I hesitated commenting on this film because of the religious nature...so I'll stay away from that aspect of it. I took my mom to see it this afternoon. What I will say is, I was profoundly effected by the movie. It was violent, and gives a very vivid depiction of what the Crucifixtion was probably like. No matter what your religious belief, what race or nationality you are, you cannot help but be moved by the injustice that fear breeds, and man's inhumanity to man. I won't say one way or the other if you all should see it, it's a very personal choice. With all of the publicity about it, I just wanted to share that I saw it today and for me, it was well worth it. Awesome job of film-making by Mel Gibson.

Savannah, thank you so much for handling this post so well. I belong to an adoption board that has just been torn apart by the controversy regarding this film, so I think it is important that we stear clear of that aspect. SpiritKeep respects people of all religious faiths and we do our best to keep any unpleasant controversy off the board.
I've also heard that from the point of view of film making it is an amazing picture. Hubby wants to see it after some of the hoopla dies down, but I probably won't. I cried like a baby during Cold Mountain, so I know I couldn't handle this one!

Phueeeww! I'm glad you didn't tell us how the movie ends. I hate it when someone gives away the ending of the movie.

I guess I'm still in the dark here. I don't understand what the controversy is. Of course when making a religious flick you'll always put someones knickers in a bunch.

Agreed! Pate, thank you for the diplomatic approach about this movie. I've not yet seen it (but most likely will at some point), but I know it has a lot of folks up in arms. As Nakis says, any time you make a movie about religion, it's apt to be a firestorm.

I do want to see it though! =)

Kell

Yeah I'd like to see it myself (I think?) but was warned by friends to not take my children because of the violence. I also heard the crucifixtion was extremely graphic.

Psst Nakis...3 men sentenced to death. Only one comes out alive. Nah, I won't say anymore

My husband wants to see this movie, but I emotionally know that I could not handle it. Even the previews have caused nightmares for me. Poor dh, I wish I could accommodate this, but I can't - but he knows me well enough not to even ask. He'll probably go with a friend from work. Personally I'd rather concentrate on the resurrection, but this is just my opinion.

My $.02 -Favorite Jesus movie ever-Lol...

"Monty Python's Life of Brian" (1979)
Rude, crude, vulgar, occasionally blasphemous and sometimes hilarious satire. Christ is seen only in passing, which is just as well.

Have not seen the movie yet and not sure that I will. I have heard as well that it is a very powerful film that was well done. Just not sure the emotions could handle that intense violence. We watch tons of movies and many have violence in them but they are stories made up by Hollywood. I do agree with Nakis though not sure what all the controversy is.

Cat =)

For anyone interested, there's a show on The History Channel tonight that will compare the movie to history. =)

The History Channel: The Passion of the Christ[/URL]

Kell

THanks Kell... I'll be sure to watch... =)

I have seen the previews, and I will probably see the film eventually. It does look like it will be extremely violent.

From a few comments I've heard on TV talk shows, I guess the biggest problem most people have with it is there are two basic religions who disagree on what really happened, and who was behind the things that happened.

That is very sad about the adoption board, Carrie. =( I find it sad that people will argue and fight over something like this. It would make as much sense to argue and fight over the best brand of underwear... it is a personal thing, and something that each person has arrived at their own conclusions about, based on personal experience and beliefs.

It really should not matter to me which brand of underwear my neighbor wears, and it doesn't, and I certainly wouldn't fight with someone who didn't agree with my own choices. Everyone has their own comfort zone, and their own beliefs. This movie ignites flames when one person expects another to believe just as they do. There is a certain amount of personal freedom to be derived from allowing others to believe as they wish, especially where religion is concerned. =)

I am very interested in this film, from a standpoint of the historical events that are depicted here. We cannot be absolutely certain that everything in this film was concrete fact. We must remember that these events occurred a long time before they were actually documented, and that was done by several different people, The documentation cannot help but have some of the author's personal beliefs and conclusions incorporated in it. If we had been there personally, we might recall some of this as having been quite different.
Bottom line, none of us living today knows enough about it to be arguing and flaming others who disagree with our own views.

The movie was made beautifully. But the content is brutal, it is extremelly hard to watch. I agree with what everyone has said. Its sad that since the time of mans beginning we've all lacked tolerence and compassion at some time.

I just saw the movie. It was extremely graphic (emphasis on extremely) and was very violent. It was very accurate in many ways according to my recollection of the Gospels.
It's a very moving and disturbing film. At times I had to focus to stop myself from falling down wailing.
The movie was very well done in presenting the Passion of Christ. I was hoping it was going to focus more on his ministry.

I've heard reports of people putting the movie down stating that it will incite people to engage in anti-Semitic action. I do believe it will. But anyone who does has missed the message of Whom the movie was about. The people who will would commit acts of aggression over anything else similar. Sadly enough.

I've not seen the movie yet and suspect that I will wait till it hits video. I've been told by many of those who've already seen it and it's been echoed on this board, that this is NOT kid appropriate. I find it very interesting that the movie has stirred such raw emtions and I can't help but wonder if Mel Gipson achieved exactly what he wanted and that was to make christ our passion?

I haven't seen the movie yet either bc it is always sold out...and has been since it came to town....I will just also have to wait until it hits the video so I can watch it...but from what I have heard it is an awesome movie.

My husband is seeing it with friends this weekend. It is one movie I could not watch with him, I had nightmares from the trailers! Definitely not for me, I am curious however. Well, on Sat. my husband will tell me all about it! Madammacabre