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

2/24/04 | FR MOVIE REVIEWERS

[Liz]

All the world is waiting for the powerful message in Mel Gibson's ground-breaking film, The Passion of Christ.

Post here your own personal reactions after seeing the film set to open tomorrow, Ash Wednesday. Passion has previewed in some areas.

Also post reviews and pertinent comments from your state and area's newspapers and publications.

[FrankR]

"this film appears to tell just part of the story of Jesus...the ugliest part.

Well, probably if ol' Mel were to film all the teachings of Jesus, the movie would be 84 days long.

But, ol' Mel...well seein's as how he paid for this movie out of his own pocket, he probably figured he could make it about any particular part of Jesus' life he wanted.

Ya see, the Federal Guv'mint didn't pay for a dime of this movie...and it's not going to be shown on any guv'mint property...so it really doesn't matter what any liberals and atheists think about it, at all.

I have noticed that those who consider themselves to be - shall we say, more intellectual than the average Joe Sixpack, are always the ones who adopt the atheist stand.

I don't know if they have really just not thought it all out, or been propositioned by a liberal college professor, or just want to "fit in" with their wayward and weird friends; but, nahhhh, that couldn't be it...people of such knowledge have to know chemistry enough to know we didn't evolve from a pool of primordial soup.

But, I digress........

If I can find an email address for ol' Mel, I'll forward you post to let him know, by God, that he's making his movies about the wrong part of Jesus' life...and he should be crucified for it.

[alisasny]

I am so glad I went this morning and can read all your comments as you all get home from the movie.6 hrs later and I still cant stop thinking about what I witnessed..possibly getting more intense.

Reading your comments affirms what I felt this morningduring and right afterwards.

Yes, the popcorn eaters struck me as weird too...and it was 11 am....

I did advice a friend today who actually gets ill from violence that she ought not go. She can watch it on DVD later on and turn it off etc.

[alisasny]

one more thing...WABC NY keeps telling us about a person who had to walk out.

A couple a bit older maybe 50's, appeared married,did walk out of my theatre and didnt return during the brutal whipping scenes which went on forever it seemed....


Anyone else see anyone walk out???

[Keen-Minded]

I saw the film last evening. It was a great and vivid portrayal of the suffering Christ willingly went through for us. Critics that take another view miss the whole point of the film.

I encourage everyone to see the film before passing judgement.

[Kaslin]

There were not many people at the theater when I saw it, but there was a huge line waiting when I got out and the 7 pm showing was sold out. What got me the most was the humilation Christ had to go through when he was spit on, laughed at and practically beat to a pulp by his tormentors.

[Spiff]

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

I know that it was likely the way it was. However, would we accept a film in which the mechanism of the birth of Christ was graphically displayed? The message of His birth is the joy that our Savior has come into the world, not the labor contractions, primitive medicine, blood, animal feces and flies in the stable, the child emerging from the birth canal, etc. I am similarly concerned that The Passion may be a little off-message for all of its realism, authenticity, etc. I'm not saying it is a bad movie - not at all. Or that its message is way off. I'm just concerned. Yet, in comparison to the rest of the filth Hollywood is spewing onto our screens and into our homes via TV, this movie is a miracle. I'm not trying to deride the film, I'm just trying to get a feeling ahead of time for the actual message of the movie.

[Kaslin]

Obviousely you do not know what the Passion is

[Dane]

I'm not trying to deride the film, I'm just trying to get a feeling ahead of time for the actual message of the movie

I understand completely. I can understand your concerns that this movie is using the violence to spice it up, and I hate to use this comparison, like the typical slasher movie that comes from hollyweird these days.

But, IMO it was not like that at all, especially since it was in a historical and character context, such as Mary in pain watching Jesus go through his pain and suffering.

[madison10]

However, would we accept a film in which the mechanism of the birth of Christ was graphically displayed?

We probably would not care to observe Christ's birth,we were never meant to...however, unlike the private birth, the crucifixion WAS meant for public display. The Romans intended observers to take heed, lest they too would end up on a cross. We become part of the mocking crowd who would have seen the results of torture.

Big difference.

[Spiff]

We probably would not care to observe Christ's birth,we were never meant to...however, unlike the private birth, the crucifixion WAS meant for public display. The Romans intended observers to take heed, lest they too would end up on a cross. We become part of the mocking crowd who would have seen the results of torture.

Good point.

I'll have to see the film and I'll let you know if I still feel that it may be slightly off message. But only slightly. Seeing it will tell me for sure or not.

In looking into this film I read some reviews of last year's $20 million film called "The Gospel of John". After seeing "The Passion" I intend to rent "The Gospel of John" and make a comparison.

[ladyrustic]

I can't see the movie either. It would be too crushing. I thank Him that He was willing to go through that in my place. I can't watch.

[satchmodog9]

Exactly what I meant. Beyond the love for ones children or country could you imagine giving your life for the sins of the Clintons or Ted Bundy or some jerkoff down the street with the loud car and the barking dog. I'm not trying to preach, I cannot fathom doing this for people I do not love. Military service is an altogether different issue. It is nice to speak with you.

[cyncooper]

Here's my thought:

It is easy to say

"He suffered died and was buried,
on the third day He rose again"

This movie is intended to impress on us what is meant by "suffered".

And even more profound:

"This is My body
which I have given up for you"

Gibson wants us to really think about what that means.

I have anticipated seeing this movie for months. Unfortunately it will probably be next weekend at the earliest before I can go.

[Ciexyz]

Mel bump.

[paulsy]

"this film appears to tell just part of the story of Jesus...the ugliest part."

I think it might actually be the most beautiful part.

[Dante3]

The movie has to be pretty good since Bakala reportedly had a hissy fit.

[Rocko]

An astonishing, unforgetable experience; the cinematic equivalent of a Goya painting.

[DaiHuy]

My sister told me that the impact of the violence you see in the movie is miniscule compared to the imapct the movie leaves on your heart.

[keats5]

Ok, by now many of you have seen this movie. Who can tell me the meaning of the ugly baby in Satan's arms? My family wants to know, and I already promised them the Freepers would have some answers, so please don't disappoint!

[Martin Tell]

Who can tell me the meaning of the ugly baby in Satan's arms?

I have not seen the movie, but I would guess the baby is sin.