Ponches Pilot and the roman hierarchy? If Pilot was so hesitant to appease the mob, why then, would he allow such torture to be bestowed on Jesus? And Finally, The one question I could not get out of my mind, Would did Jesus do that was so bad? He seemed like a pretty good guy to me. If he really threatened the throne and the penance for blasphemy was so bad, tell me why! Give a little history from the era. You never assume the audience knows the story coming in. In this case, where an interpretation of a story is told, it should be even important to TELL US WHY this horrible stuff is happeningMel Gibson has done a great job of hyping this movie, but in the end he will be remembered for making a sloppy one. Slow motion is used for dramatic effect and it can be very effective, unless the entire is shot in it. I did not like this movie, not because I am religiously biased but because good movies. I feel bad that I put more money in his pocket.
The Rape of the Christ
posted on 24 Aug 2009With respect to those more learned in theology and spirituality than I, and while I'm carefully trying to avoid shock value and melodrama, the word that comes to mind when I think of the Passion of the Christ is "rape." I'm not a theologian or a scripture scholar, and I try to balance the often times precarious position between being a person of faith and a critical thinker - but I can't escape the image of rape when I reflect on this movie. While the movie does not depict the actual genital violation of Jesus, I think a case could be made for there being unmistakable psychological and emotional rape. I've seen this movie with my wife several times (it sometimes feels like several times too many), and watching the Roman soldiers enjoy, delight in, and essentially become aroused by the torture they are causing Jesus, is sickening. It reminds me very much of the rape sequence in "The Accused," wherein the men who rape and terrorize Sarah Tobias are having fun. I shared the idea of rape in the context of The Passion with a co-worker of mine, who also strives to be a critical thinker as well as a person of faith, and he could very much identify with that. Again, I am not seeking shock value or melodrama - but I think the experience of this movie helps me to make some very important connections. First, this kind of movie, with its graphic violence, often emphasized in slow motion, accompanied by heart-wrenching music, runs the dangerous risk of degenerating into the glorification of violence, which is, among other reasons, why I believe NO PERSON under the age of 16, and preferably 18, should be permitted to see this movie. This is NOT a "family friendly" movie. At the time The Passion was released, my brother had only turned 18 - and I would have hesitated to take HIM to see it. I certainly would not take an adolescent parish Confirmation class to see it. If I was a seminary dean (and I was in seminary for a time), I would think twice before taking a freshman class of college seminarians to see it. Second, one of the times my wife and I saw The Passion was on Good Friday afternoon, after we attended the Solemn Liturgy of the Passion at our local cathedral. I did make, I believe, a significant connection between what we celebrated at the Cathedral and the images in the movie, particularly in terms of the the institution of the Eucharist and the raising of the cross (and I am not seeking to preach here, and for those unfamiliar with these terms, I ask your patience!). BUT, the movie WAS NOT, for me, a substitute of the Passion Liturgy; in fact, I felt more united to the faith dimension of the sufferings of Jesus during the Liturgy, NOT during the movie. Third, I've witnessed a frightening association between religious fervor and violence in many contexts, and I think, if people aren't careful, such a movie as The Passion can perpetuate the blurring of religion and violence, in much the same way as many movies depicting rape dangerously blur the distinction between sexuality and violence. When my wife and I first saw The Passion, we were so mentally and emotionally drained, we got some dinner to settle our nerves and went home to take a nap - we were totally exhausted by the experience. Having had better than a year to have some distance from the movie, and reflect on its implications, I can find many more constructive ways to work with the images and ideas of the sufferings of Jesus than Mel Gibson's movie (and I mean no disrespect to Mr. Gibson). The Scriptures, the Liturgy in the Roman Missal, and Franco Zefferelli's Jesus of Nazareth would be first on my list.
It's simply a powerful and compelling story
posted on 22 Aug 2009The film is powerful because the story is powerful. That's true regardless of what else you might or might not believe about Jesus. I fail to understand why declaring Jewish leaders in Jerusalem as responsible for the death of Christ has anything to do with the Jewish religion or the ethnic people. Jesus, after all, was Jewish himself,although he objected to the way the church was being administered, something all Jews today would certainly agree with. So why are they defending the rotten Jewish leaders who lived 2000 years ago? Knee jerk reaction, apparently, with the emphasis on jerk.
Thank you Mr. Gibson
posted on 22 Aug 2009Wow......(wait 5-10 minutes)....wow......(wait 5-10 minutes more)....wow again, now try to collect yourself and comprehend what was just seen. This was my impression of Passion of the Christ. My next impulse simply was this:Thank you Mel Gibson, thank you for reminding us!On to the commentary. I am most always fascinated to see a "Jesus" film released, as films like Passion typically generate massive controversy and this is no exception. The Last Temptation of Christ was the most recent mainstream controversial "Jesus" film but for other reasons. However, unlike LTC, Passion was a way of expressing on film, as accurately as possible to the Gospels, the ultimate sacrifice. Gibson did so very well. Did Gibson take liberties? Perhaps, but none that would detract from the true accounting as written in Mathew, Mark, Luke or John (and nothing like LTC did). Was he accurate? Most certainly, the entire sequence of events as biblically related, were true to form. The film is moving, very well acted, well directed, and powerful to watch. In this commentary, rather than get to the details of the movie, I would like to address the two major criticisms.First, some critics have stated, paraphrased of course: "I did not see the love and forgiveness of Jesus, I saw only violence, blood, and hate". These type of critics, in my opinion, completely miss the point and are likely more ignorant of the story matter than what they are willing to admit. The film was made on Christ's last 12 hours, His darkest hour, the hour of sacrifice and His death. Was it brutal? Yes. Was there hate? Yes. Was it violent? Try, being scourged, beaten, crowned with thorns, and having your hands / feet nailed to a wooden cross then answer that question. However, these were not actions of Christ toward men, rather of ignorant men toward Christ. Even in the face of this, Christ forgives and I simply cannot understand how this was missed by the critics.Second, some critics have accused the film of being anti-semantic. Again they are off the mark, in my opinion anyway. Christ was not crucified by all Jews, he was condemned by the Pharisees who happen to be Jewish. Therefore, blaming anyone of Jewish faith for the death of Jesus is simply wrong. If there is any animosity to be generated, then it might be against the bloated religious leaders who wish to destroy the one man that might challenge their power over the people, who were threatened by Christ's claims to be the Son of God. Even today, there are those who will use their religious position (and who are NOT Jewish) to justify wanting taking of other life, to further their goals, retain their own view, and force upon others their personal interpretations of good and evil. There are those who will ignorantly dismiss those who are not of their religion as evil, Godless, and without merit. Nevertheless, the film (and Scripture) portrays Christ's forgiveness of those who committed these brutal acts - and within the context of the film, just a remarkable job.Movies on the life, death, and resurrection are sure to generate talk. The subject matter is one of such personal conviction, and each individual wishes to have his/her belief's be right. On this matter, there is no doubt each individual must reconcile his/her own "vision" of the subject matter, then decide whether to see this movie or not. Make no mistake, in viewing Passion one will witness a graphic portrayal of the worlds most famous historical event. Side note: There is no doubt that 2000 years ago, a man named Jesus was crucified, both secular and nonsecular accountings exist to verify this fact. The controversy will always be -- was Jesus who he claimed to be, this is for each person to decide.On the whole, my opinion is "Masterpiece". The thanks goes to Mel Gibson, the praise goes to, well, if you can't figure that out then you should not see the movie.
I walked away from the experience with something
posted on 22 Aug 2009I just saw the Passion of the Christ a few hours ago. What I feel is wonderful. I keep reflecting on what was shared over and over. I remember a scene in the movie that sticks out the most to me, "Love those who persecute you." I've read countless reviews by readers who hated the movie or thought it was too gory. I was angry that some people could be so ignorant and closed-minded. But now I realise how trivial it really is; anger. I don't want to be angry at someone for disagreeing with me. I want to love them anyway. Really I do. Love your enemies... Can anyone with an open heart not see that this was the theme of the movie? Jesus said that for that purpose he was born. He came to willingly go through what the movie showed so well. He came to die to seal off the punishment we deserve for out sins; to prevent the world from suffering endlessly in judgement. He came to show us the ultimate manifestation of love in it's purest form. "There is no love greater that that of one who will lay down his life for his friends." I will try to love more.
a great movie period!!!
posted on 22 Aug 2009OK first of all I'm getting tired of people saying this movie was way to violent, first of all read the title of this film please! its not called Jesus Christ superstar its called "the passion of the Christ" that means he died not only for love and for our sins but Jesus died to show he would die under any means necessary for us ..jews ..christians etc...and Mel Gibson specifically said thats what the message of the film is and also that the movie is about the 14 days before his death and his crucification, Jesus was taking his beating for our sins and love....so learn the message first people then judge thx...furthermore ...i have read a lot of reviews on this and nobody talks about Ben Cavizels performance as Jesus it was incredible to say the least....that had to be one of the toughest roles in history to pull off ever!!...Mel Gibson is a genius enough said!! and weather you are religious or not this movie demands our attention and our respect...this movie promotes love and the message was Jesus wanted us all to live in harmony and not to hate..if you think otherwise you missed the true message....and it just means you're a negative person .
Worth Seeing
posted on 20 Aug 2009But not for children.I can see why there would be some who would say it's anti-Semetic but there's ample evidence of the real message in the film. *Spoiler* As Christ falls on the Via Appia his mother is there at his side. She says to him that she will always be with him and he replies, "You see Mother I make everything new." Stoic resolve in the face of unremitting sadism is something anyone of whatever creed can find redeeming.It's the flashbacks and the last couple of moments that make the whole film worthwhile.I really hope that anyone who sees it will recognise it for its universal message and see past what they feel may be justifiable criticism of the violent aspects and dubious historical references to the role of some of the protagonists.
This film is your worse religious nightmare and blessed religious dream all at the same time. Awesome!!
posted on 18 Aug 2009The Passion does not compare to anything else that I have ever seen. The realism is light years away from anything except your worse religious nightmare and blessed religious dream all at the same time. I kept telling myself that He died for me, but, whew, to see it "in person" is too much, but a must for Christians to see.From the very first frame to the last name on the credits, it is truly awe inspiring. I had steeled myself not to get too emotional because I was afraid that I would have to leave the theater. I was so fascinated by how this film was being done, that I became partially numb to all that I was seeing. Survival reflex maybe. Although I was disturbed that I couldn't cry, I did jump and avert my eyes plenty of times. That helped somewhat, but I could still hear what was happening as I cringed inside. I told my friends that we would all probably be having flashbacks as we remembered what we had witnessed. I do mean witnessed! I felt like I was there. Now when I go read my Bible it will be a much more visual experience.I can not describe the brutality and sacrifice that was put upon Jesus. I am very surprised to feel more grateful, humbled, and uplifted about His ordeal just because I saw this film.If people take their rage at Jesus' death out on the Jews and Romans, I think they are missing the whole point of the story. All of those who killed and loved Him were acting as God's instruments in Jesus' destiny.
His death and rebirth were ordained before He was even born. Those people are just using the film as excuse to fuel hate. Pity all who hate others for whatever reason.I applaud Mel Gibson and everyone involved with the film. Whether a person is a Christian or not, this is a film of how a man, many believe, changed the world. The Passion has given a reason for people to have an open discussion about religion when maybe they wouldn't even be talking to each other before the film. It is a film that tells an excellent, albeit brutal, story in a very realistic way. That is what a film is supposed to do. No matter who or if we believe, we are ALL GOD'S CHILDREN. GO BLESS EVERYONE.
MAY HATE TURN TO LOVE IN ALL OUR HEARTS.
Wow! What An Experience
posted on 18 Aug 2009Just watched the long waited "movie of the year" should I say? Well the performance were really great. This is the best Jesus movie ever told. It really does shows the sufferings of Jesus Christ. One might think, how in the world would he be still alive after taking all those beatings? When I went to the theater, almost everyone was weeping, some were quietly, some you can actually hear. I even shed down some tears, which I have done in very few movies. This movie dont tell the whole Jesus story, it focuses on what the title says "The Passion Of Jesus Christ", the last stage of his dying. I was amazed I did not had to read a whole lot of subtitles to understand what they were saying. Matterafact, their language sentence are more longer than English. The subtitle goes very slow, mixes well with their language. It gives you enough time to read and understand what they are saying. The movie is indeed bloody in its catogary. Do not compare this with any war movie or any action type movie, cause this is only one man who has been bloodied here and its his suffering story. You might want to give it a try even if you are not religious. I did not find it any racistor hate towards anyone, just felt sad what he had to go through. Give it a try guys you will see what I am talking about. I think I am ready for a second show :)
The best movie in history
posted on 18 Aug 2009This is beyond a doubt the best movie I have ever seen and ever will and I have seen many. The hype is TRUE. I was drawn into this movie and felt an experience like I have never felt before. The movie is flawless. The scenes of Christ suffering for me will be with me forever. I feel this is the most beautiful love story ever made.The fact that Jesus would endure a most horrific death so that I could be saved shows the love of God for us. Mel has done the movie in such a way that you feel you are there. I feel the choices he made in the movie such as his choice for Satan and showing the personal demons that haunted Judas were brilliant. I can honestly say that this movie has changed my life forever.
A well made, bloody film
posted on 18 Aug 2009Having just recently viewed Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ", I felt the need to comment. Let me first say that it is an extremely well made film by a very competent filmmaker, with an excellent cast and apparently an excellent crew, judging by the film produced by them.The film begins at Jesus's self-exploration at Gethsemane and storms ahead from there, growing continually more violent, and graphically so, until the inescapable conclusion. The actor playing Jesus does an excellent job in all of his scenes, with a wide emotional range from happy to deeply sad to beaten down to confident. The added realism of Aramaic as the spoken language throughout most of the film lends a certain credibility to all of the events portrayed, as well as the excellently blended special effects, few though they may be.However, in spite of it being so well made and so apparently accurate to the history from which it has sprung, I have to question some of the choices Gibson made throughout the film, particular in the level of graphic violence portrayed. I found the film to be very good, however, I couldn't necessarily say that I enjoyed watching it. The film makes the viewer uncomfortable almost to the point where it is unbearable, until at last the roller coaster ride is over. I completely understand why Gibson should have chosen this route, particularly consider his past works like Braveheart, and the fact that very few movies have explored that particular aspect of Jesus's last days in that level of detail. However, it could perhaps have been something better left unexplored.As it stands, I would not watch the film again, but I am glad that I've seen it, if only to satisfy my curiosity.Viewers with weak hearts or weak stomachs, this film is probably one to pass by.
The Passion drags on and on and on and on...
posted on 18 Aug 2009Wow, what an intensely terrible movie. If you've seen Braveheart, just watch the torture scene over and over and over and over again and you'll pretty much have the same movie, just a bit less gore, and less falling over in slow motion. I swear that while Jim, I mean Jesus, was dragging that cross up the hill he fell over like six times, all in slow motion. It got to the point where I just wanted it to be over already. If you want to see a bunch of Jews act like savages, Romans looking noble, and the good Christians being pious, then by all means sit through this two and a half hour bloodfest. That's the other thing, it's bloody to the point of being disgusting (but at least there's no nudity. Violence good, boobs bad.) If Jesus is not being whipped, he's being scourged, if he's not bleeding openly... it's the begining of the movie. Call me crazy, but watching a guy get beaten bloody isn't my idea of a good movie, I like story, and plot, and character developement. Straight gore just doesn't hold very much appeal. All in all I think this movie is absolutely worthless, emphasizes exactly the wrong parts of christianity, and quite frankly it sickens me to know that parents are bringing their 8 year old children to see it.
One of the best films I have ever seen
posted on 18 Aug 2009Personally, I believe this film is one of the best and most moving films ever made. I went into the theater with an open mind. I told myself, "I will watch and not judge; if it's truly horrible and totally inaccurate, it's only a movie."I needn't have worried.Historical accuracy is almost perfect. The entire film appears to follow exactly as I knew the tale. Visually, it was beautiful. From the "curse" children (who made me startle) to the storm above the crucifixion, from the image of Satan in all demonic brilliance, to Mary herself, everything seemed to glow with the radiance that comes from truly beautiful film-making. I had tears in my eyes from the heart wrenching hurtfulness of it. It was the first time I ever cried in a theater, and that says something. It made me realize, seriously, how much Christ went through in that day. Yes, it's extremely graphic, but it needed to be seen. It made the audience sit up and watch.I am not a devout Christian, I don't attend church more than maybe once a year, and yet, this brought home with a true awakening what I really believe in, when I believe in Christ. I walked out of the theater a changed person. It made me want to make it worth it.In regards to the controversy, atheists, non-Christians... everybody has their own right to opinion. I've read so many comments on here about people who were unaffected... people who thought it was horrible... and, of course, people who thought it was a plague upon the Earth, made by evil egotistical ********. (I am tempted to think such people would never recognize a good film, ever.) The bottom line is, Passion of the Christ changed my life, spiritually, emotionally, artistically. In every sense, The Passion of the Christ is everything a movie should be. The acting is powerful, the scenery is perfect, the score is flawless, the historical truth is as good as creative license allows, and it affected me deeply.My only word of advice: You only need to see it once, believe me.Ten out of ten. This is my first ever vote and comment on IMDb. I just had to say something about this film.Even if you aren't Christian, this film will be worth seeing.
The Passion of the Christ
posted on 18 Aug 2009The Passion of the Christ was the best film I have seen in years and maybe in my life. No other film comes closer. While sitting in the movie theater after seeing The Passion I noticed something amazing. Everyone including myself was crying and sitting down for at least 10 minutes until the lights were turned on. Gender, age or nationality did not matter. For the first time in my life I experienced something of this magnitude. No other film was able to reveal the pain and the reason why Jesus died for all of us. By observing other people in the theater it was clear that everyone quietly reaches out for the truth. Mel Gibson was able to show the truth about Jesus in the truest form and language. No other film director managed something similar.
Misunderstood by Non-Christians
posted on 18 Aug 2009I will make my comment brief.I think what has happened to this movie is that it has been vastly misinterpreted and misunderstood by non-Christian critics.First of all,this movie isn't intended to convert those who know nothing about the life of Jesus Christ.Rather,it is meant for the Christian or catholic who has forgotten the sacrifice that Christ had made for the forgiveness of sins.The only way to effectively depict this sacrifice was to use the graphic and gory detail which was prevalent throughout this movie.If you're looking for the life and times of Jesus Christ,there are hundreds of other movies that are excellent for that. Again,this is depicting the critical moment of Christ's life when the ultimate sacrifice was made for humanity. I came out of the movie with a newfound respect for my faith and the sacrifice my Lord had made.I highly recommend this to all believers.Especially those who have fallen away.
Power of Pathos
posted on 16 Aug 2009Pathos is the true definition of this word Passion...aka...Pain....The theater I went to was full of church going people and and the end...SILENCE...and some sniffles...I didnt want to look around to make people be uncomfortable. This movie was brutal, but Mel Gibson said in an interview in Readers Digest...Psalmists say that Jesus was beaten so badly he did not look human...so we were spared THAT...the actor separated his shoulder and was struck by lightning while filming but the Christians believe in the reserection and that is the POINT of this movie...in order to get to that miracle...Jesus endured the pain for THE SINS OF MANKIND....the movie was graphic but HAD TO BE...I loved Jeffrey Hunter and Max Von Sydow....but this was REALISTIC...I just wish that Mel gave us more information about WHY HE HAD SO MANY FOLLOWERS AND SHOW SOME MIRACLES in the flashbacks...and maybe a bit more of the "glorius ending"....I gave it a 9....LOVE is the message...HE LOVED US.
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Deliver us from evil
posted on 30 Aug 2009I am not a theologian.
I cannot comment of the truth of falsity of Christianity.All I can comment on is the quality of this film and I can say, hand on heart, that it is the worst I have seen in a long time.I am told that Mel Gibson finds inspiration in the writings of German mystic Katherine Von Emmerick whose writings boarder on the sadomasochistic and I think that is true. Whatever else I do not believe it was as bad as depicted on this film. Yes Jesus was sentenced to death for being a rabble rouser but I doubt he was treated any worse than anyone else. I think he would have been dead long before he got to the hill if he had undergone what is depicted here.More importantly I do not get any sense of Jesus, or the disciples, as human beings. The scenes are all formulaic. What made Jesus special is ignored. A scene with his mother inserted for this purpose could be anyone with his mother - not someone whose teachings have influences billions of people.If this film inspires people in their Christian faith then that is wonderful, and I'm not being sarcastic. I mean it. For me however it was simply a truly awful cinematic experience.