photo courtesy of imdb.com

Mary Magdelene (Monica Bellucci), Mary (Maia Morgenstern) and John (Hristo Jivkov) watch in anguish as Jesus is led to his crucifixon.

Mel Gibson’s The Passion of The Christ graphic and thought provoking

KEVIN BRADY

Staff Writer

Mixed emotions have surrounded Mel Gibson’s The Passion of The Christ since it opened in theatres a few weeks ago. There is a wide variety of support and criticism towards this film due to the graphic portrayal of Jesus’ death. Despite this feature, the depiction and originality used by Gibson provides the audience with a more realistic view of the final days in the life of Jesus, played by James Caviezel.

Gibson wrote this film based on his own impressions of what he felt was the last moments of Jesus’ life, based upon his Catholicism and the beliefs he holds deep to his heart. He also funded the entire production. The movie is viewed with English subtitles because the language spoken in the film is Aramaic. This feature did not detract from the movie but rather added to the originality of the film.

The story of the last final moments of Jesus’ life is gruesome and violent. It is told with more realistic features than any other biographical portrayal I have seen. The effects of the countless beatings that Jesus endured are endless. This film is unlike any of the other stories told regarding Jesus’ life such as King of Kings or Jesus of Nazareth. There are gripping pauses that occur in the movie. There is an eerie silence that captivates the entire theatre throughout the film. This movie is gripping and keeps you on the edge of your seat from the very beginning when Judas gives Jesus up to the high priests.

Main characters that follow Jesus throughout the story of his crucifixion include Mary, mother of Jesus and Mary of Magdalene. Gibson also includes a character resembling Satan. This provides for much speculation of the inclusion of this character. Is it worth it to have Satan in the plot? It is because it shows the victory in which God and Jesus had over the forces of evil.

The Passion is a film that makes some people reexamine their own religious beliefs, and their own lives. One will be left with a chilling feeling after watching this movie. Gibson’s film portrays a realistic, seemingly unnatural view of what the final hours of Jesus’ life was like, and what possibly might be the closest truth in this greatest story ever told. It will, and it should, have a deep impact on anyone who sees this film: The Passion of The Christ.

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