Mel Gibson's 'The Passion of the Christ' starring James Caviezel
This is, quite simply, one of the best films to be released in recent years:
Production
It is very well produced, and well acted by an almost-unknown cast (apart from James Caviezel as Jesus and Monica Bellucci as Mary Magdalene). It has high production values: Mel Gibson invested twelve years of his life, and $25 million of his own money in this film. He said that he set out to produce a work of art, and he has succeeded. People will be watching this film for years to come.
Faithful
It is broadly faithful to the story as set out in the Bible, in Matthew's Gospel chapter 26 verse 36 to chapter 27 verse 56, Mark's Gospel chapter 14 verse 32 to chapter 15 verse 41, Luke's Gospel chapter 22 verse 39 to chapter 23 verse 49, and John's Gospel chapter 18 verse 1 through to chapter 19 verse 36. There are a few historical inaccuracies, but they are comparatively minor, and do not spoil the overall thrust of the film.
Plot
The film covers the last twelve hours in the life of Christ, from his arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, through his trial to his crucifixion. What could easily have become unremittingly bleak is lightened, and given depth, by a series of flashbacks to earlier events in the life of Christ: his childhood and youth; the rescue of the woman caught in the act of adultery (John's Gospel chapter 8 verses 1-11); through to his 'Last Supper' with his followers.
Supernatural
There is an explicit message about the Good News of Jesus Christ, although this is not laboured in the way that so many 'message' films hammer their point home with all the subtlety of a falling brick. Gibson lets the story make the point for him. However, the film is not afraid of the supernatural; it does not balk at Jesus's claim to be the Son of God. It also makes a very clear link between his death and our sins. This comes out right at the beginning of the film, with the use of a quotation from Isaiah:
But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was upon him,
and by his wounds we are healed. (Isaiah chapter 53 verse 5)
As the film moves towards its end, and cuts back and forward to the Last Supper, it quotes Jesus's words:
You are my friends, and the greatest love a person can have for his friends is to give his life for them. (John chapter 15 verse 13)
Finally, there is a clear (if very brief) presentation of the resurrection of Christ.
Positive
So there is a lot that is positive about this film, and overall, it is definitely to be recommended. However, there are also some issues with it: The main criticisms that have been raised against it are that it is violent and anti-semitic or that it is historically inaccurate.
Questions for discussion or reflection
- How did you react to the way the film shows Jesus's sufferings?
- Is the film too violent? If so, why? If not, why not?
- Does it make any difference that in the film the violence is shown graphically and visibly, rather than being described in written words in the Bible?
- At the heart of the Good News of Jesus Christ is the belief that when he died, he was paying the price for our sin and guilt. Nowhere does this come out more clearly than in the passage from the Old Testament prophecy of Isaiah which is quoted right at the start of the film. How do you respond to this idea in the light of the film?
- Does it matter that some of the dialogue is fictional? If so, why? If not, why not? Are there any limits to legitimate 'artistic license' in a film like this, and if so, what are they?
- At the heart of the Christian message there is the claim that Jesus is the unique Son of God, in a way that no-one else ever has been or ever will be. How is this communicated in the film?
- Has the film changed the way you think about Christ? If so, how?
Seen the film? Have questions?
'The Life - Explore the Passion of the Christ' - an excellent site about the story behind the film. The webmasters describe this as 'a website for people who have seen the film and have questions.' What is it about? In their own words:
After seeing the movie, thelife.com is an opportunity for people to explore the Passion of Christ. Feature articles on the site will deal with common questions people have after seeing the movie. Through articles, video clips, discussion boards and a chatroom visitors will have the chance to dig deeper into the life of Christ. There will also be the opportunity to sign-up for a 10-day email journey that will take them through a discussion of the film, scripture and what Christ's sacrifice means for them.
In early screenings of the film there has been an eerie hush when the final credits roll. This movie moves people. When people have an emotional experience of this depth, they want to talk about it. We're building thelife.com to let them do exactly that. Laced throughout the site will be opportunities for people to email us their questions and prayer requests. Everything on the site will point to who Jesus is and why He was willing to suffer so greatly, and so graphically, for each of us.
Who is Jesus? - the passion of Christ - another site mainly for people who are not yet followers of Christ.
Buy 'The Passion' here
As a DVD:
Order from the UK
Order from the USA
As a video tape:
Order from the UK
Order from the USA
The official 'The Passion of the Christ' site
'Passion prompts murder confession' - this, and a wide range of other Passion-related stories from the BBC
Free promotional materials for the film
Tell a friend by email (or text message) about the availability of movie clips
of the film at:
http://www.buzzplant.com/passion/
See the Passion.com - 'See the Passion with your own eyes; feel it in your heart for ever.' - An independent website supporting the movie.
A News Anchor's Perspective: "Nothing in my existence... could have prepared me for what I saw on-screen last night" - Review by Jody Dean, Dallas-Ft. Worth anchor for CBS.
"...the most gut-wrenching, emotional and life-changing two hours of my life." - Review by J R Whitby, director of Gospelcom.net
Will Mel Gibson's Passion of Christ help save Christianity? Article by Daniel Johnson in the 11th February 2004 issue of the London Daily Telegraph
'Who would want to see a film this violent?' The first UK review of the film, by John Hiscock in the London Daily Telegraph
Leadership University feature article on 'The Passion' - also contains a wide range of links to additional articles.