Passion of the Christ

Richard · Post by **Richard** » Fri Sep 03, 2004 9:01 pm

I did not want to see this movie. The wife did because of what she had heard. I guess sometimes you just have to experience things for yourself.

I find this movie quite ridiculous, unrealistic, totally embellished for symbolic delivery and chock full of fantasy. It is not a bad movie by far in terms of production and performance. In fact I guess you can say it was a great movie based on those qualities. And I guess if you like being mesmerized by the premeditated evil actions of folks like Stalin, Hitler, Jeffrey Dommer and such it could be considered a good movie. If you are interested in a blood bath and the projection of as much cruelty as possible for a depressing evening then maybe this is for you. Hardly entertainment in my book but then some folks like the Texas Chain Saw Massacre.

From what I understand devout Christians found something endearing about this movie.

Personally, not recommended.

Richard · Post by **Richard** » Sat Sep 04, 2004 2:59 pm

I have seen many movies in the past that made other folks shudder while I viewed then unaffected for the most part.

This movie is so graphically horrific, brutal and grotesque that I found myself hard pessed to shake the images I had seen to the point of making me ill today forcing me to lay still for a while and collect my thoughts. Seriously.

I wish I had not watched it. Believe me, you are not missing anything. While I will not say I am a scholar, I am well versed (probably did not help much), and nothing of additional relevance to the story of Jesus has been provided in this screenplay. All you are losing is the ability to shoot the shit over the water cooler at work which by the way is what drove my wife to see it.

The name Mel Gibson will never hold the same meaning and value for me...

Viewer beware!

raff · Post by **raff** » Wed Oct 06, 2004 8:44 am

Richard,

I tend to agree with your movie reviews, but on this one you and I are polar opposites.

I am a Catholic, so yes it has some religous relevance to me, but this movie goes much deeper than that. What this movie did for Christians was to graphically depict the suffering that Jesus endured for us. Most people coming out of the movie were horified, but then moved into a state of realization and gratitude. Chrisitians know the stories, and know Jesus suffered, but they never had it splashed all over them in such a manner as to repulse, then be deeply thankful. There were enlightening scene's too. Most people were moved (or crying) when Mary came to her son's aid as he dragged the cross. That was a very powerful scene to a lot of us and ripped at some of the gore.

I do think this movie is mostly enjoyed by Christians, but not necessarily just the devout ones.

Richard · Post by **Richard** » Wed Oct 06, 2004 10:36 am

Raff,

Thank you for your comments and presenting the other side of this coin!

raff · Post by **raff** » Thu Oct 07, 2004 6:33 am

That's what makes this country great! The ability to disagree!