The Passion of the Christ
reviewed by Benn "Where's the Humanity?" Farrell & Brian "the Naked Gun" Felts
What I like most that sets this one apart from others is how director Mel Gibson went out of
his way to show the Roman leaders, such as Pilot, as men with hearts and humanity. Men who
knew what they were doing were unjust, but felt immense pressure to keep rebellion down in
their area of governing or feel the wrath of Cesar.
I enjoyed how Gibson set up the kind of power Caiphas sought through the Pharasies. And
no, I do not see it as anti-Semitic. Could it cause anti-Semitic feelings among the general
public? Sure, cause people are stupid and they do stupid things. Otherwise there would be
no daily newspapers and nightly news programs.
I also enjoyed seeing Jesus smile. Many films focusing on the Christ, like "The Greatest Story
Ever Told" where Max Von Sydow played Jesus, the son is always walking around with such a
sullen demeanor. In "The Passion of the Christ," Jim Caviezel is consistently seen as happy
to be spreading his words of truth. Of course, he is not smiling through his scenes getting
the crap lashed out of him.
This comes to the next aspect of the film, which got a lot of talk…the violence. Yes, it is
without a doubt the most violent and closest to accurate depiction of the punishment the
Roman's dealt ever before in film. However, the actual lashes the Christ receives are
minimal. Gibson uses more sound effects and shots of Jesus' hands and his assailants than
anything more bloody.
There is a passage of scripture, which states after the Roman guards' scourging of Jesus
was stopped, the Christ did not resemble anything that was human. This movie is the first
to fit that passage.
Even Pilot, perfectly played by actor Hristo Naumov Shopov, was shocked at the condition the Christ
was in when upon returning from punishment. I must say, I have seen the picture four times
and I have seen it sitting next to Christians, atheists and agnostics alike and almost all
of them end up in tears.
Although there are several heart felt moments between mother and son, believer and the
holy, disciple and the denied, which are very powerful, it is extremely difficult for ANY
person with a soul to witness the represented brutality and not end up in tears no matter
what their faith is. It's a tough movie to watch.
Those of us who believe are in for a crappy time with this flick, reminded of what the Christ
endured.
Other aspects of the film I loved was the relationship between Pilot and wife Gladrielle, the
well portray decadence of King Herod by actor Luca De Dominicis and the gorgeous cinematography by
DP Caleb Deschanel.
My only criticsm is the movie only focuses on the last 12 hours of the Christ's life, thrown
in with a handful of quick minute flashbacks, so the overall story has a feeling of being out
of context.
I'm bound and proud to say this movie needs to be seen, whether you believe or not. Gibson has
loaded this picture with much eye candy to supplement what he felt was a story long overdue its
most proper representation.
However, since it made SO much money at the box office, I expect Hollywood to create a
blockbuster sequel. Something stupid like "Revenge of the Christ" or "Return of the Son of
the Christ" or "Bride of the Christ."
Benn - Where's the Humanity?
I don't know what to say about this movie after I have finally watched it. I don't know a lot
about the last days so I assume that this was as close to the Bible as it needs to be. I am surprised
to see that the Roman leaders appeared to be more indirectly responsible than responsible for the crucifixion.
The acting was incredible and the makeup was also amazing. How Jesus looked after going through
everything he did, it was hard to imagine that it was only makeup.
I don't know what else to say. The movie is good and should be seen whether you believe in it
or not. It is an amazing movie, as well as story, which I guess isn't surprising. Brian - the Naked Gun
So far, this is my favorite picture released in 2004, just above "Miracle." By far, this is the
best film of the crucifixion.