Rating: 
Summary: "What Is Truth?" Pilate cynically asked
Review: Although I will never watch it again, I was glad that I went to see this powerful movie. It accurately portrays Jesus' last tortured hours on planet earth. I give kudos to Gibson, who was brave enough to finance this movie himself, amidst much controversy. I would encourage all to watch this movie, at least one time, to understand why throughout the ages, thousands have been willing to die for their belief in a man called Jesus Christ.
Yes, this movie is violent, but this world is violent, and Jesus did not come to escape the realities of this world, but to share in our sufferings.
Rating: 
Summary: Gibson's grievous fault
Review: From a purely literary viewpoint, the trial and execution of Christ is one of the most powerful stories ever told. But in Mel Gibson's new film "The Passion of the Christ" the fine drama is turned into coarse melodrama, as Gibson concentrates on flaying, blood-flying violence, the kind that appeals to the same people who flock to slasher movies. In fact, there may be those eagerly awaiting "The Passion of the Christ 2: Peter Gets His". Of course, there is violence in classic art. The Christian iconography of the Renaissance has canvas after canvas of whippings and nailings; but those images are static and stylized, not the graphic naturalism of motion pictures. Speaking of which: Gibson, in promoting the movie, has emphasized how realistic his picture is, an oblique put-down of the Biblical epics of he Fifties and Sixties. Granted, many of those productions were artificial and sometimes not even very entertaining. (At the risk of being hunted down by the NRA, I must admit I think "Ben Hur" is about 45 minutes too long.) But the fact is "The Passion of the Christ" possesses the same artificialities as those old films -- presenting, for instance, a tall and handsome Jesus. There is a very strong likelihood that the historical Jesus looked more like Woody Allen than Jeffrey Hunter, but Gibson's realism evidently didn't extend into casting. There are also some unfortunate lapses into what can kindly be called poetic license, including a sit-comish flashback where Mary is confused by a modern table constructed by her smart carpenter son. I'm giving the picture two stars, one for the cast's restrained ensemble acting and one for the superb photography of Caleb Deschanel. As for the movie itself, simplistic and sensationalistic, I don't think it's at all what Matthew, Mark, Luke and John had in mind.
Rating:
Summary: Great Christian Film: No Longer an Oxymoron
Review: How does one address a movie like The Passion...? So much controversy, so much blood, so much potential to both inspire and offend, yet which has become the highest grossing R-rated movie in history... To discuss a movie such as this is to attempt to walk across hot coals without getting burned.I've always loved an intellectual challenge. The Passion of the Christ is Mel Gibson's love letter to Jesus, taking the familiar Biblical tale and spelling out everything that was previously just a vague statement. Many have criticized it for it's violence, saying that it was a movie Mel made only for himself. They seem to forget that the best art was made only for the artist. And, considering this was made for The Artist, that sets it up to an even higher standard. And, on whatever level you see it, it's quite a piece of filmmaking. Gibson certainly knows how to make a wonderfully detailed, dramatic historical film, no matter what your faith, and knows how to draw out the tension in every moment. Every craftsman, from composer John Debney to cinematographer Caleb Deschanel, is at the top of their game, and Gibson's use of slow-motion makes sure you feel the wieght of every blow. Whether the film as a whole is lacking in dramatic weight depends entirely on how well you understand the story behind the story. The Biblical crucifiction is more than simply a man being beaten and killed. It is God fulfilling a mission, while facing direct opposition from all evil. An early subtitle explains that Jesus' mission was to die for all mankind, bearing the punishment for the sins of all. No easy task. The point is driven home by Satan, envisioned by Gibson as a strangely appealing, albino, androgynous type. Indeed, Satan is onhand throughout the movie, every time that it gets to be difficult. Jesus' mother, Mary, even asks when He will choose to be delivered. That's the point of the movie: will He give in? Will it be so bad that He will turn His back on His mission? The death isn't the end: it's a tragic victory.(...) Again, that all depends on what you take in.(...) Those who truly understand the depth of the movie, though, may be inspired to hug the next Jewish person they see. I'm not saying that there isn't evidence there. Caiaphus is indeed portrayed as a tooth-gnashing villain type. (For that reason, and that reason alone, I deduct half a star.) But many more Jews stand by Jesus' side when He needs them most. There is no blanket Jew-bashing going on here. Simply Sanhidren bashing. Is it a life-changing experience? Well, I can't speak for everyone, but it most definitely worked in me. Either way, love it or hate it, you'll be talking about it for a long tim after you leave the theater. And that's what a great movie is supposed to do.
Rating:
Summary: Passionate for The Passion
Review: I am the Senior Pastor of Lake Almanor Community Church in Northern California. I saw "The Passion of The Christ" movie on 1/5/03, with Mel Gibson present and interviewed after the presentation. Here are some of my thoughts and his. I believe this movie will bring the person and death of Jesus Christ to our nation like few others have done in the past. Though embellished by Gibson in a few parts, it is a substantially more accurate account and vivid depiction of what Jesus endured during the last hours of His earthly life than most other films about Christ. It is the best film on Jesus I've ever seen, even though it focused largely on the last twelve hours of His life. It was a very descriptive and moving motion picture. Even though it was filmed in three languages of Jesus day (Aramaic, Hebrew, and Latin) with English subscripts, I was mesmerized by the power of the visual message. Do you want to know the Truth about the sufferings and crucifixion? See the film! The Passion Of The Christ is a biblical retelling of the betrayal, trials, suffering, and crucifixion of Jesus Christ, detailing the last 12 hours of His earthly life, artfully intertwining flashbacks to earlier moments in His life and ministry. The film is a project in which Gibson invested 12 years of his life and $25 million dollars of his own funds. As a director and Academy Award-Winning Actor, Gibson, who is credited with such movies as Braveheart, The Patriot, and Forever Young, explained to our pastoral audience, "I had to do this movie. It was a calling, I did not have a choice." Nationally known Christian leaders like Billy Graham, Chuck Colson, James Dobson, and Bill Bright have endorsed this movie as one of the most truthful and inspiring depictions of Christ's suffering and death on film to date. I agree. For this reason, it has been rated R for "graphic violence. In this case, rated R stands more for Realistic. Nevertheless, I strongly urge adults to preview the movie before bringing younger people to see it. I think the content is too graphic or mature for all children 12 or under. After the preview concluded, Gibson was interviewed by nationally known Christian author, Lee Strobel ("The Case For Christ"). While Strobels questions covered a wide range of serious topics about this biblical drama, Gibson often brought the crowd of clergy to laughter with his lighthearted humor. For example, Strobel asked Gibson, "Why did you choose the actor Jim Caviezel to play the role of Jesus? Gibson wittingly answered, Its because hes thirty-three years old and his initials are J.C.!" On a more solemn note, when asked about the criticism the movie is already receiving from some Jews, Muslims, and theological liberals, Gibson replied, "Im sorry if some people are offended by the truth. The film is historically true, though I did take some poetic license in a few parts. My concern in making the film was to be authentic, right down to cultural customs and practices. Other films about Jesus havent always done that. At times they have even depicted him with blonde hair and blue eyes. My film is based upon the historical accounts of the Bible. I dont understand those people who dont believe the Bible as history. The Gospel writers were eyewitnesses. Its not only history; its the Word of God. I didnt make this up! I also consulted with many bible scholars about the film." As far as the personal reasons for producing this film, Gibson passionately confessed, "The film was born at a turning point in my life 12 years ago, when I was literally looking down from a 15-story window. Something wasnt right. I had all the fame and money in the world., but I had to make a choice, whether or not getting out of this frying pan was just jumping into another. At that point, I re-examined the Truth. Christ's wounds healed my wounds." Bottom line, see the movie. Then read The Book.
Rating:
Summary: Compelling and powerful
Review: I have always enjoyed biblical movies; The Ten Commandments, David and Goliath and so on. This new movie by Mel Gibson is excellent! So realistic! Somewhat like the great film, The Titanic, I felt like I was experiencing this in real time and witnessessing it for myself. Producers and directors deserve great credit for a real masterpiece of work. As for the controversy, a lot of people get unnerved when a movie is made about Christ. But as others have stated, this is only a movie, a very good one, but only a movie. It is not scripture, although it does bring scripture to life. I highly recommend the movie and glad to see that Mel Gibson is prooving himself as a director/producer, very successful at that. Mr. Gibson went out on a limb to produce this and show us his passion. Great job Mel!
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Summary: Praise God! For He is Risen!
Review: I have been a Christian since I was 7 yrs old, however I like many strayed from Gods chosen path. When I saw this movie I was not only moved to tears but found my life changing in the most wonderful of ways! I prayed for forgiveness of my sins again because all of what Jesus endured, he endured for us. He didn't have to, ya know? And I now have the blessed assurance that I will go to Heaven! Amen! This movie is very graphic but the graphics are uterly necessary if we are to grasp the truth of what Christ endured for all of us. I hope that you will see this film and that Christ's journey will have a profound impact in your life as well! God Bless!
Rating:
Summary: The Passion
Review: I have seen this movie twice. I believe that this film could not have come at a better time. It was released on Ash Wednesday; very appropriately. Mel Gibson is right: the world has gone crazy, and we need a wake-up call.
The film was artistically stunning; every scene and shot had a deep meaning. As I have read and conversed more about the film, I have learned how various scenes were conceived and how each actor and filmmaker contributed to the movie; despite coming from disparate cultures and religions. For example, Maia Morgenstern introduced a line from the Passover Celebration: "Why is this night different from every other night?" She also had the idea to pick up the dirt and rocks and let them fall from her hands when Jesus dies on the cross. This is what many women in the Middle East do when they lose their children and loved ones.
Jim Caveziel has said that he did not want people to see him: he wanted them to see Christ. I saw Christ's mercy, his concern for each of us, in the midst of our most horrible treatment of him. This is Someone to spend eternity with.
This movie has changed my life, permanently. I will see scenes from it in my mind every time I see someone suffering, every time I attend Mass, every time I make a moral choice.
I was stunned and saddened by the violence, but I felt that it was appropriate and that it was the truth about what happened. While it took place, I wept and contemplated man's inhumanity to man. Slavery. The mobs in the French Revolution. The Holocaust (perpetrated by people who called themselves Christians). Priest and pastor abuse of minors. My visit to Anne Frank's house in Amsterdam. My experience with AIDS patients in the Hematology-Oncology clinic (I am a physician). The atrocities which took place, and are still taking place, in Iraq, Afghanistan, Africa. And most of all: my own behavior.
I am saddened but not entirely surprised by the intensity of the hate directed at this film by various critics. Many of them have not seen the film. Mel Gibson has been called crazy, "mad", antisemitic. He has been accused of saying that his wife is going to "Hell." This is not what he said. I have seen "Christian" (fringe) web sites that criticize the film for being too Catholic, honoring Mary too much (Read the Bible: "Behold your mother."), and "leaving Christ on the cross." Did these people see the end of the film? One critique, written by a Catholic priest who obviously did not see the film, claimed that Jesus never says, "Father forgive them." He says it twice.
The film is a litmus test. Take Him or leave Him. This film is about Conversion: conversion is an ongoing process. This film is about the remedy to evil. Watch Simon; the man who was forced to take up the cross with Jesus. He goes from wanting nothing to do with Him, to imitating Him: His defense of the helpless, His strength, and His mercy. Simon goes away a completely different man. None of us want to take up the cross, but life gives it to us anyway. The way we deal with it is our choice.
Rating: 
Summary: A Review
Review: I love movies that guilt trip you into believing in religion. The book was way better, even though it's overrated too. Overall I think this movie is the equivalent to toilet paper. This movie made me believe in Santa Claus more than Jesus. F
Rating:
Summary: A review of the Passion of the Christ
Review: I was very disappointed with the DVD version of "Passion of the Christ". I saw the movie when it was first released last year. The acting, the music, the use of Aramaic/Hebrew/Latin in the film with the English subtitles, were all superb.
Enter the DVD version. The cinema and actors of course are great, but there is a narrator giving me a blow by blow (pun intended) running commentary of what I am watching on the screen, and another one reading the English subtiltles to me. The whole mood and atmosphere of the original movie is totally lost, and it seems to detract somewhat from the superb acting. It's as though someone decided they were going to make a movie for the blind.
Save your money on this DVD and buy The Book. Then you can read the original accounts by Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
Rating:
Summary: ....Is it possible for a film to change your life?
Review: I would caveat my review with the fact that I am not a church-goer, nor have I ever taken the time to read the bible (as yet). I am however, a believer of Christ. I had heard about the film at the same time I also heard about the anti-semetic tags that were being pronouned on its director and determined to judge for myself, I went to see it. The cinema was full and I sat down a mix of nervous anticipation and the feeling what I can only describe as "voyeristic guilt" swept over me.. (I won't waste your time by detailing elements of the film - there are enough synopsis-laden reviews present..) The film to be frank, is unrelenting and contains some of the most brutal violence likely to be ever shown on screen. However, it is entirely because of this that "The Passion" is so totally compelling.. Mel Gibson's direction at times has been to throw the camera right in the midst of the torture; basically where you would least prefer to look if you were given a choice. In doing this, you are conciously reminded that the beatings, the flagilation and ultimately the cruxifiction are not areas to be shyed away - there is no luxery of choice in watching this film.. Despite the unrelenting bloodiness, "The Passion" also captures a quiet tenderness within the flashback sequences.. The flashbacks between a young Jesus and his mother Mary are only for a few minutes, but they provide a massive understanding towards Mary's struggle to find and comfort her dying son. In its finality people can mock the film, asking "where's the laughs"... or people can question the religous continuity within the Bible. I am not here to do that. I am thankful that such a masterpiece has been made that has given me the understanding of Jesus and how he died without forcing its own opinion down my throat.
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