FR MOVIE REVUE: THE PASSION OF CHRIST (post your comments here)

2/24/04 | FR MOVIE REVIEWERS

[SunnyUsa]

Your review of almost getting into the movie was great! That's exactly how I would imagine it would be.

Unfortunately I can't go today, but I want to see it by the weekend.

[cinFLA]

I used to watch CSI. Most of the BS in it is made up science; often contrary to the laws of science.

[cinFLA]

I watched the Patriot and I did not get a big anti-Protestant swell in my throat.

[per loin]

Please come back to this thread and post your reactions after seeing the film I am interested in the opinion of the non-Christians after seeing it.

Just got home from the theater. I've not the words to match the majesty of the film. Almost a flawless work of the highest art.

[cinFLA]

He does this in Braveheart and the Patriot.

Oh. I didn't realize that Gibson produced these movies.

[King Black Robe]

Well, you are the best judge of what you can handle. It was difficult to watch, but in a very meaningful way.

[Lanza]

I saw it this morning at 11:00. I bought tickets online yesterday for my mother and I. We arrived at the movies at 10:20 (the show was sold out), bought some snacks and we were in the theatre by 10:30. We had to sit on the 4rth row from the screen, because every seat above was full.

The movie was gruesome yet beautiful at the same time. I could hardly handle the violence and had to cover my eyes. How any human man could endure what Jesus went through before he got to the cross is beyond me. Through Jesus suffering His love and forgiveness for others never stopped (that was the beautiful part).

I really can't put into words how to describe this film. I just know I would like to see it again.

I wanted to get tickets for my husband and I for Friday night. They are completely sold out for every night except for the 10:00 P.M. showing, and it is being shown on two screens.

[MizRiz9]

My husband and I saw the movie this afternoon.

I have never seen or felt anything quite like this before. I have certainly heard of catharsis (the purging of the emotions through art) but I never experienced it until now. Mel Gibson achieved what the Greek Tragedians strived for and what the renaissance man couldn't quite grasp.

It felt like we were there at that moment of time and it was very powerful.

[Aquinasfan]

I got out of the 3:15 showing about an hour ago.

All I have to say right now is that "The Passion of the Christ" is the greatest movie ever made. It transcends the art form. It is the Pieta of movie-making.

I will write more later, after I've decompressed for a while.

[Spiff]

The movie was gruesome yet beautiful at the same time. I could hardly handle the violence and had to cover my eyes. How any human man could endure what Jesus went through before he got to the cross is beyond me. Through Jesus suffering His love and forgiveness for others never stopped (that was the beautiful part).

I'm pretty sure I'm going to see this film. However, it troubles me...was the message of Christ's life and his ministry here the mechanism and brutality of his death? Is that also the message of the film? Or was the message Christ's atonement for our sins, redemption, and resurrection? I hear a lot about the brutality displayed in the film, but nothing about Christ's resurrection being depicted. You've seen the film, can you comment on this for me?

[Saundra Duffy]

I am so confused about all the complaints of violence. The point is that it is exactly what happened to Jesus. I liked your comments. You saw the movie. I haven't seen it yet. I just get upset by the movie critics who are saying it's too violent. They don't get it. This is the reality of what happened to Jesus. It was just that brutal and bloody. That's what He did for us. He could have called ten thousand Angels but he stayed there and suffered for our sakes. The making of the movie makes me love Him more.

[Lanza]

Spiff, you bring up some interesting questions. The movie does have some flashbacks that cover some of your concerns -but not alot. I hate to say how it ends (for those who have not seen it), but my mother and I both left wishing the movie had continued to "finish" the story if you will. Some may feel differently and feel it was just enough.

If you like, I will freepmail you with more details of the ending- if you want to know. Or, go see it and we can discuss if you feel the same way.

I still think it is one of the greatest movies I have ever seen. Jim Cavazial is fantastic, and the woman who plays Mary is too. The parts with Mary made my heart ache and the tears role, because I am also a mother.

[Dane]

I'm pretty sure I'm going to see this film. However, it troubles me...was the message of Christ's life and his ministry here the mechanism and brutality of his death? Is that also the message of the film? Or was the message Christ's atonement for our sins, redemption, and resurrection?

It was both. There are flashback scenes depicting the Last Supper and the Sermon on the Mount.

It a very moving picture, that gives a complete picture of Christ's last 12 hours.

Yes it is graphic, but that is the way it was, and the movie doesn't hold back on the brutality Jesus suffered.

[Lanza]

Duh - I mean "roll" - "role"

It's been a looooong day....

[Lanza]

Rereading your post Spiff, I have to say that atonement for our sins is definitely the core of the message. Redemption is there, and the resurrection... well you will have to see

[Kaslin]

I came back about 45 minutes from watching the movie. It is definitely a Must See

[paulsy]

He could have called ten thousand Angels but he stayed there and suffered for our sakes.

This came through in the movie too. Toward the end, the high priest said (paraphrased) to Jesus (on the cross) that if you're so great, why not take yourself down from the cross? He could have, but he stayed. Dovetailed nicely with a scene at the beginning, where satan challenged him in the garden, saying (paraphrased) that no one could bear the burden of sin for mankind.

Then, as you will see in the movie, with masterful (and subtle) touch, Gibson shows God's power coming through through at the end of the movie, letting the viewer and those who were there during the crucifixion, know full well that Jesus could have easily taken himself down from the cross at any time, if he'd chosen to. It's a beautiful part of the film.

[Kaslin]

Indeed the movie isvery movie and in no way is it anti semite

[Kaslin]

Meant to say that the movie is indeed very moving and in no way anti semite

[Dionysius]

I just heard a local (St. Louis) critic call the movie "pornographic in it's violence". She had no such condemnation for "Kill Bill" which she earlier praised. It goes to show that the "if it feels good, do it" crowd is going to do anything in their power to trivialize Christianity and anything that advances it.