by Jane Park

Created on: June 03, 2010

We all know the story of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. He is betrayed by one of his disciples Judas on Mount Gethsemane and is subsequently arrested. He is tried by Pontius Pilate and after a series of gruesome tortures, is nailed to a cross. He dies, but three days later, he rises from the dead. Whether you believe in this is another matter but belief alone could severely sway how much you end up enjoying this film that focuses on the last days of Christ on Earth. There is however, no need to take extreme sides based on how much of this you are willing to accept. No need to speak unfairly, harshly and offensively against the premise just because you're not a believer. On the other hand, no need to pass this off as the best film, most incredibly emotional film ever made, trying to force it onto all the non-believers, just because you happen to believe everything depicted in the film.

But it is an undeniable fact that the endless graphic violence portrayed in the film will have a more obvious, powerful impact on the Christian population of the audience. Be warned, this is an extremely violent film. The most violent movie ever? Probably not even close, thanks to the never-ending cycle of torture porn films being churned our way these days. Does director Mel Gibson takes it too far? No. What Gibson sets out to show is the frank, non-sugar-coated account of what the Bible describes. Nothing more, nothing less, so the excruciating amount of torture scenes that include Jesus being whipped repeatedly by two monstrous looking "cat o' nine tails," handled by two hateful, menacing guards is hard to watch. As his flesh start tearing, blood starts oozing, and then pouring out of him, quickly spreading to the surrounding, covering the ground with his blood.

The fact that he endured all this for our sins is deeply moving and no doubt many members of the audience will shed plenty of tears as a result. The violence can feel as a powerful tool showing the love that seems to have no bounds but again, this is only likely to be felt if you're a believer. If you're a staunch atheist, the self-sacrifice and pain will mean a lot less and the violence will hardly translate into a message of love and hope. The crucifixion itself is also very detailed, showing us the actual nails being hammered in; so brace yourselves for some very realistic, gut-churning portrayal of violence. Its intentions are unquestionably noble, although it's definitely not easy to sit

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