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This review will be a little different than my other reviews. Most people already know the back story, the plot and everything else. We all know how the movie is going to end. That’s not what this review is about. It’s more about an experience. I’ve never experienced a movie the way I have this one. It’s almost like I was there. I was there to witness Jesus’ last 12 hours of his natural human life. James Caviezal was the actor chosen to portray Jesus and I thought he did a wonderful job. Getting back on track, this is one of the most controversial movies that have come out in recent memory. Any movie dealing with religion would, and especially so if it deals with an event like Jesus’ crucifixion.
Many people’s main problems with the movie is that it is too anti-Semitic. Honestly, I wouldn’t think it was unless I was specifically thinking that before going into the movie. The Catholic Church has exonerated the Jews of any wrongdoing long ago. The film shows how everyone was responsible for killing Jesus. Not just Jews, but everyone, the Romans, everyone. Second, people complain that this movie is way to brutal, that it is just Mel Gibson showing a bloodbath. Again, I’d have to respectfully disagree. The movie is quite gruesome sometimes, but the movie needs it. The traditional image of Christ on the cross shows him barely scathed. We all know better. He was scourged. Surely he’d have some body wounds from that and knowing how brutal the times were we see just how Jesus was hurt. We get to know better the pain and suffering Jesus felt in the hours before his death. We see the nails getting pinned into Jesus’ hands and we can experience his pain. Somehow through electronic motion we can understand Christ’s suffering more.
Another complaint I’ve seen against this movie is that there isn’t a story. Well, sorry. If you’re going into this movie for storylines and stuff, you’re there for the wrong reasons. It’s true that most movies do not require back knowledge to view, but everyone knows Christ’s story. This movie wasn’t made for atheist’s to go see and provide their jaded viewpoints; this movie is for Christians to see., for Christians to experience Christ’s pain and suffering FOR US. To those who complain of lack of story, then don’t watch it, you’re missing the point anyway.
In summation, if you call yourself Christian and believe in Christ, you have to see this movie. It’s not a movie to enjoy per se; it’s a movie to experience. You can be a witness to Jesus’ suffering. This film is like a gift itself. I thank Mel for making it. It will be on the must-see list every Easter. No matter the rating or the complaints, every Christian should see this movie.
Overall Rating
****
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