Sunday, September 30, 2007

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.

Saturday, September 29, 2007

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...

Friday, September 28, 2007

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.