_Passion of Christ_
Out of context: Reply #5
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- xrusos0
All right, I just got back. Let me try to sum up my thoughts on the film while it's still fresh. Apologies in advance if it's sporadic and long.
Framed with the passage from the Bible, "But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities, the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed" (Isaiah 53:5, 700 BC), this movie certainly covers the wounds, bruises, and chastisement of Jesus.
The cinematography is stylistically in line with the mood of the story line. It captures you from the beginning and draws depth from insightful flashbacks into Jesus' life.
Symbolism is peppered throughout and has caused me to pick up the Bible to look up some of the roots of the metaphors since I got back. (especially love the Satan figure*, the dead donkey, and the rain/tear drop)
*although what was the Satan-baby all about? birth of the anti-Christ construct?Despite the horrific nature of the account, the film is dramatic and beautiful - similar to Schindler's List. Mel & Company certainly illuminated the biblical account with intimate views into onlookers along the way.
The film definitely brought more humanity to the account I remember from childhood. It's there in the Bible too, but this makes it much easier to picture. (although, it's hard to say "easier" when we're talking about something so intense)
No matter what your religious heritage or beliefs, you can appreciate the cinematic artistry that went into this epic film. It draws you into the movie right from the start and I didn't look at my watch once (a nasty habit I tend to have).
Also, the scourging scene was gruesome without going over the top. (i suppose it's hard to limit that statement to just one scene since it just keeps getting worse)
An aside... A friend told me afterward that Mel's hand was the one holding the spike in the crucifixion scene.
For those worried about anti-Semitism... don't. It is clear throughout that Jesus allows this all to happen and that every group is involved in some way. Everyone in the film is either Jewish or Roman, and the only anti-Semites in the film are some Roman Centurions. If anything, people would be anti-Roman after this movie.
All in all, it is clearly Christian made and directed, but not necessarily evangelistic in nature. It is a dramatic depiction of one of the most popular stories in the Bible... a fundamental one to those who follow Christ. I don't think you have to be a Christian to see it though. It's a story of a power struggle, politics, love, and humility. It's an epic. It's beautiful.