by Danette M. Scott

Created on: March 14, 2008

Movie reviews: The Passion of the Christ

Mel Gibson's film, The Passion of the Christ (2004), packed theaters the world over with eager viewers waiting to see the latest blockbuster release from the talented actor/director Mel Gibson.

Movie goers waited in long lines to watch The Passion of the Christ. Their efforts were rewarded with a hard, realistic look at the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The film does use some dramatic license. Jesus falls on his way to the execution site a few too many times than he's supposed to when compared with the biblical version of the story of his crucification.

The Passion of the Christ delivers a powerful drama with a well researched crucification to movie viewers. The actual crucification of Jews, criminals, and political prisoners by the Romans during Christ's lifetime was intended to horrify and terrify the local populations into submission of Roman authority. Executions and tortures used in Mel Gibson's film were as close to the actual archaeological and historical versions of them as could possibly be portrayed on film.

The deliberate casting of unknown actors in the leading roles of Jesus and Peter was a stroke of sheer genius on Mel Gibson's part. Well known actors, like Robert Dinero added superb talent to the film itself.

Religious groups that take offense to the film claim that it is critical toward members of the Jewish faith. The Passion of the Christ was intended to be a tribute to a man who was and continues to be the center of Christian faith. The passion he presented to the world in allowing himself to be crucified for the benefit of the undeserving sinners was accurately portrayed in the film. His message to the world was not one of religious hatred, but of love and forgiveness. He was showing his love for man by enduring the humiliation, mockery, torture, and crucification.

The film, The Passion of the Christ, truly presents a powerful, passionate portrayal of Christ's crucification. It is worth taking an hour and a half to view this film. I would rate the Passion of the Christ a five out of possible five stars.

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