Savage's Review of 'The Passion'

michaelsavage.com ^ | 2/7/04 | Michael Savage

[truthandlife]

The Capture of Jesus choreographed in Kurosawa-esque movements.

The ancient Hebrew, Aramaic, and Latin linguistics.

A must for every Christian and Jew; every rebel, independent, iconoclast who has felt the blunt steel of rejection, isolation, humiliation, or castigation.

As for portraying Jews in a negative light - a resounding NO! That is, for rational educated people. There is always the fear that bigots will use this film as they might use any pretext to advance their hateful agenda. The wild card question is: How will radical Muslims use this film? Will they seek to turn Christians against Jews?

During the trial of Jesus, two ancient Hebrew Judges who loudly claim the hearing biased are boldly thrown from the court. The biased judges do not want to hear the opinion that Jesus is innocent of the charges against him.

Good Jews. Fair Jews. Bad Jews. Biased Jews.

Good Romans. Bad Romans. Like today, in historical context.

A passion play about faith and fear, the blessed and the cursed.

The loyal and traitorous. For everyone who has craved a portrait of living biblical history, there has never been a more accurate portrayal.

The Judas-tree scene alone is worth the price of admission. Both for its dramatic content as for its moral imperative.

For every parent wanting to instill moral values in a child, The Passion can be a good teacher.

But we mustn't run from the most pregnant question. Some Jewish organizations have legitimate fears that this remarkable work of art might instigate hatred against the Jewish people. We cannot predict what demented bigots might do nor should we permit them to dictate the terms of our civilization and its artistic creations.

How is it that the most vile films imaginable are being made with little or no protest from the very same organizations attacking Gibson's artistic creation. Murder, Rape, Drug Usage - all standard fair in a theater near you. No protest about these vile works from these organizations who object to what appears to be 100% biblically correct.

Following the screening of his controversial film, Mr. Gibson asked me what I thought of it. I said, "Of course there are going to be those who are going to look to blame the Jewish people, but it is the Romans who flay Jesus nearly to death and who actually crucify him." I added, "Mel, what are people going to do, stop eating pasta!" There was then much laughter all around the boardroom. But I repeat, are people to stop eating Italian food because of Pontius Pilate and the Roman sadists? It would be foolish to think so.

[truthandlife]

[EggsAckley]

Boy, Michael does have, as they say "a face for radio."

[eastsider]

We cannot predict what demented bigots might do nor should we permit them to dictate the terms of our civilization and its artistic creations.

Well said, Dr. Savage.

[Johnny_Cipher]

For every parent wanting to instill moral values in a child, The Passion can be a good teacher.

I'm still struggling with this one. From what I'm hearing, the crucifixion is depicted brutally (read honestly), and I'm not convinced yet that this is fare for young children.

[Grampa Dave]

Michael appears to have some severe health problems.

[Andy from Beaverton]

They both look so happy!

[Blzbba]

"From what I'm hearing, the crucifixion is depicted brutally (read honestly), and I'm not convinced yet that this is fare for young children."


Hmmm..that's an interesting point. Reading the New Testament, it's no surprise that these scenes are horrifically brutal. Yet, I wouldn't want my children's initial exposure to Jesus Christ to be a scary one - one that gives them nightmares. I think I'll hold off on showing it to them until they are of an age that can handle it.

[EggsAckley]

Yeah, he really does not look well.

[Reelect President Dubya]

From what I'm hearing, the crucifixion is depicted brutally (read honestly), and I'm not convinced yet that this is fare for young children.

Neither is MTV, but most kids watch that every day.

[fishtank]

He might be just overwhelmed by the movie he just saw. He did not "enjoy" the movie as he said on the air. If anyone comes out of the movie with a smile on their faces, I would then worry.

Why does Savage have to have a goofy grin on his face? What's wrong with being grim sometimes?

[Johnny_Cipher]

A literal and honest rendering of quite a bit of the Old Testament, ala The Passion, would also be on the questionable list for young children under my control. Like any great work, the Bible is a study in its own unique contrasts; some wondrous and uplifting, some horrifically savage and graphic.

In my case, the child in question is 5 and remarkably mature for his age. But I will see the movie first then make the final decision.

[nutmeg]

ping!

Please FReepmail me if you want on or off my infrequent ‘miscellaneous’ ping list.

[Johnny_Cipher]

I don't allow MTV in my home, and the youngster in question doesn't get it either.

[Hank Rearden]

That pinball machine behind (gay-posing) Savage tells me where the picture was probably taken.

Extra credit for the Freeper who identifies the pin and the likely location. And yes, I know which pin it is.

[PaulaB]

I am taking my 12 year old and my 9 year old to see it...I understand your concern about how brutal it is but I think in todays time ...kids need to see this for what it really was....it was a horrific sacrifice made by our Savior...remember the devil is coming full force for our kids...we need to counter that with the full punch of Christ...

[Huck]

Looks like Mel's getting a little thin on top. The chicks'll still dig him.

[Maigrey]

Mel Ping!

[Maigrey]

So what floor age would be respectful and responsible for kids?

I'm thinking of taking some nephews and nieces to it (ages range from 14 to 8) but I don't want to be too brutal to them.

[truthandlife]

I think 8 might be a little too young. Remember it will be coming on DVD and it might be more appropriate to show it when you feel they are ready.

Pray for wisdom on it and God will give it to you.

[PaulaB]

I think it may be different for each household...if the kids you are taking have been taught all their lives about the death of Christ and how it was(sunday school class etc..).... this shouldn't come as a shock...if the kids are just now learning about Christ..this movie may be to much....I agree with truthandlife ...ask for God to put it on your heart if its a yea or nay with your kiddos