What do you think about the Passion of the Christ??

[Aurora63]

Saw it last night w/ my DH, who happens to be a Muslim.

He had a hard time folowing it, as he is not very familiar with the life of Christ. He had hoped it would go into more detail in that regard. So maybe we'll rent Jesus of Nazareth this weekend.

For me, I had me eyes closed through a lot of scenes, especiailly the "scouraging" scene. And when he was being nailed to the cross. Too much gore for me. My only other wish for this film, besides less gore, was that maybe they could have gone a little more into the resurrection

But I thought other aspects of the film were wonderful. I needed those flashback scenes, just for a break. And I thught the guy who played Satan did a great job, he was scary! I also liked how the so much of it was biblically accurate.

The most emotional scene for me was the one were Mary trying to get to Jesus as he is carrying the cross, and he falls, and she remembers him falling as a child, and she runs to him. That reduced me to tears.

 

[IMGONNABE40!]

I hear that comment a lot, that people wish that the film would have gone more into the resurrection. The movie is called the Passion, not the Ressurection. The ressurection has been done, done and done again. Everyone likes a happy story. The point was that this movie took on the Passion with a passion. To play up the ressurection would have taken away from the over all effect/affect of the movie. Besides...that teaser at the end? You know that spells sequel! How about "The Return of the King"? Or has that already been done?

 

[Mercy]

I hear that comment a lot, that people wish that the film would have gone more into the resurrection. The movie is called the Passion, not the Ressurection. The ressurection has been done, done and done again. Everyone likes a happy story. The point was that this movie took on the Passion with a passion. To play up the ressurection would have taken away from the over all effect/affect of the movie

I have not seen the movie yet, but intend to. I am so happy that the movie ends with the Ressurection, not because I want a "happy ending", but because the fact that Jesus did rise from the dead, validates and justifies His death on the cross. It is through the resurrection that death was conquered, making a way for all believers to have eternal life. The Resurrection is essential to the Passion.

 

[IMGONNABE40!]

I agree, Mercy. The Resurrection was a necessary piece of the movie, but IMHO it was adequately portrayed in the movie.

 

[beattyfamily]

My DH and I saw it Saturday night. I planned it in advance so we could see it together. I got a babysitter for my 2 dd's.

It was a amazingly done, powerful, and a very moving movie. I had to cover my eyes a couple of times but I really tried not to. The most moving times for me we're the Mary scenes. I cried so much when she couldn't watch him being scourged anymore and when she ran up to him when he fell carrying the cross to the mountain. Maybe because I'm a mom, they really touched me.

It was gory but I felt it was for a good reason. It's a true story. I think it's good for us to see what Jesus really went through.

I've heard complaints that there wasn't enough of what happened before those 12 hours or not enough on the Resurrection but that is not what the movie is about. It's about the last 12 hours of Jesus' life.

I did not think the movie was anti-Semitic at all. Not at all. I did think the Roman soldiers were absolute monsters though. It was sickening.

Fyi...the devil was a woman with her eyebrows shaved and a man's voice. Mel said he did a man's voice and shaved eyebrows (and the maggot coming out of her nose...yuck!) on purpose. So that at first glance the person (devil) seems normal/attractive, but then you realize something isn't quite right. I thought it was well done. That voice will haunt me for a very long time and so will this movie.

So far I've only heard major complaints from those who haven't seen the movie. I think it's very unfair to criticize this movie without even seeing it for yourself and just going by articles in the newspaper or other sources.

I spoke with my very good Jewish girlfriend last night. She hasn't seen it but was telling me she read a Jewish article about it from a Jewish newspaper she gets at her temple. It said it wasn't fair that the devil appeared among the Jews. What? The whole country was pretty much Jewish people wasn't it? Besides the Roman soldiers? The devil appeared to be following Jesus along the stations of the cross, but not "among the Jews". Most of those Jewish people the devil was behind were crying for Jesus. I just thought that was so silly.

Sorry to ramble...I loved this movie.

 

[damo]

Do you think that Jesus would really have wanted this movie made? After all, according to the bible he did say, "Weep not for me", to those who were crying over his suffering. He wanted people to focus on what was going to happen after his death.

 

[DopeyRN]

damo..first off, this movie is not Mel's interpretation of anything. I sat down yesterday and re-read the passion in all 4 gospels and this movie is very accurate (did Jesus actually build a dining room table for a rich person as depicted in a flash back? Who knows...but the "important" parts are true to the bible). Secondly, if this movie brings some to faith who were not there, and deepens the faith of those who do believe, then yes, I am sure He would have no problem with it at all. The movie theater was as reverant as a church. I personally believe good will come of this movie.

And to everyone who doesn't need to see the movie because they read the book...let me tell you...this movie moves just about everyone and I felt I lived it...I felt I was on the road with Jesus. After digesting the pain of his suffering, I am now at amazing peace. If your faith is as strong as it can be, or needs to be, then I am very happy for you. I, on the other hand, am always needing and open to "more". I feel this movie is divine.

I firmly believe in people choosing their own way. I guess the only time I get annoyed is when people who don't experience something, judge it or declare it "wrong". I too would like to hear from someone who saw it and feels it is wrong/evil/untrue.

As always, this is just my opinion and consider the disclaimer read.

 

[CRB#33]

That was so beautifully said, Donna.

I am so happy that you have found what you did from this experience

 

[chell]

Originally posted by DopeyRN
Saw it yesterday. It is one of those things in life that defy words...there are no words. Took my almost 13 year old and my not sure what he believes husband. And 22 others. What a blessing...I very highly recommend it.

And for whatever it's worth, I do NOT watch bloody movies (only movie I ever walked out on was "We Were Soldiers").

I've not made it through the entire thread, but I wanted to comment on this before I forget.

There are no words. But it does make your heart hurt. Even though I cried my eyes out watching the movie, I'm so glad I did see it. WOW!

I don't watch bloody movies either, but this was completely different.

 

[chell]

Originally posted by CRB#33
If you believe in God, then you also believe that Satan exists. I am absolutely convicted that Satan did not want this movie to come to fruition. The negative things that surround it, including injuries to the actors are not of God and I'm sure you get my drift. What's amazing is God was faithful and that the injuries were not severe or life threatening and people learned amazing lessons from their happening.

 

[Tuffcookie]

I decided tonight would be a good night to see it. I am glad I did. Even though I knew the story line, seeing it on the screen really brought it to life. I don't know how Mary could have watched the whole thing from the sidelines. I gave DS, age 12, who is a new Christian, the choice of whether he wanted to see it or not. He chose not to. Afterwards, I can say that was probably a wise choice. Very few movies move you this way. Schindler's List was another.

TC

 

[chell]

Originally posted by 1GoofyPittsburgher
For anyone who saw it, do you think it would be acceptable for a 12 year old like me? I can hanle blood and gore. I think I should see it but I don't think too many people under 12 could handle this movie. It is a lot to take in for someone with a young mind who doesnt know the real violent truth about Jesus' death.

I think it depends on how emotionally mature you are. It is a very difficult thing to watch, but at the same time you are amazed. If you do go see it, make sure someone is with you!

 

[chell]

Originally posted by DopeyRN
You are immersed in the movie to the point that I felt I was there.

You really are. The movie doesn't seem to only last 2 hours, but at the same time it doesn't seem to be that long. You get so caught up in the movie and feel like you are really there that you forget you are sitting in a theater.

I'm one of those people who have a hard time paying attention and can't deal with only having one thing to do at a time. I've always got to have a few things going at the same time or else I'm too bored. I didn't have this problem watching the movie. My mind didn't really wander and I wasn't trying to think of ways it could have been better.

It was amazing!

Sorry I'm posting so much in this thread, but the more I read the more I think of to say.

 

[DopeyRN]

Michelle...let me guess...you give it 2 thumbs up?

 

[Pooh Girl 71]

I went to see this with my sister this past Fri. It was amazing. I'm a very emotional person to begin with. I think I cried from beginning to end. The scourging scene was definately graphic and I had to cover my eyes for most of it. I was emotionally draining at the end of this movie. I am glad I went but I don't think I can watch it again.

Can anyone explain Satan and the baby thing? That was just weird to me.

 

[chell]

Originally posted by damo
Do you think that Jesus would really have wanted this movie made? After all, according to the bible he did say, "Weep not for me", to those who were crying over his suffering. He wanted people to focus on what was going to happen after his death.

Yes, I do. I think this movie is being used to reach some people. I've already seen it make a major impact in the life of a loved one. The timing could not have been better.

I know that not everyone is going to agree on this movie and I'm fine with that. But I do want those who feel led to see the movie do so.

For me part of the crying was for what Jesus went through. But a lot of the crying was for the shame that I feel for being part of the reason that Jesus went through this. Does that make sense? I'm never good at expressing myself. I was crying because I know that I had a part in doing that to Jesus and I want to do better and be a better person. I want to be the person He wants me to be and I want to live the life He wants me to live.

 

[chell]

Originally posted by DopeyRN
Michelle...let me guess...you give it 2 thumbs up?

It was supposed to have the Yes smilie in there. I don't know where he went.

I give it 2 HUGE thumbs up.

You know, I don't think I've ever made so many replies on one page.

 

[chell]

Pooh Girl 71 I sent you a PM.

 

[Rock'n Robin]

I am really liking the fact that no one who is not going to see it has had one negative thing said about it. Wow! Is that a first? I want to see it but am really afraid I won't be able to handle it. I had some students go this weekend--students who I never knew were churchgoers--and the two I talked to this morning were blown away. One senior BOY, Mr. Hip Hop, told me he was crying during the movie--and he said this in front of the class! He said even his dad was crying a little! Every student who has seen it has been positive. My church is going Sunday at 7PM but my daughter's family BDay is at 3PM that day and everyone usually hangs out for a while, so I may have to catch it some other time, but I plan on catching it. That said, I don't think it's the kind of movie I'll buy on DVD and watch over and over, but who knows, I could be wrong.
Robin M.

 

[chell]

Originally posted by Rock'n Robin
That said, I don't think it's the kind of movie I'll buy on DVD and watch over and over, but who knows, I could be wrong.
Robin M.

That reminds me of something else.

At first I thought the same thing. But then the more I thought about the movie after seeing it I thought that I would like to get it on DVD or at least rent it when it comes out on DVD. I'd like to watch it with a group. I'd like to play it for a little while, then stop the movie and discuss everything we had just seen. I think it would be a wonderful discussion and I'd like to hear what others get out of each segment.

Anyone else thinking about doing this?