 THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST
MPAA Rating:
 for sequences of graphic violenceReviewed by: Brett Willis
GOOD
but contains graphic violence
Moviemaking Quality:
 Primary Audience:
Mature Teens and Adults
Genre:
Historical drama
Length:
2 hrs. 6 mins.
Year of Release:
2004
USA Release:
February 25, 2004
      Relevant Issues
If Jesus is God, how could he die? If Jesus died on the cross, then how can he be alive today? Answer Discover Jesus Christ in context… …discover the overwhelming message of HOPE that God brings to man — presented chronologically from the foundation of the world to our own time. Watch it on-line, full-length motion picture. Very popular and enlightening… Watch the film now… Click here Other Relevant Issues       MOVIE SYNOPSIS: “This film tells the story of the last 12 hours in the life of Jesus (Caviezel), on the day of his crucifixion in Jerusalem. This film’s script is based upon several sources, including the diaries of St. Anne Catherine Emmerich (1774-1824) as collected in the book, The Dolorous Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ, The Mystical City of God by St. Mary of Agreda, and the New Testament books of John, Luke, Mark and Matthew.” Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ is considered by SOME to be an offensive movie. Why? For many months, and even more strongly for the past few weeks, we’ve all been subjected to a propaganda campaign in the media and on the Internet, attacking The Passion with a variety of “concerns” ranging from the possibly-valid to the irrelevant and outrageous. Now that the release date has finally arrived, each of us can decide for ourselves whether to see the film. And if we do see it, decide also whether the objections were justified. Many of the negative reviews of this film are written by people who don’t believe that the Bible is given by the inspiration of God, a problem that severely colors their approach. Sometime late in a review, the writer will subtly peck away at the reader’s faith, implying (for example) that Pilate carried more blame for Jesus' death than the film shows. But doesn’t the film follow the Biblical record on Pilate’s role? Yes, but they imply that the Biblical record ITSELF is tainted, because when the Gospels were written it was important for Christians not to antagonize the Romans, so they blamed the Jews for Jesus' death INSTEAD, etc. etc. I believe that any reviewer of this film should state his view of the Scriptures up front, so the reader knows the worldview from which the review is written. For my part, I believe that all of the Old and New Testaments are the Word of God, and they teach absolute truth. I further believe that not only were the original manuscripts inerrant, but God has also PRESERVED the Scriptures by superintending the process of canonization AND by seeing to it that a false reading of a passage (whether a transcription error or a deliberate alteration) in some copy of the Scriptures can be detected and refuted, not by a philosophical or “critical” process, but by the “majority text principle” of letting the countless copies which are undamaged in any given verse out-vote the damaged copies. The bottom line is that the Scriptures were reliable when first given, and they’re still reliable today.
My view of Passion films in general: When I was a kid in the 1950s, growing up in a formal church, we had Wednesday night midweek services during Lent only. One year, a Passion film was shown during those services, a 15 minute slice each week. [“Passion,” in this context, means “Suffering.”] When the Crucifixion was shown, I distinctly remember an awesome sense of personal responsibility that gripped me as the nails were being driven into Jesus' hands (off-camera of course, but with sound-effects). More than any sermon I ever heard in that church, that film sequence convicted me of sin, and of the fact that by my sin I had shared in causing those nails to be driven. However, classic-style Passion films probably wouldn’t have the same effect on today’s audiences that they did on those of 50 years ago, because techniques of extreme graphic violence have been used in films of all types, from war movies with a message of self-sacrifice to ridiculous horror and horror-comedy flicks. Moviegoing audiences are desensitized, are bored by the old-style “less is more” approach, and demand “realism.” So, an actor/director from Hollywood’s “A-list,” who happens to believe that the message of Jesus is true, has chosen to spend somewhere between 25 and 35 million dollars of his own money to make an R-rated Passion film befitting the trend of the times. Mel Gibson’s primary target audience is not extreme conservative Christians who’ve never seen any of his other films. He’s reaching to the same people who’ve followed his previous work, but he’s telling him something more important than he’s ever told them before. It’s as simple as that. Content Summary After a quote from Isaiah 53, The Passion opens with Jesus praying in the Garden of Gethsemane while Peter, James and John have drifted off to sleep. After waking His disciples (who have never seen Him in such torment) and speaking with them, He returns to His place of prayer, and it appears that His face is peppered with sweat like drops of blood (Luke 22:44). The interchange between Jesus and the Disciples is a mixture of Biblically accurate dialogue and creative license. [The film’s dialogue is Aramaic or Latin, with subtitles.]
As Jesus continues to pray, Satan (a hooded, pale-skinned, shaved-eyebrow, somewhat gender-neutral figure) appears at Jesus' side and tells Him that He cannot take on the sins of the whole world, that saving mankind’s souls is too great a task. Lest we miss the point that it’s a supernatural character we’re seeing, a maggot dangles out of one of Satan’s nostrils, and a “pet” snake is at his feet. The snake slithers over and onto Jesus as He prays in agony. Jesus steels Himself against temptation, rises, and crushes the snake underfoot (a symbolic reference to Genesis 3:15, which actually means that Jesus would crush Satan himself by His death).
Meanwhile, Judas has agreed to reveal Jesus' whereabouts to the Jewish chief priests for 30 pieces of silver. The priests pay him the money, and he leads the Temple Guard to the garden. Most of the arrest scene is Biblically accurate. It seemed strange and redundant to me that Judas' kiss of betrayal came AFTER Jesus had already identified Himself to the Guard; but since Jesus identifying Himself is found only in John and the kiss of betrayal is NOT recorded in John, it’s possible that the two events happened in that order rather than the other way around. The scene includes the struggle between the Disciples and the guard; Peter cutting off the right ear of the Guardsman, Malchus; Jesus re-attaching and healing the ear, and telling Peter to put up his sword because all who take the sword shall perish by the sword; and the Disciples finally forsaking Jesus and fleeing. The rest of the film follows the same pattern. About three-quarters of the content is faithful to the Biblical record. And most of the “extra” material is neutral and not misleading in any way. Biblical details include, but are not limited to:
What we have here is a film taking the position that Jesus WAS exactly Who He said He was. Before considering any negatives, we need to step back a moment and appreciate how rare that is! Okay, now for the possible negative The violence is extreme. The special effects of Jesus being beaten with rods, scourged, and nailed to the Cross leave nothing to the imagination. Not only that, but both the Jewish Temple Guard and the Roman Soldiers take pleasure in pummeling Jesus CONSTANTLY. From the time of His arrest on, whenever they’re walking Him anywhere, they can’t take two steps without whacking Him one. This content is there from the beginning, broken only by flashback scenes to somewhat happier times. In the second hour of the film, beginning with the Scourging, it becomes overwhelming. Ordinarily, even in a worthwhile film like “Saving Private Ryan,” where a constant drum of violence is somewhat inherent to the plot, the violence itself is a minus. But this isn’t ordinarily. One of the complaints of negative reviews is that not enough time is spent on Jesus' teachings. But that’s not the film’s purpose nor focus. In John 3, Nicodemus (a ruler of the Jews) came to Jesus by night and admitted that they (he and the other rulers) knew Jesus was a Teacher come from God. In what seemed like a major change of subject, Jesus said that Nicodemus needed to be born again. The point is that Jesus' ESSENTIAL role was not that of a Teacher, but of a Savior. OUR essential NEED is not to understand more and more doctrine, but to be born again. And without the blood sacrifice of Jesus, it would not be POSSIBLE for us to be born again. Gibson is giving us a look at what that blood sacrifice actually was. In Romans 5:6-10 we’re taught that it’s a rare thing for one man to die for another, even if the other man is “righteous” and deserving of the sacrifice. But in the case of the Cross, Jesus died for us while we were His ENEMIES, in order to make a way for us to become His friends and to be converted from unrighteousness to righteousness. Of all the violent acts that have occurred in the history of the world, the Cross was by far the most important. If any event deserves the full Hollywood treatment, this one does. Therefore, I do not consider the graphic nature of this presentation to be a negative. Of course, it’s not appropriate for young children. Not surprisingly, certain scenes in the film (such as Mary cradling Jesus' body as it’s taken down from the Cross) have a distinctly Roman Catholic flavor. But not so distinctive that they’re an impediment to anyone else’s faith. I commend Gibson for giving the film a broad general appeal among Bible believers of all stripes. Some content is either based on the writings of those two Nuns that we’ve heard so much about, or is Gibson’s own creative license. To someone who’s familiar only with the Biblical record, those snippets of content come out of nowhere, without warning, and then go away again. Certain details which we know could have been improved over other Passion dramas, such as putting the nails through the wrists rather than through the palms of the hands, or having Jesus carry only the crossbar instead of the entire Cross, were NOT fixed. Reportedly, this was to preserve familiarity with the story as most people visualize it. Other details, such as not emphasizing asphyxiation, or omitting a Greek version of the title “King of the Jews” fastened to the Cross, are incorrect, but tolerable. The essence of this story is Jesus' sacrifice — the BLOOD that so many of our songs sing about.
What about the objections of anti-Semitism? Groundless. If anything, Gibson shows even-handedness and restraint in that matter. It’s clear that the Sanhedrin was not unanimous in condemning Jesus. And while the Temple Guard engages in some gratuitous violence, all the really bloody torture of Jesus is done by the Romans. The liberals say Pilate must actually have been the primary mover in killing Jesus. They say this, because they want it to be so. Was Pilate sometimes a bloodthirsty murderer? It sure sounds like it, from Luke 13:1. But the factual historical record (found in the Scriptures) is that Jesus was really no threat to Rome, the Jewish leaders were the ones who conspired to put Jesus to death, and they forced Pilate into carrying out their wishes. See John 11:46-53. In this amazing passage, Caiaphas says that one man (Jesus) should die for the people, so that the whole nation doesn’t perish. Caiaphas was a murderer who THOUGHT he simply meant that he was going to have Jesus bumped off for political reasons, to avoid trouble with Rome. But because he was the High Priest, God was at the same time speaking through him and giving a second sphere of meaning to his words. Jesus' death was to be a Substitutionary Atonement for sin, so that other people wouldn’t have to die in their own sins. Some Scripture passages, such as I Thessalonians 2:14-16, name “the Jews” as the killers of Jesus. But other passages spread the blame more generally. In Acts 4:24-28, the Apostles quote Psalm 2, and interpret it to mean that pretty much EVERYONE — Herod (an Idumean, remember), Pilate, the Gentiles, and the people of Israel — were gathered TOGETHER against Jesus, TO DO WHAT GOD’S COUNSEL HAD FOREORDAINED TO BE DONE. The most important point, as Gibson has said, is that WE’RE ALL GUILTY. And that no one took Jesus' life from Him, but He laid it down of Himself. Anyone who tries to use the Biblical record, or a dramatization of the Biblical record, as a justification to persecute someone, just doesn’t get it. God will be the judge of all unbelief. Until Jesus returns, our message centers on God’s offer of mercy and forgiveness. If the essential message of this film is true, and if everyone needs to believe on Jesus, then regardless of the objections that are voiced, the number one ACTUAL objection against this film by any unbeliever is that it’s showing a truth that he does not acknowledge. The person may not KNOW that that’s his primary objection — it may be lodged in his spirit rather than in his brain — but yet it is. So many of the voiced objections betray a double standard. This film is being judged by a different set of rules than any other. And the people who always proclaim that movies are just entertainment and don’t really change behavior or beliefs — where are those people now? I don’t hear them. The silence is deafening. I’m sure that I’ll acquire a copy of this film for my own video or DVD library. And at some point, when she’s a teenager, I’d like my daughter to see it. Of course, some people couldn’t handle this content. The Gospel has done just fine for 2000 years, without the Holy Ghost needing help from this film or from any other dramatization. “The Passion” is NOT an indispensible addition to anyone’s witnessing tool kit. But there ARE ways in which it could be used effectively. I HIGHLY recommend this film for anyone of appropriate age, maturity and stamina. Violence: Extreme | Profanity: None | Sex/Nudity: None Answering a question from a Christian visitor: “What would you say to a Jewish person about The Passion…?”If the person seems honestly fearful that the film will produce an outbreak of anti-Semitism in America, I would share what an American Orthodox Jewish Rabbi reminded us of. America is probably the world’s safest haven for Jews. America’s Bible Belt is Israel’s “safety belt.” The Christian Gospels are not a threat to Jews. “The Passion…” which tells part of their story is not a threat. The few misguided Jewish leaders that have made charges of anti-Semitism against Mel Gibson and other cast members are simply wrong. The leading source of these charges even admitted this recently on television. Speaking of “The Passion of the Christ,” Michael Medved (movie critic, observant Jew and longtime president of an Orthodox congregation) has said: “The film seemed to me so obviously free of anti-Semitic intent that I urged Gibson to show the rough cut to some of his Jewish critics as a means of reassuring them…Contrary to the fears and expectations of some Jewish leaders, an agnostic, left-leaning college professor at an Ivy League university is much more likely than a Southern Baptist preacher to harbor anti-Jewish attitudes.” (“The Passion and Prejudice,” Christianity Today, March 2004) In an interview, Medved went on to say, “…I don’t think there is going to be any anti-Semitic backlash based upon the film…there has been an increasingly strong coalition between committed Jews and committed Christians, to defend the United States, to defend the values that we care about, to defend the traditional family, and to defend Israel. And there are people in this country, particularly on the Left, who don’t like that, who are very suspicious of it. And so this has been used, it seems to me in a very political way, by certain people on the Left to try to drive Jews and Christians apart. And it is our job, particularly those of us in the Jewish community, to not allow that to happen. This movie is an affirmation of Christian faith, and I am one of those Jews who believes that the more Christian America there is, the better it is for America, and the better it is for America’s Jews, and for Jews around the world.” (part of a televised interview on the CBN network, The 700 Club) Rabbi Daniel Lapin (President of Toward Tradition) said, “…it isn’t the film that threatens the sense of community [between Jews and Christians]; it is the arrogant and intemperate response of [certain] Jewish organizations that does so…Many Christians who, with good reason, have considered themselves to be Jews' best (and perhaps, only) friends also feel bitter at Jews believing that Passion is revealing startling new information about the Crucifixion. They are incredulous at Jews thinking that exposure to the Gospels in visual form will instantly transform the most philo-Semitic gentiles of history into snarling, Jew-hating predators.” If you are trying to help a Jewish friend realize that Jesus Christ is their Messiah, see this page for help… http://ChristianAnswers.Net/evangelism/beliefs/judaism.html in our Effective Evangelism section.  Comments from Ray Comfort, Living Waters, a Team Member of ChristianAnswers.Net: Nowadays, most Christians are rejoicing that amidst the filth of Hollywood, suddenly another movie has been produced that flies in the face of everything for which Hollywood stands. That movie is “The Passion of the Christ.” But some are deeply concerned that it was also directed and produced by a Roman Catholic. It also contains artistic license. It has scenes that are from Catholic mysticism rather than from Scripture (the appearance of a raven at the cross, Judas being tormented by children, etc.). Another concern that some people have is that an onscreen depiction of Jesus is a form of “graven image,” and therefore a transgression of the Second Commandment. Those who think that making an image of Jesus on film is breaking the Commandment should read it in full. We are not to make graven images of “any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.” That means that we shouldn’t make film images (movie or still photos) of any person, animal, fish, flower, bird, mountain, etc. That doesn’t make any sense…until we read the whole Commandment: “You shall not bow down yourself to them, nor serve them” (Exodus 20:4-5). The Commandment forbids the creation of any image for the purpose of worship. While we could argue about these issues, I would rather ask you an important question. If someone says, “I’m not a Christian, but I did see the film. Wow! What was all that brutality about?” are you going to reply, “I didn’t go to the movie because it was directed and produced by a Roman Catholic. It’s idolatrous and it contains things that cannot be corroborated by Scripture, and I therefore think it was evil”? I hope not. I should hope that you instead use the movie as a springboard to explain the way of salvation. Think of Paul’s attitude in Philippians chapter one. Some folks weren’t just adding their own mystical thoughts to the message of the cross. They were downright vicious. They were hypocrites who preached Christ out of pretence, envy, strife and “contention.” They were devious people who were so full of venom that they wanted to see Paul further suffer--hoping to “add affliction the [his] bonds.” Yet what was Paul’s attitude to such wickedness? He rejoiced that they preached Christ, despite the horrible baggage that came with the message. He said, “What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yes, and will rejoice” (verse 18). Do you remember what happened in Mark 9:39-40, when the disciples told Jesus that they had found a man who was casting out demons in His name. This man had a “ministry,” but he wasn’t with their group, so they took it upon themselves to rebuke him. But Jesus told them to leave him alone. This is because God doesn’t need bouncers to help Him carry out His purposes. If I had had a hand in the making of “The Passion of the Christ,” I would have dropped all mysticism, and based it purely on Scripture. Also, (as in the epic movie “Ben Hur"--a wonderful movie) I wouldn’t have shown the face of the Savior. But I didn’t write, produce or direct it. So I tell myself that this isn’t a movie about Jesus being a homosexual. It isn’t about him having sexual relations with Mary Magdalene. It doesn’t depict Him as merely a man--as did “Jesus Christ Superstar.” Instead “The Passion of the Christ” is based on Scripture, with some artistic license. It begins with a powerful Scripture. The whole movie is full of Scripture…and it even ends with the resurrection. Christ is preached, and we should therefore rejoice and be thankful that millions have been graphically reminded of the cross of Calvary in a way they will never forget. That means we can either take advantage of an unprecedented opportunity to use it to speak further with them about their salvation, or we can whine. I choose the former, and I hope you do also. Comments from Mark Looy, Answers in Genesis (a Bible-upholding, evangelical ministry), a Team Member of ChristianAnswers.Net:
…we have to define what sin is (Genesis 3 is a great place to begin) as well as share how the Cross is related to our sin. The Apostle Paul used this approach when he preached to the Greeks in Athens almost 2,000 years ago. Unlike Peter, who preached the gospel to Jews who already had the background from Genesis and responded in large numbers, Paul was preaching to Greeks who didn’t have a basic understanding of Genesis and the origin of sin. Paul had to start with the 'big picture,' based on the Book of Beginnings, to present an effective gospel message to a secular society. —Mark Looy, Answers in Genesis, a Team Member of ChristianAnswers.Net
Positive comments received
Positive - …a movie that anyone professing a faith in Jesus Christ should watch! Why? Because it will change your life and make you again realize what it took for God to forgive you! …it also opened my eyes to the urgency of reaching the lost. If Jesus Christ, the king of heaven, was willing to go through this to save us then we owe it to our lost brothers and sisters to share our faith with them. As Christians we need fuel, Holy Spirit fuel, and this fuel is TNT!!! This is the best film I have ever seen. From the opening in the Garden of Gethsemane to the Glorious Resurrection I sat motionless, my eyes never leaving the screen, and I can’t even recall if I took a breath the entire time. I explained it this way to my wife and friends… it felt as if I had been transported through time to the actual crucifixion. I watched as my Lord and Saviour was scourged, beaten, spat upon, and crucified for me. Tears rolled down my cheeks in rivers. This film has the power to heal the wounded sin filled heart and destroy any notion that this was an easy things for Jesus to have done…Mel Gibson can be considered a hero of the faith, and I hope that he will be remembered as such, because at least for me I am closer to Jesus now after witnessing his sacrifice for me in it’s full horror and brutality. My hope is that somehow this film will be taken as a witnessing tool around the world, like the Jesus film, because I believe in this film there is the power to bring millions to Christ… Positive - My main point for people who have not seen this movie is to realize that the producers did not title this movie “The Life of Jesus,” “The Story of Jesus,” or “The Resurrection of Jesus.” This movie takes the
premise that the viewer is at least aware of the story of Jesus, and focuses solely on the chastising and crucifying of Jesus in a way that is as realistic as one could possibly imagine. Positive - I can honestly say that after viewing this movie, I will never be the same. Even after studying the Bible and hearing my Pastor throughout the years teach on Christ and His crucifixion, I have to say that it means even more when you see it acted out. NO, none of us were there, but we have a good idea of the turmoil and the anguish that He suffered. I felt as if I was among the crowd. I found this movie to be very scriptural. There may have been a few petty things that may not have been, but all in all, it was straight to the Bible. I have heard and read a lot of negative things about the movie and that Mel Gibson (and viewers) were blaming the Jews for Jesus' death. But I do have to ask this question…do these people (that bash this movie) understand that it doesn’t matter 'who' was responsible for Jesus' death? what they fail to realize is that no matter 'who' is responsible, it was God’s plan to come to earth, to humble himself, and to die on the cross for our sins, that if we believe in our hearts, and repent from our sins, we will have eternal life. It was His plan, His intentions. Stop arguing over 'who' is responsible, and stop and realize that Jesus could have came down from that cross. The nails didn’t keep him back. He could have called ten-thousand angels to destroy the world and set him free. It was His love for you and I that kept him on that cross. No greater love than this. Positive - Christian, if you don’t see this movie, you are missing out. This movie will impact the way you worship, pray, take communion… and share your faith. If you are a non-Christian, click on the link (on this website) http://christiananswers.net/gospel/passionofchrist.html to help you understand why this torture and death had to take place. Positive - Powerful is the first and best word I can use to describe the experience of seeing this film. Gibson left little behind in producing the “Passion.” The real story of Easter is brought to the viewer in a form that will change forever our perspective on how “it” really happened. What I came away with most is the humanity of Jesus. The purpose of taking human form becomes so obvious as we experience his suffering. He felt every bit the pain and torment any of us would if brought to the same level of agony. This is truly a transforming story and the Passion
presents it in transforming fashion. Positive - In “The Passion of the Christ,” Mel Gibson has produced the Christian “Guernica"-one of the most haunting and revolutionary visuals in the last four hundred years. The film begins with Christ’s temptation in the Garden of Gethsemane. This scene sets the spiritual context of a film that is a struggle not between Romans and Jews, nor between Jews and Christians, but between Jesus and Satan. The proof of this is in one of the two truly great shots (both of which occur near the end of the movie) in which we see Satan looking up toward heaven. The camera zooms away as Satan crouches in the midst of his miserable collection of bones, howling in a pit of despair and hatred. Dwelling with Satan in his pit for even those few moments leaves the viewer with a chilling conception of what it is like to be separated from God forever, in such company.
One of the tests of any film is whether the characters convince us of their trials. Without mincing words, Jim Caviezel gives us the most nuanced portrait of Christ ever seen on film. Caviezel does this by depicting Jesus with amazing credibility in scenes varying from levity with his mother to unspeakable agony on the cross. There were surreal instances when I felt I was there and thought: “This is Jesus.” Everything Caviezel does, he does with authority and conviction. The second great portrayal in the film is that of Mary. Maia Morgenstern, a Rumanian Jew and daughter of a Holocaust survivor, will make even men cry with the unbearable combination of pain and love that she endures and expresses. For us Protestants who seldom dwell on Mary and her own passion, this will be a revelatory portrait but one that is incomplete without an understanding of her role in the stations of the Cross. The third great portrayal is that of Satan (Rosalinda Celentano) as a hunched over, androgynous entity in a black cloak. Slithering in the background, through the crowds, looking sideways, he is a malevolent, brooding presence who insinuates evil wherever he appears. Never again will we think of Satan in the childish terms of a red demon with horn, spiked tail, and cloven hooves. As Othello said of that other devil, Iago, “I look down towards his feet; but that’s a fable.” This Satan is the real thing: he is a troubling, original conception because he looks like one of us.
As a Christian who was raised Greek Orthodox, married a Catholic, and later was attracted to a fundamentalist evangelical church for its revelatory focus on the written Word, it is nonetheless clear to me that no Christian faith tradition besides the Catholic could have produced such a luminous act of worship. The Orthodox Church has a rich ecclesiastical art history, but one that doesn’t transcend its own tradition enough to compel other Christians to it. The Protestants have a great literary tradition, best represented by Milton’s wonderful 17th century epic poem, Paradise Lost, but our visual worship has been stunted by a post-Reformation anxiety that has stripped Protestant churches bare of every visual representation of Christ except for the occasional stark image of an empty cross. There is not a single visual artist in the Protestant tradition that I can think of whose body of work inspires me to worship as does this one movie. That is a melancholy fact. However, even the Catholic church cannot take credit for this great representation of Jesus because the film has its origins in the post-Vatican II controversy that drove Gibson’s family away from mainstream Catholicism to a conservative offshoot in the early 1960's. No, the credit for this film is entirely Gibson’s. He invested twenty-five million dollars of his own money, spent thousands of hours consulting theologians, pastors and priests; he co-wrote the script, organized the shoot, edited and produced the film and, most importantly, witnessed his faith in the face of a withering persecution unlike any we have seen in recent times. He has been ridiculed, slandered, demonized, and investigated by all the major media outlets, to say nothing of the fringe groups who hate the very idea of a biblical Christianity that distinguishes between good and evil, between saved and unsaved. Who would have thought that Mel Gibson, the studly Mel of “Mad Max,” the conflicted Mel of “Hamlet,” the foolish Mel of “Lethal Weapon,” would become the artist of “Braveheart” and “The Passion of the Christ”? Like other martyrs before him, Gibson saw the opportunity to witness and he had the vision, the courage, and the faith to become a fool for Christ instead of for money. He is now, officially, a martyr and a prophet for our troubled time. [Better than Average/5] —Michael Karounos, age 49 Positive - …The theater was completely full. I am a definite movie buff, but I’ve never experienced anything like I experienced today. When the movie ended and people began leaving, no one talked. Talking would have been irreverent after such a biblical presentation of truth. As I think back over the film, tears still well in my eyes. My heart aches. I am in awe, but not of any Hollywood person or production. I am in awe at what my Lord did for me, for each one of us. I have read Christian concerns over the movie “The Passion.” The criticism is primarily based in the fact that the movie lacks in the message of salvation. However, we need to consider that the intended purpose of the movie is to show the reality of Christ’s love for us not to do our work and convert souls. We as Christians need to utilize this movie as a tool to open up the conversation of salvation. That is exactly why churches are buying out theaters and having alter calls after the movie. I am impressed that Mel Gibson put his career on the line to offer this movie to all of us which is much closer to my viewing preference than “50 First Dates,” etc. I certainly would not want to criticize him for not making the movie Christian enough.
Positive - Recently I was watching “Bruce Almighty” with a fairly conservative friend who afterwards stated that they were uncomfortable with the film because it lowered God to the level of man. That sense of uncomfortablity seems to be exactly why Mel Gibson made this exquisite work of art. After being blessed with the opportunity to watch a preview …I along with the host of individuals in the room sat in an uncomfortable silence contemplating the images which had just passed before us. The visuals were intense, disturbing, provoking, intelligent, and engaging as Mel weaved together aspects of the Gospel, his imagination, and elements of his religious tradition.
As for the negative press, it seems completely unfounded, as the film plays extremely evenhandedly to all of its character groups…the key is to view this film for what it is intended to be: a work of art, an expression of Mel Gibson and those who worked on the film as a gift to the viewer. Rather than a tool to manipulate, Mel stated that his greatest dream for what to happen in the theaters was that “It would be free, and afterwards everyone would have ice cream.” Yet he acknowledged the power of art: “Art has the power to transcend many things, and that’s why during the Renaissance and all the religious art work over the centuries is amazing stuff and has inspired people, and I think that this can do the same thing, it can inspire, and can just make people aware of who they are in relationship to the world and what has gone on before them, I mean civilization has been changed forever by Christ, … nothing was the same ever after that, whether you’re a believer or not it’s effected your world and there’s no getting around that.” And while the film almost demands that the audience come with some foreknowledge of the event, the central themes of Christ’s struggle during the last hours of his life are painfully clear. In regard to the film’s violence and receiving an R rated, Mel responded “it is hard to watch, and I did intend to push for it..” “Why?” asked Bill Hybels, the pastor of Willow Creek. “the enormity of the blood sacrifice, I mean blood was required, it was in the old covenant, blood was always required, blood was really required for this, and every drop of it …he chose to go all the way.” When questioned about the potential costs beyond merely financial costs on the line with this film, Mel responded with a statement that summarized his priorities and view of the Hollywood culture: “Well, I’ve had a career, I’m bored with it.” Overall, I would highly suggest that you experience “The Passion…” Not only because this could be one of the biggest crossroads of Christ and Culture in a long time, but because of how it will affect you as a person…The film is very virtuous and biblical in its worldview and message. Violence: Heavy | Profanity: None | Sex/Nudity: None [Excellent!/4.5] —Joel Veenstra, age 26 Positive - The entire movie was summed up with the marvelous effect with the overhead camera view of Calvary that morphed into God’s single tear drop that triggered the earthquake when he hit the ground. Such a simple and
visionary concept. Positive - First I have to say - about all the criticisms to this movie - take them all and throw them out the window! Just toss them out the window like vomit. For that is all they are worth - useless rubbish! I often wondered if I could get on a time machine and go back in time to see it for real, what it would be like? I think I know now. I really did feel like I was there. I felt it in a way I hadn’t experienced before through the other portrayals of this, His sacrifice. Oddly, I came prepared with tissues, expecting to be crying my eyes out. I instead found myself feeling numb, the kind of numbness that comes from going through something so intense that if you don’t go numb you will be torn to shreds. It was that intense. But I don’t think I would have wanted it to be any other way. Positive - First of all, allow me to explain why I gave this film an “extremely offensive” rating. I think that the organizations/churches that have promoted the idea of taking young children to this movie to parents are incorrect in doing so - this movie depicts, in horrendously graphic detail, the most brutal act found in the Bible. Can someone explain to me why is that something that young children should see? Positive - What does sin look like? If it were to appear to you, what shape would it take? If that horrendous monster called sin were to appear it would be unspeakably gruesome! Now consider the person in this whole world you love the most. Someone you would never even consider hurting. Would that person be your son, your daughter, your mother, your husband or wife? Now think of how you would feel if that lovely, innocent person whom you love tenderly were to be shoved in front of an oncoming Mack truck speeding along at 100 miles per hour! Think about how it would affect you to see that person killed brutally right in front of your very eyes! This is our Jesus. This Jesus who belongs to ALL THE WORLD. This Jesus who never hurt a single person. This Jesus who was sinless took on our sins and paid the price for them all. Everyone’s sin that ever was committed, and ever will be committed. All ugly, dark, monstrous sin through all time. If those sins were to be made visible, they would be that bloody, ripped, torn, battered, unrecognizable body of Jesus depicted in Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of The Christ.” Positive - …spectacular movie …my life has been forever changed. I knew God loved me and that He died for me but until you truly see what He went through you don’t realize the true cost and depth of His love. All through this movie the one thing that kept playing over and over in my mind was,"He did this for me!.” I am not worthy of this sacrifice nor do I understand fully why He loves me as He does but what I do know now is that His love for me transcends anything and everything and that I can give no less than my all for Him. He surrendered everything and I must do the same and do so willingly. I cried from the very beginning in the garden to the very end where he leaves the tomb, not
out of fear but out of shame and love for my Savior. Shame that it was me that put Him on that cruel cross, not the Jews, and love because I know of no one who would have done that for me except Jesus! Mel Gibson has done a wonderful thing in presenting Jesus to the world. He has stored his treasures in heaven and I for one will never ever be the same again. God bless this man and all those who will be changed and saved because of his movie. Positive - The story of Jesus and his immense suffering, agonizing crucifixion and holy resurrection
for the hope of mankind is centuries old. It is an account that has been shared in churches, back alleys,
dilapidated prison cells and third world county-sides for generations, yet never have I been witness to the
Jesus I saw on film. “The Passion of the Christ” was the most powerful and yet almost unbearable account of the final hours of Christ that I have ever heard, read or seen. To understand these last twelve hours of Jesus is to understand his mission - the mission to come to Earth as God’s son and die for the sin’s of all humankind. Positive - Mel Gibson has created a film not for the sake of entertainment, but rather to reaffirm Christians in their faiths. This is no 'Greatest stories ever told,' but rather a emotional snippet taking us to the final moments of the life of Jesus Christ, in all its bloody gore. Since first hearing of the film I’ve waited in great anticipation. A rare treat to see such a dedicated Christian film come out of Hollywood. Perhaps after this they’ll make many more, due in part to the expected economic success this film will have. The theatre was literally packed where I was. Not
even the supposed Jewish bashing turned the crowds away. Positive - I don’t think that I ever have or ever will see a movie that has touched me so deeply. I always knew about the death of Jesus and I knew that he suffered greatly, but I didn’t get it until I saw this movie…let me comment on one of the two topics of controversy with this movie. The violence may seem extreme to some, but it is necessary. To try to sugar coat that, I think, would be blasphemy. Christ’s death wasn’t a quick and painless experience…quite the opposite…this movie …deals with that subject very seriously without being too over
the edge. I think Mel Gibson knew what he was doing, and I think he drew the line just at the right spot. Jesus died for our sins, and it was ALL of our sins that killed him. Everything you see up there on the screen he did for us, so that we could spend eternity with Him. As it was said in the movie, there is no greater love than for a man willing to lay down his life for his friend. I strongly urge anyone of age to see this movie. However I don’t feel that it is for younger kids because of the violence, and I’m not quite sure they’ll understand it all. I am very pleased with the work of Mel Gibson, and I thank him for having the strength, conviction, and will power to make this film. This
one will definitely be remembered. Positive - …a remarkable achievement, and its success will attest to that. The media campaign to bring the film and its director down have been a resounding failure. After the first line of attack (Mel Gibson and his film are anti-Semitic) failed, a second line was quickly thrown together (Mel Gibson is marketing violence to children using Christianity as a cover) and marched out by the media the week before the film’s opening. Positive - …a masterpiece… the magnum opus of Mel Gibson’s career and may go down in history as one of the best films ever made…beautiful visually and would stand on its own even if it wasn’t about the greatest story ever told. It is subtle (uses few words) and speaks mainly through its visual effects. The film brilliantly weaves in metaphoric imagery (especially the Satan figure and the serpent) which heightens the movies' already potent message. Yes, the movie is violent but not in a gratuitous way as Gibson cuts from the actual brutality to other scenes of Christ’s life which show the true heart of the Son of God who is undergoing incalculable suffering for us. It is not anti-Semitic in any way and sticks closely to the biblical text, but not in a wooden way. I would recommend this film for adults and students ages 13 and up (because of the graphic violence) and would encourage all youth groups to attend this film and discuss it in a group setting afterward. Finally…a Christian film that delivers. Positive - This film is not about judging or blaming anyone, only about the forgiveness freely offered to all of us no matter what we have done. While it would be impossible to figure out how to portray this most important story perfectly, Mel Gibson has done his best at creating a moving picture of the magnitude of Christ’s sacrifice for all of us, and hopefully it will lead others to question the reason for this willingness to suffer something he did not deserve. My ears burned when I walked out of the theater to see a family in tears as a man explained to them the purpose behind the torment they had just witnessed. I noticed the difference it made to see skillful actors play the well-known parts, and I believe seeing the movie helped me pay attention to the story in some ways that it’s difficult to since I have read and heard and watched this story so often before. Watch it if you can, and make sure you see it before your kids do if you’re debating about whether they should view it right now. Positive - I just got back from viewing the movie with a friend. I needed to check it out first before I would take my kids. I am very picky about what they see--they are 15 and 12 and I will be taking them. This movie was
quite sobering. You are just left speechless. It was true what is said about it--you don’t watch this movie--you experience it! It is brutal, but real! It was not violence for the sake of violence--it was real! To witness what Jesus went through really makes you re-evaluate your own life and think of how you need to continually try to improve it! I was just awed by the movie. I did have to look away at times and throughout the movie you are moved to just want to stand up and scream--"stop it--leave him alone”!! I couldn’t have endured one second of what Jesus did and that in itself makes you humble! Great for 12 and over depending on maturity level. I also recommend that it is only seen with
families together--it is not a fun movie to see with friends. Need family guidance to get kids through it…it is a must see for everyone! Positive - I normally have a lot to say about movies. This one has left me pretty much speechless. It is violent, yes, but it is also full of love. It deserves both an R and a PG-13 rating for those reasons. I would not take anyone younger than 13-14.
Positive - …excellent both times I viewed it! I wept several times…not for children… excellent for teens and adults… Positive - …this will awaken our senses and help us to grow closer to God. (at least it should) Positive - …really show us the reality of God’s sacrifice for the human creation, brings the faith more to our hearts… Positive - The theatre was packed at 9:30pm last night. If you haven’t seen this movie you need to. I left the theatre in total awe. I cried through most of it and could not believe that I was seeing on the “Big” screen what I visualized in my mind every time I read about what he suffered. Yes, some will be offended as they still can’t except that Christ came as a man and died a terrible, morbid death. If you leave theatre without any emotion, check your pulse as you could be dead. This did awaken my thoughts as I knew it would. My suggestion: GO SEE this movie!!! Positive - “I can’t believe you’re going to go without sweets for 40 days! I just couldn’t do that!,” one of my coworkers expressed to me just yesterday afternoon. We were …talking about my decision to cut out excess sugar (especially my favorite, ice cream) during this 40 day season of Lent. I partially agreed with them, but then thought of just how very small my sacrifice was. By midnight that same Ash Wednesday, I would have a much clearer idea of what a real sacrifice could be. As I watched “The Passion of the Christ,” I was struck more than ever in my life of just how
willingly Jesus gave up His life, sacrificed His body and blood, and paid the ultimate price for my salvation. How can I ever look at the cross, the symbol of the free gift that cost our Savior so much, the same again? I can’t. This movie is powerful beyond words, and just as painful to watch. It is not for children, or the overly sensitive. I believe it will change the lives of millions, and because of the publicity, both good and bad, bring at least thousands to salvation and eternal life through Jesus. Positive - …Phenomenal!.. Having heard a great deal of the negative (and mixed positive) publicity surrounding this film, I was extremely nervous to see it. Not because I was afraid of being offended, but more so because I didn’t know if I was yet ready to witness just what Jesus had done for me. After seeing the incredibly brutal and inhumane way that our Lord was treated, without merit, no less, I have a better understanding of how minute my own problems are. The direction, set design, acting, and cinematography were absolutely perfect. It is quite clear that Mel Gibson was not the only one creating this film - God, the director of all things, was just as much a part of the creation of this film as the cast and crew. Positive - This film is not just good, it is an experience. Along with probably most people in the theater, I had tears running down my face too. The movie is violent and graphic, but it is not gratuitous as the violence is in most movies. There were some liberties taken in some of the dialogue, and there were some creative liberties taken, but nothing that distorts the gospel. If you like and appreciate The Passion, I recommend renting The Gospel of John (when it comes out on video), Time Changer
…These movies are morally excellent and glorify Jesus Christ. Positive - Hey what all the controversy??? The truth hits us like a brick wall… His love is awesome. I thought I couldn’t love Jesus anymore than I did, but I was wrong. Why the blame game…truth is it was ALL OF US. He did it for all of us and he didn’t have to.. Everyone should go see this brilliant and honest look of our Lord amazing love for us… Smaller children I don't recommend but pre teen and teens, adults GO GO GO. This is not a movie that you eat popcorn at. It a movie that people in the theater were passing handkerchiefs and tissues because you can’t help but be moved. I will never sing the “The old rugged cross” the same again… I belt it out.. Positive - …very powerful film…I was moved to tears the whole two hours… I believe this will be a great way of reaching people who haven’t heard of the Gospel. It is true that the film is very graphic when
it shows us what Jesus suffered, but I bet what we saw was not even close to what actually happened, I bet it was much worse. I recommend that everyone watches this film, although I admit it may be pretty strong for children under 13 years old…an awesome experience and a glimpse of what Jesus did for us. Positive - This is a must see movie! What a great tool for sharing the love of Christ. WE must remember to take the unsaved to see this and lovingly share HIS message! It was hard to watch at times but it is what it is…cruelty at it’s hardest. How I thank my LORD! Positive - …very good. It is the best movie that I have seen about the crucifixion… Positive - …wonderful, gut wrenching, emotionally heart breaking, and gives the viewer a fresh and realistic perspective of the crucifixion. There is a tendency in many Christian camps to gloss over the suffering Christ endured on the cross. This movie does a good job of reminding all of us, in gory detail, of that suffering. Some of the most emotionally charged scenes for me were the flash backs of Christ and Mary. They showed a real tender side between the two of them, which completely contrasted to the constant whippings, and curses coming from the crowd when Christ flashed back. The other scene that made me cry was when the thief next to Christ asked him to remember him when he comes into his kingdom. All in all, a very wonderful film. My only complaint is that the ending was way too short. The hope of every Christian is the resurrection of Christ, and I thought that Mel Should have spent some more time on it. However, The brief ending, coupled with Mel Gibsons comments that he wishes to make more religious films leads me to believe that Gibson might make a “sequel” to the Passion. But it is just a guess, anyway, GO SEE THE MOVIE! Positive - Those of you expecting entertainment out of this movie will be very disappointed. This movie was not meant to be entertaining. Its intent is to make you think. Think about all the Christ had done for us. To anyone… planning to take their children to see this, I urge you to please rethink your plan. DO NOT take your kids to this movie. Sure they need to know the truth about Christ and the crucifixion. My 5-year old daughter knows about this event. She does not need to see it in such graphic detail. Do yourselves and your kids a favor. Don’t take them to the theater. Rather, wait until it comes out on DVD, and then wait until they are of a much more appropriate age. (I’d say 15 or so.) Then sit down with them and explain it to them. Ask questions and be prepared to answer questions. I would not take my kid to see “Freddy vs. Jason,” why would I take them to see this. (I know you can’t compare the two movies, but you get my point.) Positive - This movie indeed lives up to its reputation. The images can be very disturbing, and it could be confusing to those who are not familiar with truly how horrifying the details of his suffering were and the blood
that was shed. You will see lots of blood. (Rom 5:9, 1 John 1:7, Col 1:14). Many times I looked away and was focusing on the exit sign which I later found ironic. I wanted to run out of the theater and hide as I knew He was there to take my place. Even though it was almost unbearable to sit through the graphic depiction of His suffering, and I had to look away for some parts, I left not ever wanting the impact of those images to leave me. It was my sin that put Him there. It was not the fault of the Jew or Romans. It was me, it was you, and it was all of mankind. Any controversy about this film or negative criticism is due to the fact that no one wants to admit to this truth. |
IMPACT: The Passion of the Christ
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