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.

[Liz]

Do us all a huge honor and post here your, "I Saw An Innocent Jewish Man Beaten."

[hellinahandcart]

I want to hear Mel separate himself from his father Hutton's sinful views publicly and without dissembling.

You can want it all you want, but it's not something you have a right to have.

[The Mayor]

It is our duty, as Christians to assure protection of Mel from his Hollywood destructors. This will only happen by assuring him a very big profit. The profit will help both ways, one way to give him ammunition to produce more good family movies, and second, to provide an example of our market power for other Hollywood producers to follow the example of Mel in producing Christian friendly movies.

I agree 100%, with the profits of this movie he can do a sequel. He needs to follow thru and do a movie on the reason for Christ Resurrection.

[af_vet_1981]

Hutton is a silly old man.

He is about 85 years old now. It seems to me he has had this disease for many years.

• This is a condensed news report of his latest interview. In the Newsday story, which is based on his interview with a New York radio station, Hutton Gibson questioned the validity of the Holocaust, urged Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan be "hung," and said Jews were attempting to take over the world.
  
  The elder Gibson also mentioned his new home.
  
  "(Jews) have to go where there is money," he told Steve Feuerstein, host of Speak Your Piece, a show on New York's WSNR 620-AM. "There is no way they would come to West Virginia. They have to have some place to go that has money. They didn't work in the mines, you can bet your boots."
  
  In an interview last year with The New York Times, the elder Gibson said he flatly rejected that the terrorist group led by Osama bin Laden had any role in the Sept. 11 attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.
  
  "Anybody can put out a passenger list," he said. "So what happened? They were crashed by remote control."
  
  In that interview, Hutton and Joye Gibson also said the Holocaust was a fabrication manufactured to hide an arrangement between Adolf Hitler and "financiers" to move Jews out of Germany to the Middle East to fight Arabs.
  
  "Go and ask an undertaker or the guy who operates the crematorium what it takes to get rid of a dead body," Hutton Gibson said. "It takes one liter of petrol and 20 minutes. Now six million?"
  
  Said Joye Gibson: "There weren't even that many Jews in all of Europe."
• In 1997 he was 78 and allegedly wrote a Mr. Prakash This letter was written by Mr. Hutton Gibson, from Australia, in response to my tract Repair My Church.
• In 1994 he was 75 and published The Enemy Is Here!
• In 1978 he was 59 and published Is the Pope Catholic?.

  Hutton Gibson (born 1919?) is the father of actor Mel Gibson and a writer about religion. . This is the Wikipedia entry on Hutton.

[King Black Robe]

I'm glad you liked it. When I left the theater, I thought it would be difficult to see it again. Now that I've had a few days, I'm read to see it again. I want to get the details in my mind better.

[fly_so_free]

I wasn't planning on see the film Ash Wednesday. But a funny thing happened on the way back from my Dr's appointment(Doc's office is two doors down from movie house). I was walking to my car (after appointment). Out of curiosity, I stopped at the theater and looked at the sign with the times of the movie listed(thought I'd see it thurs or fri). All the shows were sold out. A woman came up to me and asked if I wanted to see The Passion. I said yes, but it was sold out. She told me her son had just called her on her cell phone and said he couldn't make it and that she had one ticket. So I said sure.

Let me start by saying there is no way this is anti semitic. I would refer the critics to the New Testament, it is all about Jesus and the sacrifice that he had to make to save us. The movie opens with the devil telling Him that he can't die for the sins of humanity, that it's too much for one man. Jesus is praying in the garden for the chalice to pass Him by. All through the New Testament Jesus predicts the Passion. He knew exactly what was going to happen to Him. That's why he was sweating blood.

Here are some scenes with the Jews. When Jesus is brought to the Pharisee's , one of them walks out, on the trial. The next scene that surprised me, was when the leader of the Pharisee's yells loudly and calls Jesus a blasphemer. The man is genuinely angry at Jesus. As Jesus goes through His torture and Crucifixion, there are many scenes where the Jewish leaders are shown with puzzled, troubled looks on their faces. In other words, they think they are doing the right thing. They honestly don't know that Jesus is the Messiah. It's as if they keep expecting Him to confess that He's a fraud, but are surprised that He doesn't, no matter how much pain He is in. They dealt with Him as they would for somebody they thought was a blasphemer and gaining popularity in their realm. They were harsh, horrible to Him, but they were harsh to the woman they were stonning to death for adultery too. Everything they did was foretold in the scriptures. It had to happen that way, so Jesus could save us.

The two most convincing scenes that the movie is NOT antisemitic are shown in flashbacks as He is being tortured and dying on the cross . The first is , the sermon on the mount where he says "Love your enemies" while He is being savagely beaten. The second and most moving is while He is bleeding and dying on the cross. He says" Father forgive them" while His blood is pooling at the foot of the cross. The absolute proof that it isn't anti semitic. Is where it flashes back, (while He's suffering) to the scene where he flat out says "I give my life freely for you. "

I think Mel did a fantastic job. I can't think of any other way that this story could have been told. I have to admit that I'm starting to get a little irritated with certain, so called "Jewish" people, ( though I suspect these persons are more likely liberal than Jewish), complaining about what , to me was an act of profound love, made by my Saviour for me, being portrayed on film. It looks to me like they are actively trying to scare or bully people into not seeing it. It's an insult to be told that I'm too stupid to understand my own religion, and that I might harm someone because of it. Shall we ban movies about the Holocaust because the Jews might go harm the Germans? (Of course not!)

I am somewhat surprised by all the complaints about the violence. It might be that Catholics are a little more prepared for this than Protestants, because the Crucifixion is a prominent influence in Catholicism.

Walk into any Catholic church and the first thing you will probably notice is a very large Crucifix at the front of it. We also have the whole season of Lent (which focuses exclusively on the Passion), and the Sorrowful Mysteries of The Rosary also have the same focus.

With all due respect, I would like to ask these critics: What did they think the price would be for all of humanity's sins? Did they think it was going to be a quick and easy death? Jesus defeated death, with His death. He gave us immortality, because He died and rose again.I imagine , as the Pope is rumored to have said about the film, that "It is as it was."

If you don't think people are capable of the cruelty that was shown, take a look at Saddam Hussein's Iraq, with it's children's prisons, beatings, tortures, tongue slicings, rapes, electrocutions , mass graves. Saddam didn't do these things by himself he has many willing accomplices.

Or how about the Holocaust. It didn't happen that long ago. People committed unspeakable acts of cruelty to the Jewish people. No wonder Jesus told us we need to love another. We need to be saved . We are nothing without God.

A final note on the violence shown: go rent "Texas Chainsaw Massacre" Any of the "Nightmare on elm street" of "Friday the 13th" movies, "Scarface"(remember the scene where they cut a guy up with a chainsaw?) "Goodfellas" or anything by Quinten Tarantino, then come back and tell me about the "excessive violence" in "The Passion" that is based on historical fact.

I thought the movie being in Jesus's language was great. It was almost haunting to hear the words exactly as he said them, according to scripture, in His language. The subtitles made it like reading the Bible, but also seeing it right before your eyes.

I loved the way Mary was portrayed in the film. It was awesome. The scene where she remembers Jesus as a little boy falling down, while he's fallen carrying the cross, keeps coming back to me. It is heartbreaking, but awesome.

As for children seeing it, I'd say teenagers , yes definitely. 8-12 depends on what you let them watch. If you let them watch horror movies, or things such as the "Crypt Keeper" on TV, or Kill Bill, or you let them play violent video games, take them, they need to see violence with a purpose, it will be good for them.

If you don't let your kids watch horror movies or violence, see it yourself first, then decide. I'd say this movie is not for kids too much younger than 8. It is intense.

A side note about the woman who had the heart attack in the theater. I live close to a race track, and very often the ambulance will go rushing by to pick up another person who has had a heart attack at the track. It's not an uncommon event. I will bet you even money this woman was not the first person to die in a movie theater. Someone might get the statistics on that, just to put it in perspective. It seems this is an attempt to scare people into not seeing the film. It is violent and intense, but no more so than the movies I mentioned, or "We Were Soldiers".

It was a profound movie. It will stay with you a long time after it finishes. The people at the showing I was at sat in stunned silence for quite a while after it finished. (the theater workers were irritated because they wanted to start cleaning up)

Seeing this movie will really makes you contemplate the depth of the sacrifice that was made for you. It humbles you to think that He had to go through so much. It is wonderful. Thank Mel Gibson

[NCC-1701]

My wife and I saw The Passion of the Christ last night. Let me tell those who haven't seen it to be prepared for THE MOST POWERFUL depiction of the Crucifixion EVER!!!!! I was numb. And that was the first time that has happened to me after seeing a movie. True it is a violent movie, but that's the way it was then. The Scourging probably wasn't as bad as it really was. From that scene onward, the theater was silent. Crypt-like silent. There was around 125 people in there and for once the images shut everybody up. No popcorn, candy wrappers, no drinks, no cellphones making noise. Just utter quiet. It was like being at a religious service, which, in a sense, it was. I have never been so moved by the story of The Passion as I was at this. Mel Gibson deserves all the accolades due him. Jim Caviezel and the rest of the cast were perfect. To show the agony Jesus went through FOR ALL OF US in all it's bloody, gory, unsanitized acceptance of our sins should make all of us redouble our efforts to come closer to Him. This is not just a movie. It is a moving, religious experience. The talk of anti-semitism, I didn't see that. Personally, I wound up hating the Romans for what they did to Jesus. I could say more, but others will have their say. GO SEE THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST. Help make it the biggest movie of all time.

[af_vet_1981]

You can want it all you want, but it's not something you have a right to have.

I interpret your comment as you don't think I have a right to expect Christians to be genuine. It is true that anyone can call themself whatever they please. We know that from European History. It doesn't mean we must remain silent in the face of evil.

[Just mythoughts]

For those who have not READ the "story" of Balaam it is written in Numbers 22:5- Numbers 31:16

Deut. 23:4
Deut 23:5
Joshua 13:22
Joshua 24:10
Neh 13:2
Mic 6:5

New Testament witness of Balaam

IIPeter 2:15
JUDE 1:11
Revelation 2:11

Numbers22

And the children of aIsrael set forward, and pitched in the plains of Moab (who is Moab?) on this side Jordan by Jerico.

2 And Balak the son of Zippor saw all the Israel had done to the Amorites.

3 And Moab was sore agraid of the People, because they were many: and Moab was distressed because of the children of Israel.

4. And Moab said unto the elders of Midian "Now shall the companylick up all that are round about us, as the ox licketh up the grass of the field." And Balak the son of Zippor was king of the Moabites at that time.

5. He sent messengers therefore unto Balaam the son of Beor to Pethor, which is by the river of the land of the children of his people, to call him, saying. "Behold, there is a People come out from Egypt: behold they cover the face of the earth, and they abide over against me:

6 Come now therefore, I pray thee, curse me this People; for they are too mighty for me: preadventure I shall prevail, that we may smite them, and that I may drive them out of the land: for I wot that he whom thou blessest is blessed, and he whom thou cursest is cursed."

OH, I got it that is why the "dims" the lying liberal left uses a DONKEY?

YOU want to talk about twisting scripture.

Yes it would serve Christians wellllllllll to read about Balaam in all places he is written about, maybe some might get a clue.

[Just mythoughts]

I stay in the Word and find my "TRUTH" written there.

Christ told us I have foretold you all things, guess HE forgot to warn us of Hutton.

[af_vet_1981]

Yes, I think this sums up the gist of the antisemite who seeks religious sanction to destroy the Jews.

• Behold, there is a people come out from Egypt: behold, they cover the face of the earth, and they abide over against me:
• Come now therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people; for they are too mighty for me: peradventure I shall prevail, that we may smite them, and that I may drive them out of the land: for I wot that he whom thou blessest is blessed, and he whom thou cursest is cursed.
• Come, curse me Jacob, and come, defy Israel.
• What hast thou done unto me? I took thee to curse mine enemies, and, behold, thou hast blessed them altogether.
• Neither curse them at all, nor bless them at all.

[sweet_diane]

"I've said it a million times: Hollywood will not allow this film to win any critical acclaim or industy accolades."

I don't usually watch award shows but did happen to surf by the People's Choice awards, I guess it's been a couple of months ago now. Mel Gibson won for best male actor in a movie...yet he hadn't put out a movie during the year! He seemed very emotional while receiving the award.

[hellinahandcart]

I interpret your comment as you don't think I have a right to expect Christians to be genuine.

Expect away, but it still doesn't entitle you to the fulfillment of your expectations.

You have no idea what may have been said between Mel and Hutton Gibson privately on this subject. Neither do I. I believe I am not entitled to know it, though. Any more than Mel Gibson is entitled to know the status of relationships in my family.

As for being a genuine Christian, I don't see how public denouncement and repudiation to satisfy strangers can be reconciled with "Honor thy father and thy mother". I wouldn't do it myself, and I don't require it of Mel.

[sweet_diane]

If I may also suggest "The Christ Commission" by Og Mandino. Very good read.

[Just mythoughts]

Well then you should read Christ's instruction, the parable of the "TARES" because a "TRUE" Christian follows that.

[TxBec]

Good post. Another point a seminarian friend brought up to us once: Compare the crucifix you will see in North America to any you will see in Central or South America, especially in newer churches. The ones south of the border are so much more graphic/realistic. I've seen a few in Panama and they are so much closer to what we saw on the screen yesterday, as compared to the one in our church.

[Liz]

Looking at the circumstances by which you saw it, God sure wanted you to see the movie. I think it was so you could post your breathtaking review on this thread.

[FlatLandBeer]

This movie will make you think over and over again. You will flash back to various sceens a put in context all what it means. You'll think about the satan figure, a better understanding of the suffering of Mary watching her son being tourtured and killed. The reaction of individuals to Christ, Simon of Cyrene helping with the cross is very important to this story. The flashbacks to Jesus's life and teaching, provide further context to what is happing.

This movie bring for this Catholic the staions of the Cross to life. No mistake in calling the production company ICON, this is a cinematic ICON that put you the view in to the story.

One other thing the camera show Jesus's view of what is happing to him sevral times to put you the viewer in his place to understand his suffering.

Once the suffering is understood then the redemption of Christ is understood. Play this movie over in your mind you will find more understanding every time.

[bigeasy_70118]

http://www.suntimes.com/output/ebert1/cst-ftr-passion24.html

Roger Ebert who normally I don't like is the one intellectually honest movie critic.

I agree w/ Ebert that what the movie does, at least for Catholics, is bring home one of the tenets of our faith. When we take communion, it is the body of Christ. For the first time in my life, and after 12 years of Catholic education and 32 years of regular church attendance, I understand what transubstantiation means. And I will never think of communion the same way again.

[PigRigger]

Correct. The practice of sacrificing an innocent lamb for the forgiveness of their sins was practiced. During Passover, the smearing of the lambs blood on the homes of the Jewish people saved their first born. It was instituted according the the Judaic law, the atonement of sin fell on to the slaughtering of the innocent by the High Priest in the Temple.

I know a lot of Jews have problems with the Jewish leaders being compliant in the capturing and condemning of Christ to death. However, they do not understand the context of why it had to be this way.

Christs death had to follow and fulfill Jewish law and prophecy. It had to be the Jews who delivered him to the Romans for sentencing. Christ came to fulfill the second covenant promised to His chosen people, the people of Israel. He was the last and ultimate sacrifice, rendered by the Highest Priest of them all - God, by which all of mankind could be forgiven.