Many have taken up the task of writing a review of "The Passion of the Christ". I will just link one I thought was the best. Happens to be by a non Christian major movie critic. Roger Ebert's review can be found here.
For myself, I just wanted to put down some thoughts I had during and after the film. As much for me as for anyone who reads them.
Artistically, this is an excellent film. Cinematography is gorgeous, creepy, and perfect. Editing and shot choices are perfect. Acting, particularly by Jesus, Mary, Judas and Pilate (not necessarily in that order) are perfect, and the others are wonderful as well. Makeup and effects are wonderful, and never noticeable. They melt into the story.
The message, which I had heard was somewhat muddled (he dies, but why?) is VERY clear. I loved how Mel cut between the action happening in real time, and flashbacks of moments in Christ's life. One of my favorites being the "table scene" which was just perfect. The laughing Jesus... You saw WHAT Jesus said, and then immediately saw him LIVE it out.
The Lord's Supper means MUCH more now... This is a bloody film, but less so than I was expecting, and never to much. This is crucifixion we are talking about, and it was just like I have read and heard. This element was less new and unexpected to me because I have studied crucifixion at various times in my life. But to SEE it was very powerful. The film brought the intellectual knowledge I had about crucifixion and the flogging and "Jesus did all that for you", and made it an experiential knowledge. I wept silently... The camera lingers on the cane beating, and then the flogging (one soldier picks up the flagellum and whips it at a table, ripping out part of the wood. Then you see this happen to Jesus flesh...), and later on the crucifixion itself, but it isn't a glorification. This is what "by His stripes we are healed" and "if you would follow me, take up your cross" really mean. I tear up thinking about it.
The characters are handled perfectly, at least according to my reading of the texts, and my reading of other books that create time lines for the texts. Pilate is a man who is frightened of creating a riot, which will cause him to possibly lose his life, and certainly lose his position. Ciaphas is seen as a leader who wants to rid himself of a dangerous religious leader. Mary seems to be in shock, expressing a restrained emotion at what is happening that is VERY effective. Other characters are also given 3 dimensional treatment. Jesus is a MAN, but he is also fully in control and GOD.
One of my favorite scenes is the "tear of God" after Jesus breathes his last. Just a beautiful shot, and a beautiful symbol...
The single best handled scene is the resurrection. I was expecting it to be to brief, and something of a cop out. Though it is brief, it is POWERFUL. So simple, so restrained, and yet giving EXACTLY the right ending. This was no man. Wow... again, tearing up.
The choice to have Judas tormented by Satan and Demons was perfect. The portrayal of Satan was phenomenal as well. Creepy, sinister, and evil. In all, the artistic use of images and symbolism is wonderful. Not showy, just powerful.
I urge everyone to see it. You will be effected. You will cry. You may feel sick, be unable to breath at times. You will see, feel, know, for the first time maybe, what a great sacrifice Jesus made for you. What else can I say? Is this film for non Christians? Maybe. Depends on their background. It will certainly spark conversations and opportunities for witnessing with those who see it, but the responses will vary. I feel that this will also affect Jewish people very positively. Caviezel is the first truly Semitic looking Jesus, and I think that many will see their Messiah for the first time. By far though, the most affected will be nominal Christians, and Christians with a deep faith.
You will not regret seeing this film. I promise you that.
No comments:
Post a Comment