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.
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.
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.
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.