So I watched The Passion Of The Christ. For no real reason, other than the fact that I wanted to see what all the fuss was about.First off, I should point out that I'm an absolute, complete SAP when it comes to War movie's and Jesus movies (I'm not Christian, but I think I must have been in my last life time, or something.) so my analysis might be tainted with my propensity to be moved by any thing connected with Christ or the sadness of human nature.
With that said.....I quite liked the movie. Overall way, way too much violence, so much violence that you just kind of zone out, and start fiddling with your cell phone in the theatre, till something else starts to happen.It's actually even a little boring, cause nothing freaking happens. The whole movie was kind of like The Lord Of The Rings. The whole purpose of the movies was just to see those situations which you picture in your head, brought to life. Mel Gibson didn't really dwell on the true message of Christ, but spent more time making sure we all saw the "famous" parts, like the part where he says " This bread is my body, which I have given up for you", and all those "important" parts like the "Forgive them Father, for they know not what they do" etc, etc. Basically all the stuff they teach you in school.
However the overall impact of the movie was powerful, though in parts you feel like Gibson just added slow motion so that he could fill 2 hours of film.Jim Caviezel, as Jesus, was pretty good. He's kind of what I imagined Jesus should look and be like, but in parts where he's giving his sermons, I don't think he quite pulled it off. Monica Bellucci ( Mary Magdalene) and Maia Morgenstern (Virgin Mary) were quite watchable, though neither did much but walk around and cry.Hristo Shopov (Pontius Pilate) was fabulous , I loved all his scenes , thought he did a really good job. The Jewish clergy were also very convincing.There were these wierd scenes with Satan (Rosalinda Celentano) though, that were felt like they were lifted from that J.Lo movie The Cell, sort of like some out of place tribute to Gothic artwork.
The movie would have been improved, if the director had taken some time to showcase the true meaning of Christ's existence, and the impact he had on the people and the times. At parts you feel like , the movie gets close to a revelation of sorts, but the script neatly sidesteps any sort of contemplation on any core Christian philosophy.Like when Pontius Pilate asks Jesus "What is the truth?" and you're like all anticipating the answer and then the scene cuts to the angry mob outside.( what gives?) As for the whole anti-semitism controversy, I didn't find anything THAT objectionable about the whole thing.
As far as I can tell Gibson's version is pretty accurate, and the movie doesn't really arouse any strongly anti-semitic feelings. You do feel angry, but only towards the clergy, who clearly call for the crucifiction, but there is no blame placed on the Jewish people, who are portrayed merely as sheep, following the lead of the Head Rabbi.So I really don't know why people are getting so upset. Yeah, I guess it may arouse some bad memories, but I don't really think there's anything in the movie to fuel any real hatred.But hey that's just me, I'm as secular minded as they come, so I probably wouldn't know, what could trigger these nutcases off.
Overall I'd give the movie a 7 on 10,I say try and catch it in the theatre, but be prepared for the subtitles,loads of mind numbing violence,some truly great cinematography, and just a teensy bit of boredom.
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