Posted on 02/24/2004 11:28:50 AM PST by 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.
In his interview with EWTN, Mel said that the scene where Satan follows along the path to Calvary, mirroring Mary's movements, is meant to show that Satan is an imitator, "an ape," of what is good. Extrapolating from this, I would guess that Satan is mocking Mary and the Christ child in his pose with the "baby."
Mel also said that he wanted to show the demonic as a perversion of what is good. He said that he believes that the devil normally comes disguised as something good, and yet slightly askew. He said the film has moments where "the veil" is lifted so we can see the invisible battle that is all around us. I thought he accomplished this masterfully.
The only thing that bothered me in the movie was the crow pecking out the eyes of the bad thief. This followed right after Jesus' words, "Father, forgive them because they know not what they do" and undercut the power of these words. I can understand why he did it, but I think it was a mistake, the only one that I saw in the movie.
Amazing, absoulutely amazing.
We both cried.
I was shaking from the love that we saw, the people around us cried,....
And should be seen by everyone who is permitted to see an R rated movie.
Yes. It's brief, but long enough to "get the message." It left room for "the sequel."
I'm sure that a "sequel" is in the works. Whether it picks up where this movie left off is an open question. Maybe he can release "Easter" in time for next Easter.
Actually, I was interested.
My own assessment of the film was that it is a very devout "mea culpa" made for Christians, and thus is very personal for us; but I didn't think it would be so for nonbelievers.
Though the movie was graphic, I had an "appreciation" of some kind for the visual. I no longer take His love for "face value". Through out the movie I heard myself saying, "Thank You" to Him. I saw Him taking what should have been my punishment and doing so willingly.
Though it may sound odd, I wondered if at some time all of us haven't had a little of Peter and even Judas in us at some time or another. Peter in that we run or shy away from from publicly acknowledging Him regardless of the cost to us. Judas in that we betray Him in our actions/words towards others. Maybe even some of the "religious order" in us in that we accuse or judge others with our prideful theology. I don't know, maybe I am internalizing something in myself.
The hardest part of this movie for me was when He said, "Father, forgive them". "Them" included me as I had my own "flashback" of when I was living in rebellion and sin. I saw my own mocking of Him, my own pride, my own rejection of Him. Again, I thanked Him. I not only thanked Him for His love but for His mercy.
I am not a movie critic and I know my words haven't been eloquent but this is only a small portion of my experience. I have so much more to think and pray through. What I saw tonight will stay with me. That much I am sure of.
Faith is a gift of the Holy Spirit. I don't think the movie will change anyone who has not already opened themselves up and asked for the change.
This was the same situation that I noticed when leaving the theater tonight. No one spoke. As a matter of fact, no one left their seats immediately, even after the lights came on. There was open weeping. I heard sniffles. As we all walked out in silence, those in the lobby were scanning our faces in silence as if they were looking for assurance that it was ok to go in behind us. I also noticed that no one looked anyone in the eye. Each person was internalizing what they had just experienced.
One thng I did notice that really touched me is that when we were leaving there were two younger boys and a younger girl weeping and embracing. They couldn't have been any older than 17 or so. As people walked out they simply patted the kids as if to encourage them but they didn't disturb them. That was very moving.
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