People fear what they don't understand - The Passion of the Christ Reviews

I went to see an advance screening of this film last night and no church service, no Sunday School lesson i've ever had in my life could have prepared me for the overwhelming power and portrayal of just what Jesus went through that was depicted in this film. Mel Gibson has brought to the screen a powerful, passionate, and yes, brutal account of the last hours of the life of Jesus. What i take issue with is the many critics of this film who see it as something other than what it was intended to portray. I'm of course talking about the exceesive violence. People have to understand that the flogging and torture Jesus went through was not pretty. Crucifixion is not pretty. To tell this story in any other way would be totally dishonest and the cinematic and special effects used to hammer this home were shocking ,yet necessary. If Mel Gibson does nothing from this film, he has gotten people talking. Talking about the violence, the alleged anti-semitism,etc. It is my hope he has also gotten people talking about a man who was and is the central figure of human history. Whatever you believe about Jesus, whether He was a lunatic, a good man, a great teacher or that He is exactly who He claimed to be..the Son of God...you can not see this movie and not leave it changed. People fear what they dont understand. I hope the majority of people will gain some understanding and see Jesus in a different light.

Indescribable! - The Passion of the Christ Reviews

Picture yourself in a sold out, crowded movie theater, surrounded by utter silence. No popcorn bags crackling, no beverage container noises, no candy cartons bending...utter silence! This is the result of a feature, so powerful that the audience is spellbound. As the lights go up, look around... you cannot speak and neither can anyone else. Thank you Jesus,and thank you Mel Gibson for a life changing experience. An academy award is nothing compared to the reward that awaits you in Heaven for using God's gift to reach so many!

Powerful depiction of christ death - The Passion of the Christ Reviews

This was one of the most powerful movies that I have ever attended. I was speechless at the end. I feel that this will have a large impact on our culture and how people view Christ. I think it will have the biggest effect on those who already have faith in Christ and or are on the fringes. I recomend that you read over one of the Gospels to get your mind and heart ready for what you are about to experience. I don't believe that the movie is Anti-Semetic. In the Gospel of John chapter 10:17-18 "The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life--only to take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father." Which is quoted in the movie. This movie is a must see.

To be seen many many times - The Passion of the Christ Reviews

How many times have you walked out of a theatre completely stunned and filled with hope? Utterly powerful. When you perform extreme excercise you are tired yet exilerated. This film is an all-out excercise of faith, intensely draining you but enriching your love of God so strong it leaves you weak. Words can't describe emotions this film provokes. Critics words can't scratch the surface of such a profound experience.

From a jewish perspective - The Passion of the Christ Reviews

Due to the claims that this film was anti-Semitic, and outrageously violent, I nearly didn't go to see it. The critics, most of whom made their comments without having actually seen the movie, almost had me believing that the theater could be a dangerous place for a Jew. I've been subjected to blatant anti-Semitism many times and didn't want to be surrounded by a crowd whipped into a frenzy by a film that made Jews the most vile of villans. I'm glad that I chose to risk the mob, and see the movie for myself. "The Passion of the Christ" is the most powerful film I've ever seen. It brings to life the story of Jesus' torture and death in the most realistic way I've ever seen depicted. And the film does point the finger of blame; however, it points it at all of us. The High Priests, and Pilate acted out of fear of what Jesus' popularity might mean for their positions of power. Some of the Jews went along with the priests out of fear of what would happen if they did not. Other Jews were devastated by what was happening to a man who, clearly, was being put to death for political reasons instead of real crimes. But the overall message was that all of mankind was responsible for the death of Jesus. He gave his life. No one took it. It was an act of love that is nearly incomprehensible. When I left the theater I was heartened to hear that this message was the one that moviegoers had taken from the experience. It was clear that, while there was anger toward specific individuals was there, no one felt that Jews were "Christ Killers". And, most importantly, it was obvious that people understood the concept that the true reason Jesus died was because he chose to do so for everyone. This movie, instead of spreading anti-Semitism, as reported, told us that love should be the motivation behind all of our acts, and that forgiveness is imperative. I'm a Jew, and I'd like to thank Mel Gibson for having the courage to make this controversial film. Mr. Gibson's treatment of the story, and particularly the Jews in it, shows that his intent was to remind us to love one another.

Not preaching, just history... - The Passion of the Christ Reviews

I am a Christian and am a stickler for accuracy. With that said, I was unsure of what to expect because I thought it would be "watered down" like many other religiously historical movies but it wasn't! I was impressed with: 1. The accuracy (it's the most biblically accurate movie I've seen - even though there are a few "extras" thrown in that are not biblical). 2. The acting and direction (excellent performances from all). 3. The fact that he left it "mainstream" and did not try to "preach" a message. The way I see it, one shouldn't have or lose faith in jesus because of a movie... Excellent movie. The violence wasn't as bad as in other movies out there except for this: Realizing that it was because of ME that he went through it... ouch. Awesome movie but be prepared to leave the theatre with some new perspectives on life...

A must see. - The Passion of the Christ Reviews

I just saw the Passion, and first let me say that I have never bothered to review a movie on a forum like this before. Having said that, this movie was extrordinary. It was graphic, at times brutal, but remember the point of this movie, the crucifiction of Christ...enough said. As for the much overplayed charge of anti-semitism, only those who go to the movie looking for such, will see it in the film, and those same individuals will have missed the entire message of the movie. The Jews didn't kill Jesus, we ALL did, because of our sins. If you chose to miss this movie not only will you have missed a great flick, but a potentially a life altering message.

Excellent movie.....not for younger crowds though - The Passion of the Christ Reviews

In a word.....wow. This movie, for someone who has been lived in a religious family ( quite literally, both of my parents are United Methodist Ministers) is amazing. Very powerful, and very explicit imagery is present all throughout the movie. A word of advice however. DO NOT TAKE YOUR YOUNG CHILDREN TO SEE THIS MOVIE UNTIL YOU HAVE SEEN IT YOURSELF!! Myself being a fairly rounded 18yr old, found some of the scenes in this movie to be almost too much. Instead, go yourself(-selves) and decide if your child is ready for a movie of this type/magnitude. I only have 1 real gripe about the movie. It only tells the story of the 12 hours leading up to the death of Jesus Christ. Going into the movie (without having read any reviews about it) I had figured on another movie along the lines of "Jesus of Nazereth", and was kind of looking forward too it. Also....the movie leaves short of the Resurrection...instead showing Jesus's body disappearing in the tomb, then reappearing next to his burial shroud, then fades to black. I found myself almost wishing I could see the interaction between the angels and mary, or Doubting Thomas's interaction with Jesus. Overall, I would give this movie a A++. The Visual effects....when needed, were excellent, and the acting was also superb. Well done!!

The most powerful movie ever experienced - The Passion of the Christ Reviews

A Masterpiece of filmmaking and what movies were meant to do; The Passion tells a story, historically accurate and profound. A story read by many, pondered on by fewer and believed by even fewer still, the Passion does what no other form of media is capable of doing; it draws all the senses together and let?s you feel the story of the Gospels. Like all movies that are based on a true story, it goes out on a limb in a few places to fill in the gaps, where books are free to be ambiguous but movies are not. Yet those places are few and far between and in my opinion actually fit the story quite well. We may never know in this lifetime whether the fill-ins are accurate, but I see no greater harm being done then when believers speculate in private as to ?this or that?. A professional ?critic? Ty Burr, of the Boston Globe, stated that the movie was too much focused on gore and not theology and A.O. Scott, of the New York Times, stated that the film seems to arise less from love than from wrath; to which I have to say I?ll never read the reviews of these men again. I make this statement confidently, since I, as an occasional moviegoer was able to find what they somehow missed. It?s not as though I am the only one, at the time of this writing eleven reviews with an average of ?A? have been written by the professionals; all but these two are rated high. Therefore I am more inclined to believe that ulterior motives are behind the negative remarks and I find that very unprofessional. A closer look at the criticisms reveals the impractical and unwarranted nature of the attacks. To say that the film lacks theology demands a comparative, that is to say, compared to what? Certainly not your average film, I don?t know of too many films that are rich in theology. Comparing the film to other Christian movies, such as the famous one by Charlton Heston, is not comparing apples to apples, in the sense that you expect the Mel Gibson film to be more a dramatic experience than a dry narrative. Don?t get me wrong the movies of the past are great in their own respect, but the most dramatic they ever attempt to get is voice inflection, when Charlton lowers his voice and says ?Let my people go?. It?s the difference between the Discovery Channel?s special on the Holocaust and Schindler?s list ? both are valuable and both need to be graded based on their own genre. What is surprising is that the movie maintains such a large degree of historical accuracy, not that it is lacking in any or lacking a theological lecture; something the movie was never intended to be. To the charge of a lack of love, I am awestruck. The love that the man Jesus shows is exactly what Christians have maintained for over two millennia. It is the story of a man, wrongly and falsely condemned who shows compassion for those ?who do not know what they are doing? and who even a sinner dying besides the man Jesus, recognizes as not worthy the punishment but ?praying for you? in the midst of the horrible torture. ?No greater love has a man, than this?? cannot be escaped as you watch the film. Truly a most horrible oversight by a self proclaimed ?professional?. All having been said, I am a better person for having watched this movie. Paul Harvey said it best when he said: ?You don?t watch this movie, you experience it!? Perhaps it is due to our multi-media culture, that I have grown up in, or an overall dumbing down of the populace ? but I don?t seem to be able to create the drama of the film in my mind, when I read a book or listen to a tape. Some people have been blessed with that ability, but not I. For me then, the movie does what no other form of media can, and with the small discrepancies and conjecture on the part of the movie and director aside, I am thankful and proud to recommend Gibson?s work.

D - for dumb humor - Wedding Crashers Reviews

I am simply let down everytime I get talked into going to an american made comedy. Who's rating these comedy movies... post pubescent boys and girls? I guess if you think bare breasted women, stupid cliches' and just plain dumb writing is funny... more power to you. I'll stick to the foreign comedies, until Hollywood can produce something more funny than this type of garbage.

D - for dumb humor - Wedding Crashers Reviews

I am simply let down everytime I get talked into going to an american made comedy. Who's rating these comedy movies... post pubescent boys and girls? I guess if you think bare breasted women, stupid cliches' and just plain dumb writing is funny... more power to you. I'll stick to the foreign comedies, until Hollywood can produce something more funny than this type of garbage.

D - for dumb humor - Wedding Crashers Reviews

I am simply let down everytime I get talked into going to an american made comedy. Who's rating these comedy movies... post pubescent boys and girls? I guess if you think bare breasted women, stupid cliches' and just plain dumb writing is funny... more power to you. I'll stick to the foreign comedies, until Hollywood can produce something more funny than this type of garbage.

One word for this movie... wow - The Passion of the Christ Reviews

Don't come to this movie to expect a 2004 version of "Jesus of Nazareth" movie because this one is not light and fluffy like that one. Gibson & team has done an awesome job of showing the last hours of our Savior Jesus Christ. Watching the movie and you get a sense of you are their as a bystander. As much as you want to help, you can't. It's told in such a way that, even though you know what's going to happen, in your mind you want to stand up and protest the inevitable. The sub-titles are not a problem. I didn't really even notice them after about 5 minutes into the movie. So don't let that be a deterent for you seeing the movie. Don't let the critics persuade you that this movie is 'too violent' or 'too gory'. It is true to the fact of the violence that was endured by our Savior. Critics, like everyone, have their own opinions, but I think that some of them are turning this into the "Passion of Mel Gibson" opposed to the story of Jesus. So, read carefully. Believers and Non-Believers, Faithfuls and Historians; you all will hopefully be wowed by this portrayal of Jesus in "The Passion of the Christ". Go see the movie.

Christ paid a debt he did not owe! - The Passion of the Christ Reviews

In God?s grand design of things there is no separation between Jew, Roman, Gentile, Christian, Catholic, Baptist, Buddhist, etc?God sent His Son as the atoning sacrifice to any and all who would believe in Him. Jesus wasn?t just a cozy little baby in a manger that prompts us to have tinsel and glitter and tons of materialism in December at Christmas ? He was born to fulfill God?s will ? of reconciling all sinners to Himself ? by bearing our sins for us ? and paying the ultimate penalty ? death on the cross and rising from the dead. Jesus endured rejection and denial from His closest friends, He was bruised and beaten for ALL our transgressions ? and by His wounds we are healed and promised eternal salvation. We live in a world that is so desensitized to our own depravity and sin that many cannot accept the graphic brutality that was captured in this film of Christ?s sacrifice on the cross. This isn?t just a one-time occurrence ? study Roman history and the overall history of crucifixion. We have become so conditioned to accepting adultery, rape, incest, blood, gore and truly tasteless ?entertainment? ? even the local news can become something that sets violent and brutal images in our minds and instills fear into people just by watching TV ? but now people are so against Mel Gibson?s visual interpretation of what Jesus went through? What about the impression that movies like: ?Monster; Silence of the Lambs; Children of the Corn, and Dean Man Walking, among others? can leave on ourselves and our children? We live our daily lives in denial and adorn ourselves with our own ?goodness? and achievements and monetary successes and think that we are somehow more important than others or beyond the need of an Almighty God. People who refuse to acknowledge the depths of suffering that Jesus endured, who refuse to ?watch? the brutality of His beating and death ? should take equal inventory of their daily lives and the other things they subject themselves to that influence their lives. This is a movie based on historical fact with a message of Love, Forgiveness, and Hope. To realize the cost that Someone paid for our salvation ? THAT is worthy of watching and embracing. Mel intended this to be pivotal for our souls?not just to entertain us. I am so very appreciative of Mel?s conviction to go against the ?accepted? approach of Hollywood and even to the point of rejection and judgment of his colleagues, to be true to the One, and only One, that he will give account to one day?God. Mel believes so deeply and personally that Jesus is his Lord, Savior, his trusted friend and most important critic that he took years to research and plan this project to give us all a glimpse of the passion he personally feels in his heart over Christ dying for his sins?for loving him enough to bridge the gap that separated him from truly having peace with God and the assurance of his salvation. There are so many people who have strong opinions ? who have never picked up the Bible but seem to believe they are the authority on it?s validity and truth. There are some people who will probably never see this movie yet also have an ?opinion? ? but not based on personal knowledge or experience. Ignorance breeds fear, anxiety and inaccuracy ? This movie emphasizes the most pure form of Agape love ? an unconditional gift. What will you do with it?

Amazing...even for non-christians - The Passion of the Christ Reviews

I'm not a religous person at all....never been to church and never plan to. But I must say, I was extrememly moved by the brilliance of this film. The method of filming, the retelling of the gospels, the superb acting and beautiful visuals are simply genius. The use of subtitles and aramaic as the language made the movie reek of realism and the grit that makes epic historical movies great. This film is not anti-semitic (trust me, I would be the first to say if it was), and those who say it is are just ignorant to the fact that Gibson goes out of his way to make it clear that we are all responsible for the death of Christ, not one group of people. In regards to the violence, get over it if you think it's too violent. Jesus wasn't just slapped on the wrist with a ruler and tied to a cross, he was savagely beaten and maliciously nailed to the cross. Gibson portrays this with utter genius by being unrelenting in showing us how much he suffered on our behalf. I'm still on the fence about taking small children to this movie. They may not be ready to see this, so parents should take extreme care if you decide to see this film.

Very debatable... very good - The Passion of the Christ Reviews

Mel Gipson did an outstanding job on this film. It gives a great backround of Jesus and his last twelve hours. The Passion of Crist is about 125 minutes long and for about 100 minutes of it is explaining why Jesus was being tortured. This movie is great not only for a few religions but all of them. It does not blame Jesus's death on the Jews either. The Passion of Crist is a fast moving and intense movie. If you don't do to well with blood than this movie isn't to good for you. There is a lot of blood and toture in this movie's two hours.

Jesus, meek and humble of heart.... - The Passion of the Christ Reviews

i just came from the midnight viewing of this movie. i went w/ a priest (college chaplain), two seminarians, and a fellow student. before the movie started, the priest suggested that we hold our rosary while watching. i'm glad i did as i meditated the entire sorrowful mystery! i came out of the theaters feeling a sense of comfort....that Jesus loves me enough to go through the pain and suffering. this movie inspired me to be a better Christian.... tomorrow is a good start!!

Best expierence of my life - The Passion of the Christ Reviews

Next to the birth of my child and my marriage, this is probably the greatest thing that has ever happened to me. I have always known that Jesus had died for my sins, but not nearly have I felt the suffering and sacrafice He went through. Ever human being should watch this movie. And to those that think Mel Gibson is Anti-Sematic needs to stop focusing on themselves and needs to start thinking about the sacrafice Jesus made. Also, Jesus and His 12 diciples were Jewish so I don't know what all the fuss from the Jewish community is about.

A little discussion for you all... - The Passion of the Christ Reviews

A good movie, either go see it or buy it on dvd. It's up to you. I'd go see it. Now to the good stuff... I've heard so many people talk about the violence in this movie, that the real point of the movie is lost. The violence is necessary and it shows the great sacrifice that Jesus endured for OUR (meaning everyone on earth and beyond) sins. People really should do some research and discover that this violence did actually happen. This violence that people are so overwhelmed by is what occurred in those days. The crucifixion was not a playground or mickey mouse type of punishment, the crucifixion was horrible and graphic and one of the truest form of punishment. That is what makes Christ's love or passion so amazing. He endured this punishment for us, to save souls, to show God's love, etc. And people please get off this anti-Seminitism stuff. People are sitting around thinking Mr. Gibson's movie revolves around hating Jews, when in fact the movie just shows that there were SOME Jews that did in fact what Christ dead. The key word is SOME people! Not all! Come on people think for yourselves! If you do the research for yourselves, you will know that the reason SOME of the Jews did want Chirst dead is because He was stirrring up the teachings and practices of what SOME high priests were doing. SOME of those priests and others did not like this and wanted Him dead. It is that simple and sort of shortened for you all who insist on making this movie about hatred against Jews. There were Jews that were against Christ's crucifixion, because there was crying out in the crowd during the event (used for a lack of a better term) and other forms of them being against this. So, remember the key word is SOME. Say it with me...SOME! Also, I know there are some that have the whole race and color of the actors up in their butts and how it is not accurate to have the actors be white people, ok we all know this. Don't focus on it so much, just focus on the meaning of the movie. We all know the people over there are not lily white or what have you. We know they had a little color in their cheeks. And we all know they were not gonna make the main cast of this movie BLACK! So give it a rest, because unless black folks supported this film financially entirely, it was not gonna happen. You all know the truth and what have you about skin color over in the Middle East, so just pay attention to the meaning of the movie. Now people please take the movie for what it is, it is a movie about the passion of Christ. Passion as in the love of mankind to save their souls. Passion as in the love of mankind to save their souls. Yes, I repeated myself on purpose. Remember what the movie is about, please. Don't try to make it about the overwhelming violence, except that it was necessary, a part of history, because it really did occur like it is shown, and a vehicle to show the suffering Christ endured for us and that if we do not believe on Him we will suffer the same for eternity (the latter part is for those that believe this and not to stir up any mixed feelings). Don't try to make it about hating Jews, because only SOME did want Christ dead, while a lot did not. Make this movie about a sacrifice so great and filled with love. Thank you for reading this. Any questions or comments can be emailed to me.

A pastor's perspective - The Passion of the Christ Reviews

I have been following the making and promoting of this film with much interest for over a year. As an Assemblies of God pastor I was certainly curious as to how Mr. Gibson would handle this topic of the crucifixion of Christ. So today, the day of the film's release, I ordered my tickets on Fandango and rushed to see the 12:20 showing. Though I think I need some time to properly digest what I saw, and perhaps I need to see it again, here is my reviewed. From the first scene I was impressed with the cinematography. We see a close-up of the moon, high above the clouds, and then swoop quickly downward to a very foggy Gethsemane where Jesus is praying. Another wonderful shot is when Jesus is writing in the dirt with his finger. And perhaps the most spectacular shot of the film is after Jesus dies, we follow a rain drop as it falls from high overhead and crashes on the rocky ground. The movie is visually stunning throughout. The acting was excellent without being melodramatic, a difficult task I'm sure given the dark tone of most of the film. Now, for the story itself. This is where I had a few complaints. The first being, why not stick to the story without adding to it? I had read that Mel Gibson desired to produced a historically accurate film, which I believe he did for the most part, so why the need to add filler? Some examples... a crowd of demonic children drive Judas toward his death. The mocking thief on the cross has one of his eyes pecked out by a bird. Pilate's wife gives Mary a stack of towels that she later uses to wipe up Jesus' blood. I thought some of these extras took away from the reality of the story. But on the whole, I think the script did a good job at telling a very difficult story, and the use of flashbacks to show the purpose of Christ's death were effective. And the resurrection scene, though subtle, was extremely powerful. I wanted to stand up and cheer, but many people were still crying so I thought it inappropriate. So there it is. A wonderfully made film that is mostly true to the scriptures, is powerful in its message of God's sacrificial love, yet still leaves you with the hope and joy of the risen Christ. Hopefully, like other great movies, it will make people want to read the Book!

Powerful, moving, amazing - The Passion of the Christ Reviews

This movie can really be summed up in a relatively simple manner, and it goes something like this: The more devout believer you are, the better the movie is. In other words, if you are a strong Christian, you will probably love the movie immensely. If you are hostile to Christian beliefs, this movie will leave a bad taste in your mouth. But for those who have no feeling one way or the other, this movie may convert thousands to Christianity. Why do I say that? Because what this movie attempts to do is crystalize what Christ had to suffer FOR US. You and I. Christ took OUR sins upon HIMSELF, and suffered a brutal and vicious beating, ending up on the cross as a blood-soaked, holy human sacrifice. GO see this movie, it will leave a great impact on you.

From an semi-atheist trying to know christ - The Passion of the Christ Reviews

I don't believe in "GOD". I am trying to believe in Christ. Having seen Mel Gibson?s interview with Diane Sawyer I was intrigued by Mel Gibson?s conviction and his apparent devotion to Catholicism. I anxiously went to see this movie hoping it might help me understand the ?ideology? of Christ. I am so very thankful that I did. I was overwhelmed and driven to flowing tears by this epic and brutal portrayal of the passion and faith a man possessed as he suffered such misery so that he may carry the burden of all of mankind?s sins. I am torn between witch of two emotions affected me more: The pain and misery Christ endured or the pain and suffering felt by those who loved and cherished him as well as those who seemingly began to understand what they were doing as they punished and crucified a man so benevolent.

A must see, not just for christians - The Passion of the Christ Reviews

After months of controversy and news about this film, really, there is no suprise what will be in this film. That's why I dont understand why there are still so many people and critics trying to make such a big deal out of it. Yes, this film is bloody, it is not a pleasant experience, but what do you expect? This is a sacrafice we are talking here. There is really nothing so "offensive" about this film. This is an event almost everyone in the western world knows about, reads about, reminds about in a constant basis. This is not a new and shocking revelation. So all I am saying here is, this is a film everyone should watch, just so everyone can have a perspective about this film, without the fogs from the media and others. Personally I dont have any special feeling after coming out of the theatre, but the power and intensity of this film is one that few can match. I cannot rate it, since this is not a film to entertain, and though I dont come away with anything spiritual, I will cherish the two hours as a memorable experience. Jesus died, and according to the Bible, he died for our sins. It was his plan all along, and it was not because of the Jews he died. This is the foundation of the Christian believe, which most people should understand. So why do people and the media have to mix up everything and complains about these as-a-matter-of-facts? Yes, this film is violent, but that's what Mel Gibson intended. He wants to show how much Christ suffers because of our sins. He wants to reveal a message, to reach out to his fellow people. The gory in this film, in his eyes, is not intentional to attract(like Kill Bill), but a necessity to realize his vision. And really, if getting put on a cross is not bloody in the first place, I dont know what is. So the subject itself is what it is, and I dont think Mel Gibson exaggerates the scenes. This is a film that will go down as a classic, a milestone, just like Pulp Fiction did ten years ago, or Taxi Driver twenty plus years ago. These very films were not generally accepted when they were first released, but gradually their magnificent couldnt be ignored. Most people might not like it, but even more wont forget about it. (I just find out I have to give an overall grade, seems like this is a must)

So much fear over a true legacy film - The Passion of the Christ Reviews

Hollywood and the media were so full of fear over this movie - when i saw it last night, i was excited for the possibility of seeing a movie that was not "hollywoodized." i was not disappointed. i kept asking: how will this (incident) be shown, how will that (incident) be shown...and when i got the answers: WOW! the role of Pilot was expert, his wife Claudia, i have a new respect for her. the way Judas was treated, all to perfection in how you see his "demons" hound him to his death. just when you think the suffering would end, it got worse. when you think there is no more good, good is revealed. at the end, i was wondering - how are they going to end this? and then, WOW! the perfect ending. mel gibson has done what no hollywood producer could have - create a legacy film, something families can look to for inspiration. when it comes out on DVD, this will be the movie i will want to watch on easter sunday - the day that cecil b. demille's "Ten Commandments" is traditionally viewed in my home. much fear was generated by the media about the anti-semitic messages of this movie. it is strange that i heard any media/religious tv person mention that the bible too, therefore, must be anti-semetic...if this movie is. given that the bible was the source for the movie. i travelled to germany to watch the oberammergau passion play, which is held only once every ten years. following that 2-day event, i didn't feel any increased animosity against any person or group. following this movie, the barometer of my feelings remains level. sometimes i wish the media would just shut up and watch itself - they should be ashamed of themselves.

For those who don't quite get it... - The Passion of the Christ Reviews

Don't let my name fool you... I am a Christian. Brave the rest of this message and you may get something from it. Those that have reviewed this movie and said it is too violent are missing the whole point... the PASSION (SUFFERING) of Christ! That is the movie! Jesus's sacrifice on the cross has been sugar-coated for too long. It IS factally based and, yes, the Romans and the people of Judea (aka Jews) were all right there together in this. I put those pictures on the screen as much as Mel Gibson did. This is not a kid's movie and wasn't meant to be. It is about the last 12 hours of Jesus's life BEFORE the crucifixion. If you want a good story, read what he does AFTER it! It is SUPPOSED to be hard to watch and make you think. Just like Saving Private Ryan and other modern versions of war movies should make you seek out every veteran that you know and hug his/her neck for what they did for you and I. Just like Radio and other movies about those with challenges should make you thank God that you don't have them and you have the chance to see how they appreciate what they have and do. The movie is a springboard for you to seek out the rest of the story. Email me directly if you want to know more!

Not what i expected - The Passion of the Christ Reviews

I went to a pre-release showing of this movie because I wanted to see what all the hype was about. I got what I expected in terms of the graphic brutality I heard so much about. But, I was not expecting to be so deeply moved. I was not expecting such a personal experience. I've NEVER cried at a movie before seeing this film. But, on the flip side, my wife walked out of the theatre and said, "it was pretty good". Life changing vs. "pretty good". I guess that is the range of experience you'll get with this movie. We're both Catholic but for some reason it was a much different experience for me. I'd recommend seeing it and judging for yourself. I would caution bringing children because of the graphic nature. Parents should definitely see this one on their own before making a decision regarding their kids.

Benedictus qui venit in nomine domini - The Passion of the Christ Reviews

that's latin for "blessed is he who comes in the name of the lord", that means you: mr Gibson, mr Caviezel and the rest of the crew members for bringing the truth "the absolute truth" about what happened on the last 12 hours of Christ's life. I've read the book dolorous passion of our lord Jesus Christ by sister Anne Catherine Emmerich on which the movie predominantly based, a while ago, and I am currently re-reading it again. I believed every words she said in the book, why? because it's faith, like mel, I believe the book is telling the truth about what happened during Christ's passion. Today, I just watched Mel's passion movie back to back (twice) with ash on my forehead because it's ash wednesday, and I just could not believe my eyes. Mel and especially Jim vividly depicted all the tortures and torments describe by sister Emmerich's vision. All the weapons she described in her vision, the flesh grabbing iron hook (cat o nine tail)were all employed during the scourging of Jesus in the film. I cannot believe someone made a movie like this! takes a lot of courage to make this film. As a believer with cast iron stomach (as times magazine said about the person who will enjoy this film) and as a fellow latin mass goer, I have to tell you mel and jim that you guys are divine workers. You had changed my life and soon will change others. You have shown the full extend of Christ's suffering so that my problems will mean nothing by comparisons. This is the most powerful movie I have ever seen in my life. Ultimate acting, ultimate directing and ultimate film. All my favourite films such as Godfather and Scarface will pave way for this heavenly film. No wonder God made his own approval by casting His lighting onto Jim Caviezel during the shooting of the sermont. Through this movie you will save lots of lives. As for anti semitic accusation, that is a cop out, the only person I feel like smacking are the critics and those who are trying the destroy Mel gibson without even seeing the film. God Bless You Mel and Jim.

Nothing like mohammad - The Passion of the Christ Reviews

As a student of Islam, I was most impressed with the difference between Jesus and Mohammad. Mohammad used his revelations to become a powerful political leader. He had power, many wives, (his youngest wife was 9 when he married her), property, and much wealth. Mohammad claimed to be a prophet. Jesus claimed to be God. And according to the movie, the gory death that he died, was in payment for man's gory sins. This movie communicated to me the truth that deepest love is best proven by what we are willing to sacrifice for the benefit of the one we love. If Jesus was who he claimed to be, then there is no parallel to this expression of love, in any other figure in history.

A hindu's review. - The Passion of the Christ Reviews

I am a Hindu and i found this movie absolutely stunning. Irrespective of your faith, i believe that one needs to watch this movie simply because this is a great film. Watch it, this movie will have a profound impact on you.

Athiest/agnostic view of this movie. - The Passion of the Christ Reviews

For starters, I don't really believe in any God, any religion, or anything close to any of that for that matter. I wanted to see this movie simply for the sake of seeing how "controversial" it is. I don't know much of the backstory to Jesus or anything of that nature, but those who say Mel didn't provide much of his teachings and why you're supposed to love Jesus are incorrect. He had various clips of his teachings and how he lived his life before his crucifiction that even someone who isn't religious can respect. The violence and torture in this movie I believe were necessary. Logically, if a man who is supposedly dying for every man's sins, then he better get the torturing of a billion lifetimes. Mel portrayed his torturing with extreme graphic visuals. Which even I, who is desensitized, had to think, "Holy s**t, leave this guy alone, he's suffered enough." This movie dominates nearly all horror-slasher flicks that I've seen as far as realistic violence and gore. Even from an athiest/agnostic point of view, I respect how Mel portrayed the last days of Jesus and his suffering. I'm sure many religious people will feel his pain ten times more than I have.

Mel gibson's masterpiece....what an experience!!!! - The Passion of the Christ Reviews

This is a very well made Movie. The Directing is flawlwss, acting outstanding, and visuals are just breath taking.Oscar Worthy all the way. Donno what all the protest is about. It is not hateful against Jews at all. It is how it was. I am a Hindu, who has a new respect for Christanity.

16 year old left speechless - The Passion of the Christ Reviews

Probably none of you will read this, but if it reaches one person, then my goal is accomplished. I've been waiting for this movie to come out ever since I heard it was being made over a year and a half ago. I've been wanting to go, and went to the 4:30 show, first showing of my theatre. I was left stunned, speechless, and amazed at how God works. I knew the brutality of Jesus' death, but when you realize that no man could have lived what he gone through in the beating, etc. The other two men on the cross aren't brutally hurt at all, they were put up there, they seem to be in the same pain Jesus is in and yet, Jesus is amazingly beat for our sins. I went with my dad, and girlfriend, which she cried during the entire movie and then moreso afterwards. My dad loved it too. Also, I have never left a theatre as moved as I was. Nobody cheered, nobody talked, everybody quietly got up, was humbled, and left. It was the most powerful thing I have ever experienced. I would suggest it to anybody, church-goer, or nonchurch goer.

A life changing movie. - The Passion of the Christ Reviews

You walk in 1 person and come out a different one. I know I did. Try to ignore the ignorant reviewers who I'm sure haven't seen this yet. The acting was perfect, and Mel did a GREAT job.

You people are sad! - The Passion of the Christ Reviews

Those of you who think that there is too much violence in this movie evidently do not understand the barbarian behavior that took place in those days. This movie isn't about religious conviction, it's about an interpretation. This movie is one person's interpretation of how Christ suffered. You cannot deny the fact that Christianity is one of the predominate religions of today. It doesn't matter if you a Muslim, Buddist, Catholic, or Christian. It's a portrayal of Christs last 12 hours. A movie. I don't think they will be adding the movie script to the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Gibson) so quit acting like he has re-written the Bible. If you have any problems with the way this movie portrays Christ and his last 12 hours, put 25 million of your own money on the table and tell it the way you think it should be told. If you think this movie will offend you, don't go see it. Look deeper than your own emtion and views, and see the movie as a movie; the telling of a story. We seem to be able to fathom the fact that superheroes can fly, fairies exist, and battles to determine intergalactic peace reign, but we have a hard time believing the possibility that a man suffered, and suffered quite brutally, for what he believed, and died as a result of that.

Where's the love, with all that violence - The Passion of the Christ Reviews

I myself am a stoic and not a terribly emotional person, and am rarely if ever moved emotionally by movie-violence at the level of Braveheart, Terminator, Last Samurai etc. The violence in The Passion, however, hit me at a level I'm unused to--at the heart level. I felt my body rise and ebb and cry, bypassing any thoughts at the mind-level. As many reviewers have said, The Passion is experienced, rather than watched. Now, I see a trend in the professional reviews questioning, "Where's the love of the Christian message?" These reviewers miss the point of the Gospel. There are two parts to the Christian message--the secular reviewers are mixing up the first and the second points of the two-part Christian message. The first part of the Christian message is that mankind is intrinsically sinful i.e. hate, selfish, greedy, wars, immoral, lying, conceited, prejudice, and most of all, self-righteous etc. Because all of us sin, we all deserve eternal separation from God. The brutality of The Passion is a graphic display of our own sin. All the sin of mankind was concentrated on the body of the innocent Christ as a "sacrificial lamb". My guess is that all those professional movie reviewers who say "Where's the love" in all that violence, haven't come to terms with their own sinfulness. As I see it, here's the take home message to the professional movie reviewers who couldn't see where the love is in the movie: - God's love is shown in that, if a person accepts Jesus as Saviour, then that person is saved from having to go through the same suffering for eternity. Consider this: if the Christian message is correct (and there's a good chance that it is), then, if one does not accept Christ's sacrifice, then the sort of suffering in the movie will be your destiny for eternity. i.e. if you don't accept Christ taking it for you, then you receive it by default. Some readers might say that's a load of hogwash, but if there is a 50-50 chance that the Gospel is right, it might pay you to take 1 hour, sometime in your lifetime, to read the Gospels and New Testament and decide for yourself. Imagine dismissing the Gospel without reading it, as many have criticised The Passion without seeing it first. The second part of the Gospel is that, Father God loves you so much, that He does not want YOU to go through that kind of suffering for eternity, so He put it on Jesus. (John 3:16). That's where the love is.

Mel gibson - please read this review!!! - The Passion of the Christ Reviews

Mel, you are just a man like the rest of us... but you are a man with a heart. The truth is, it does not matter if you are Catholic, Baptist, Pentecostal, Methodist - or nothing at all! This movie has the potential to inspire and change any life who will take the time to absorb it's message. I have to say thank you to HIM first, (Thank you Jesus for loving me...), and second thank you MEL GIBSON for not being afraid to "tell it like it was," (at least to the best of your artistic and historic ability). EVERYONE, EVERYWHERE, REGARDLESS OF YOUR BACKGROUND SHOULD GO SEE THIS MOVIE!!!

The story of all time - The Passion of the Christ Reviews

This film was so well done. Mel Gibson took a great risk to make a film version of a historical event that is so well known and cherished. There were times that I could not restrain myself from weeping. Aside from the obvious Biblical side of it, I want to comment on the filming. The directing was honest and true...the violence was accurate and necessary in a true telling. The acting was absolutely phenominal and believable. James Caviezel was honest in his performance of Jesus and so much was conveyed in a simple look in his eyes. The cinematography was breathtaking and yet not distracting. The film score was beautiful, painful, and triumphant. I know this story because I have heard it all my life. It was true and there was so much detail that even multiple viewings could not reveal all that there is to see. This film will change lives. It is by far the most accurate and honest representation of the Biblical passion of Christ. A true cinematic marvel.

The last temptation of mel gibson - The Passion of the Christ Reviews

If Jesus of Nazareth had done nothing else but endure the punishments inflicted on him in Mel Gibson's THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST (and the same could be verified as a matter of history), his life and mission would still be worth talking about 2,000 years after the fact because of the singular brutality to which he would have been subjected. But, director Mel Gibson approaches the subject matter from the diagonally opposed perspective: he begins with certain conclusions about the import of Jesus' life and mission and works backwards to what punishment he must have endured to fill the large order of actually paying for our sins. ("No one man can carry this burden," Satan -- played by Rosalinda Celentano -- teases him; "It is far too heavy.") The result for Gibson was, as all men know, a highly graphic depiction of the last twelve hours of Jesus' life, with particular emphasis on the torturous punishment inflicted by his tormentors, in an all Latin and Aramaic script for heightened realism. Despite howls from the critics, the violence depicted here is NOT beyond what viewers typically experience in the usual Hollywood fare. Think of the violence level in the first act of SAVING PRIVATE RYAN (1998), except that all the violence is directed at a single person. And to weigh in on the greatest source of controversy for this movie, despite its "Passion Play" overtones, THE PASSION cannot be honestly characterized as anti-Semitic. With its single-minded focus on Jesus' suffering, the film is, at worst, oblivious to modern Jewish sensibilities. It is odd to have to cut through so much preliminary materials before getting to the cinematic considerations of a movie. This is, after all, just a movie. (Conan O'Brien joked that it represents the way God *really* wanted us to see Christ's suffering -- in an air-conditioned room with nachos and a cherry Coke!) But, the reason our discussion of film-making values is deferred until this point is that there really isn't much else to talk about. Jesus as a character is fairly two-dimensional, though Jim Caviezel squeezes as much out of his portrayal under the circumstances. The cinematographer also occasionally attempts to remind us that Jesus was a human being. Perhaps the most memorable shots of the movie are extreme close-ups of Jesus' eye on the Via Dolorosa and on Golgotha, that remind us of Jesus' most compelling cinematic trait: his humanity. In these extremely close shots, we see Caviezel's distinctive blue eye, barely recognizable behind the layers of gory makeup, shifting back and forth to survey his surroundings as he is tortured. I was reminded of Iraq War P.O.W. Shoshana Johnson in video released by the Iraqis, nervously moving her eyes to and fro as different interrogators shouted questions. There is a residue of humanity and empathy in Caviezel's portrayal that is often drowned out by the cumulative violence (the worst thing about the film's violence is that it surpasses what would have been optimal to make the point intended, and actually becomes tedious). About the most fully fledged relationship in the movie is Jesus' relationship with his mother, Mary (ably portrayed by Maia Morgenstern). The tenderness and care with which this relationship is developed leads to a very poignant Piet?cene when the limp body of the flayed Jesus is taken down from the cross and held by his mother. This was the unusual tack, the exception in this film: to portray the events in human terms, in terms of characters, of human relationships, etc., rather than as a theological presupposition to which human drama is but an afterthought. To me, this -- the flimsy, two-dimensional feel of the characters and action -- was the principal flaw of the film, not its violence or its alleged antisemitism. FOOTNOTE: Brutal portrayals of the horrific nature of Jesus' suffering are part of a long-standing tradition in Christian art. On seeing the film, I thought immediately of Matthias Gr?d's 16th Cent. "Isenheim Altarpiece." Commissioned for a hospital housing sufferers of skin diseases, it depicts a Jesus writhing in pain and covered in sores, bringing him that much closer to the patients his presence might comfort. In the 20th Cent., Spanish architect Antoni Gaud?esigned a morbid and stark "Passion fa硤e" to his Sagrada Familia Cathedral in Barcelona, which leaves many viewers with an overwhelming sense of bleakness and desolation. Any approach to Gibson's film must begin with an appreciation for the artistic function of a 'Passion' piece, and its discussion and evaluation will not be meaningful without also acknowledging the theological ramifications of such a project.

Thought provoking - The Passion of the Christ Reviews

It is not that other movies haven't been made about the suffering of Jesus Christ. They have, and have been received with hardly a ripple in the ocean of media opinion. It is that Mel Gibson, a devout Roman Catholic, has made such a depicition that is fueling the controversial fires. Having read many of the "professional" film critics unfavorable reviews, I have come to the conclusion that they are not really finding fault with the film itself, but they object to Mel Gibson's audacity in bringing a realistically brutal version of the story to the cinema. The film based on its technical merits is breathtaking. The cinematography is genius, the acting is sublime, and the musical score is haunting. Maia Mortensen's Mary grabs at the viscera of most mothers as we suffer through seeing her son hated and brutally executed with her. She's does it mostly with her eyes. (One scene shows her memory of Jesus as a child and snaps back to him in the present in a parallel device. It is particularly gut-wrenching.) It is a work that is larger than life, and it needs to be given the subject. The violence is extremely graphic and brutal, and it must be. There has never been a visual rendering of the absolute pain that Jesus Christ underwent. It is not over the top, however. I have seen worse: "Pulp Fiction" comes to mind. I have dubbed it "Violence with a Purpose." Its purpose is to remind us about the enormity of Christ's sacrifice for humanity. Also it shows his absolute humanness. He bleeds, whimpers, cries out, and stumbles like we would all do given the same harsh punishment. Earlier representations of his execution leave one feeling that he was more than human, for they show him enduring it stoically rather than how a true human would react. Jim Caviezel is Jesus the way he was meant to be seen -- as one of us. Some reviewers have stated that the central message of Christ's teachings -- to love -- is obliterated through the excessive gore and omission of his earlier teaching. They did not see the same movie I did. It shows flashbacks to his Sermon on the Mount challenging his followers to love their enemies. Time after time even during his most intense suffering Jesus asks his Father to forgive those involved in his torture and death. What is that, but love? The fact that he underwent such extremes of pain and yet still willingly laid down his life for all people, even those who hated him is the point of this movie. It was evident to me. Accusations that the movie reflects any one group in a bad light are completely baseless. No one in the film is cast in the most positive light. Peter denies him, Judas betrays him, Caiphas wants to get rid of the threat to his position and the status quo, Pilate just wants the whole thing to go away, the apostles scatter, the Roman soldiers act like animals, and even his mother hesitates before going to him. The only unblemished person is Jesus. It illustrates Gibson's claim that we all are to blame for his death. Yes, the Jewish high priests call the most loudly for his death, but not all of them do. Several attempt to defend him. This movie will not provoke violence. It should steer us away from it, cringing to think that humans are capable of inflicting such horrible atrocities against each other. Gibson's broken and bloody Jesus shows us God's ultimate love for us. And we do not deserve it. This movie was not pleasant to watch. It does not entertain. It provokes thought and self-reflection. It begs the viewer to ask herself if she can do better to live the way Jesus asked us to. Can we all show each other the same love Jesus showed to us in suffering so greatly and so graphically? Any movie that inspires such soul-searching deserves the greatest accolades available. I urge all adults and teenagers to see this movie. It is unsuitable for children under 14 because it requires an understanding of the story and civilization in general that is quite complex.