For the past few days, I've been very excited about this movie, judging from all the hype. I've read about people leaving the theatre in tears, and crowds sitting in silence for 5 minutes after the movie was over. I've also read about people not being able to talk at all for 10 minutes to an hour after the movie. I have read that it's something you'll never forget.
About 3 hours before I left to go to the theatre, it dawned on me that I should probably take some of the hype with a grain of salt. So I did, and it was a good decision.
It was a pretty good movie.
Earth-shatteringly good? Perhaps.
Was I in a state of stunned silence for an hour after the movie was over? No.
Brought me to tears? No. I cry almost every time at the end of Rudy when the team carries him off the field. Especially if I've had a few beers. But this movie wasn't the kind that would make me cry. But that's just me.
It was a movie about the torture and crucifixion of Christ. That's what you should expect to see when you buy your ticket because that's exactly what you get.
The violence? If you've seen Saving Private Ryan or any slasher movie, you'll be fine. If you're one of those people that hasn't been to a movie theatre since 1976 and don't own a television, you may be a little shocked, but perhaps you should get out more often, too.
The acting, direction, cinematography, costumes, etc..... MASTERFUL.
Probably the best thing I liked about the film was the Good vs. Evil aspect. There is a Satan character in the movie, and Mel Gibson makes that quite obvious.
Also, the anti-Semitism hype we've all been hearing about. The Jewish leadership in the film is definately portrayed as the bad-guys. So after watching the movie, I can understand why the "anti-defamation" types are hysterical.
Star rating.. 5 stars being best , 1 being worst...
**** 4 stars out of 5.
Well folks, that's my amateur review. Take it for what it's worth. :)