[geopyg]

I agree that Mary is on-screen a lot, perhaps due to the whole Catholic thing. Having Mary throughout also brings in a very personal touch that the audience can relate to as a mourner. She also provides a vehicle for many/most of the flashbacks. The flashbacks were what made me cry the most.

It is also not too farfetched that Mary wouldn't be around the whole time. It seems logical that John or one of the disiples at least would run back to the "home base" (where ever they were staying) to alert the others. Some may have run away, while others would have gone to see Jesus, perhaps especially the women who wouldn't be deemed a threat - even if they were followers of Jesus.

As a parent, I know that I would probably have been much like Mary. Although I would hope that I would have stuck up for my son publicly. However, perhaps Mary as a woman knew she wouldn't be able to sway anyone. Or perhaps she knew that Jesus could just work a miracle and get out of his "predicament".

As they are taking Jesus down off the cross, I wonder how Mary must have thought seeing her son, and Saviour, dead. No miracle, no answer - just dead.

And I don't think she understood that he would be rescurrected, due to the preperations for "re-burial" on Sunday and the women's surprise at the empty tomb.

In the movie, and every Easter, it is a Joy to see the empty tomb. I can only imagine Mary's (and the others, but especially Mary's) JOY when they finally understand that Jesus is Risen.

[cyncooper]

As a parent, I know that I would probably have been much like Mary. Although I would hope that I would have stuck up for my son publicly. However, perhaps Mary as a woman knew she wouldn't be able to sway anyone. Or perhaps she knew that Jesus could just work a miracle and get out of his "predicament".

She knew He was to die, that is why she did not interfere, but was there for Him.