Movie - Passion of the Christ

[dreamboy]

Have any of you seen this movie yet?
WOW !
If you plan to watch it, you may want to take some kleenex, or have something to grab onto, or into; during some scenes, it's somewhat difficult to sit still. But, overall, it really provides a lot to think about (given, of course, Mel Gibson's personal interpretations), and gives quite a unique perspective. If any of you go to it, let us know what you think afterwards.

 

[Sadistictickler]

Lol, seriously there are only 2 reasons for me to go see that movie:

1. Jews protesting against anti-semitism (can't those guys just quit calling any1 who critisizes Israël an anti-semist?)
2. A shitload of blood seems to be flowing

 

[Haltickling]

I've only seen trailers on TV, that's enough for me. The whole movie is in Latin and Aramaic (with English subtitles), and Mel Gibson speaks Aramaic with a terrible American accent... 🙄

As far as I've heard, he financed the 25 mill of production cost out of his pocket, but this movie will certainly amortize the investment due to all the church communities (not only Catholics) who organize whole movie theaters for their flocks. Let's not forget all the blood-loving sadists who will certainly adore this movie!

As for the antisemitism in this movie: Well, Christianity is not very Jew-friendly by design, is it? Quite amazing, if you ask me, as the whole old testament is practically identical with Jewish religion, and Jesus Christ himself was a member of the God-chosen people for all his life...

 

[Sadistictickler]

Let's not forget all the blood-loving sadists who will certainly adore this movie!

😀 Heck, I never knew some1 would finally make a bloody film I'd be able to see in the cinema in stead of having to order them in vague shops and stuff like that

 

[Fairfeather]

I can't really understand all this worry about whether moviegoers will emerge blaming the Jews for Jesus death. But then sometimes religion has precious little to do with common sense.

Well, since Christianity would not exist without Jesus death, that would be like blaming the Jews for the founding of Christianity.

It would also be forgetting a little event known as "The Resurrection." If you believe Jesus is dead, I don't think you can go around calling yourself a Christian.

Will it make Jews uncomfortable? If you're uncomfortable sitting in a theater full of devout Christians, yes. But as for what's on the screen -- well, the bad guys ARE Jewish, but so are the good guys. I mean, it's Jerusalem! Everyone's Jewish! Except the occupying Romans. You WILL come out hating them. Any ancient Romans who are thinking of seeing this movie should probably sit near the exit.

 

[Shem the Penman]

All I have to say is -- I'm completely offended that a celebrity would dare try to express his beliefs! Doesn't Mel know he's supposed to just shut up and entertain?

Seriously, though: it's gonna be fun the next time some censorious fundamentalist gets up to denounce the sick, violent, gory fare Hollywood serves up.

 

[JoBelle]

It looks to be beautiful in cinematography and the soundtrack is gorgeous! The story? I've heard it before! 😉

Frankly, I seriously doubt that Mr. Gibson is going to affect the last 2000 years of man's history! To think he holds such influence!

I'll go see it just because Mel gibson has a cute butt. (So what if it's not in the film! We all have our reasons for doing things!)

Jo 😀

 

[Oddjob0226]

Fairfeather had the smartest thing to say yet on the film - They're all Jewish! it's Jerusalam! Mark Twain couldn't have said it better, but his accent would have been more Southern.

I heard a pretty good joke:

"I haven't seen the film, but I've read the book"

That was pretty smart, I though.

And Happy Birthday to me, too.

 

[kis123]

All I have to say is -- I'm completely offended that a celebrity would dare try to express his beliefs! Doesn't Mel know he's supposed to just shut up and entertain?

Seriously, though: it's gonna be fun the next time some censorious fundamentalist gets up to denounce the sick, violent, gory fare Hollywood serves up.

Mel has shut up and entertained for years. He funded this movie himself and is based upon his intrepretation of what he read. Those may or may not represent his beliefs. He's taken enough heat from people who think the sky will fall because it's in theaters.

People screamed and moaned when Jesus Christ Superstar, The Last Temptation of Christ, and other movies came out too. No one burned those producers and actors at the stake, and this is no different to me.

Our nation has become so politically correct, that it's hard to say "hello" without offending someone. I just want 1% of gross ticket sales when this mess is over! I plan to see the film soon and look forward to it.

 

[Fairfeather]

You do have to give Mel credit for going out on a limb. Would have been real easy for an actor in his position to just coast for the rest of his career.

Here's a little Late Night with David Letterman humour to help mitigate the gore. 😀

Top Ten things heard outside the new Mel Gibson movie.

10. "Hey -- no shoving, Monsignor!"

9. "I don't know why they added subtitles -- everyone speaks Aramaic"

8. "I'm hoping my medium Mountain Dew will miraculously be changed into an extra large Mountain Dew"

7. "These 'Lord of the Ring' films are getting odder and odder"

6. "Was this really based on a book?"

5. "Twelve dollars for a movie ticket? Now that's a sin, am I right, people?"

4. "The Pope loved it almost as much as "Barber Shop 2'"

3. "Uh...I don't feel like dinner right now."

2. "That was awesome when Trump fired Pontius Pilate"

1. "Don't tell me the ending"

 

[MrMacphisto]

Lol, seriously there are only 2 reasons for me to go see that movie:

1. Jews protesting against anti-semitism (can't those guys just quit calling any1 who critisizes Israël an anti-semist?)
2. A shitload of blood seems to be flowing

I agree... You don't have to say much before you're labeled as an Anti-Semite these days... Granted, I saw the Daily Show's coverage of this controversy, and man... Mel Gibson has gotten loopy over the years. He has this odd, almost televangelist, aura now. He used to be the cool action/drama star, but now, he seems to be pandering to the ultra-religious audiences. I think the trouble started with "We Were Soldiers." From that movie onward, he became a bit too... populist. The way he's been conducting himself lately, it makes me wonder if he's considering running for office in the near future.

 

[theshire]

I haven't seen it, and I don't plan to, but from what I've heard it's the most violent movie ever made, and it can be difficult to sit through. But the cinematography and acting are supposed to be great so it sounds like a thumbs-up!

 

[Shem the Penman]

Mel has shut up and entertained for years. He funded this movie himself and is based upon his intrepretation of what he read. Those may or may not represent his beliefs. He's taken enough heat from people who think the sky will fall because it's in theaters.

People screamed and moaned when Jesus Christ Superstar, The Last Temptation of Christ, and other movies came out too. No one burned those producers and actors at the stake, and this is no different to me.

Our nation has become so politically correct, that it's hard to say "hello" without offending someone. I just want 1% of gross ticket sales when this mess is over! I plan to see the film soon and look forward to it.

-sigh- We really need a smiley for sarcasm. I meant the first paragraph of my post as a parody of those who explode in rage when an actor dares to, say, criticize the President. I think Gibson has a perfect right to express his beliefs, in his work or in other ways, but sauce for the goose and all that...

(I'm serious about the violence, though. If I see someone praising this movie and then denouncing Kill Bill, for instance, I'll have to point and laugh.)

 

[the_Baron]

i agree that its wrong to automatically label someone as anti-semitic simply for their opposition to certain Israeli political behaviour. that having been said, such issue has nothing to do with the movie in hand.

and as for the whole "blame the Jews for killing Christ" mantra - who are we kidding. believing Christians accept that God's plan of salvation, as determined before the creation of the earth, was to sacrifice His Son for the sins of the world. hence - Jesu lived to die. attaching responsability to a group is nonsense - He was going to that Cross no matter what - do you know who is responsable for that - ALL OF US. every person ever born, sinned - and that is why Jesus had to die.

 

[TklDuo-Ann]

I haven't seen it yet. We're hoping to have a chance this weekend. But, I DO have a few advance comments to make.

From what I've seen, there are three main complaints that people have had...
1) too violent
2) anti-semitic
3) a lay person has the nerve to believe

Let me respond to these concerns.

1) It's a movie based on factual events. They beat the living shit out of him and then killed him. That's a fact, whether you recognize who Jesus is or not. So, why the complaints? I saw no complaints about the scenes in "Saving Private Ryan", where they used trauma team advisors to make it as real as possible. I saw no complaints about the horrors of the concentration camps shown in movies like "Holocaust" and "Schindler's List". I think there's a big difference in showing violence as a gratuitous thing and showing it as a historical event. Most violence in the media seems to be gratuitous...and an act of hatred. This shows violence as historical and being accepted as an act of love. There's a big difference.

Could it be that it's just difficult to accept what He went through for us? Could people feel guilty? I suppose some may. But, when you look at it with eyes of faith, there is no reason for guilt...only gratitude and love. Should it lead to feelings of remorse? Nah. He doesn't want that. It keeps us imprisoned. What He wants is repentance. That leads us, with His help, to newness of life. So, it's violent. I'm sure those who aren't up to seeing the violence will stay away. And, that's cool. But, it shouldn't be denied to those who want to see it.

2) The ever-present cries of anti-semitism. I want to scream when I hear things like this. A true Christian is not anti-semitic. As a Christian, I believe that everyone had a preordained role in the drama of our salvation. This extends from the passover to the resurrection. Jesus was Jewish. The vast majority of His disciples were Jewish. The vast majority of those in the land were Jewish. So, when it came time for him to accept His passion, Jewish people were involved along with the Romans.

The main arguement I've heard is that the movie makes it look like the Jewish leaders were responsible for Jesus' death. Well...they were. But, this is no more a sentence upon their decendants than the responsibility of Catholics for the torture and death of thousands in the Inquisition and Crusades where we stupidly tried to shove our faith down peoples throats. They were doing what they thought best to protect their faith and people, just as we did. Recognizing the facts of history isn't a condemnation of anyone.

There's been a lot of talk about the quote used in the movie...where the crowd cries out "May his blood be upon us and upon our children." Many over the years have pointed to this as some sort of curse upon the Jewish people. As a Christian, I cry out the same words to Jesus..."May your blood be upon me." But, this isn't a cry of self condemnation fo any kind. It's a cry of faith that claims the salvation won by that blood. Though those at the time didn't mean it in those terms, I believe that Jesus' own words of forgiveness from the cross act as a condemnation, not to the Jewish people but to those who would use His Name to condemn them. If we do that, we bastardize our faith.

Anti-semitic story that will lead to hate? I think not. It's a love story that should lead to brotherly love and unity among all peoples...even if we don't see everything the same.

3) The fact that Mel is a layman seems to bother people too. There's this foolish mindset out there that only clerics should promote the things in which they believe...and the One in Whom they believe. Not so. We are ALL called to share our faith...whatever that may be. I'm not talking about shoving things down people's throats. I'm talking about living what we profess to believe and not being afraid to discuss it with others. Mel has made this movie as an act of love and faith. It's the fruit of his own personal meditation. He has now put it on the line to share with others by putting that meditation into film format. He says himself that it's not for everyone. But, it's offered to anyone who wishes to accept the gift. There's nothing wrong with that.

My gut feeling is that this is going to prove to be a very important piece of work. Time will tell. Do I think people need to see it in order to believe? Absolutely not. All we need for faith is grace. But, I believe that those who choose to see it will be blessed with a renewed awareness of the greatness of Jesus' love for them.

Ann

 

[Ticklebell]

Ann, you're just beautiful.

 

[natural tickler]

Very well said, Ann. I couldn't agree more. And I will take it one step further. People are angry when we say that the Jews killed Him? Well, yes they did. If you've read the story, they had a choice of either Barabbas or Jesus. well, we know which one they released and which one they killed. The crowd was hostile, to say the least. Yes, the Romans carried it out, but the Jews ordered it. Plain and simple

 

[steph]

I agree Ann-- raised strictly Italian catholic background, I won't see the movie. Although no longer practicing, it's just a little too close to home for my tastes.

And thank you, I was so waiting for someone to point out that Jesus WAS Jewish--My "people" still view the Jews as the "chosen people"

And from my friends who've seen it, I got the impression it's not the violence itself (the movie's very factual as you point out) but it's the "Over the top-ness". They've said the only reason the movie got a "R" rating was because Mel was behind it. My more twisted friends who saw it have compared the violence in it to a snuff film. Apparently the whipping scene alone lasts 15 minutes (shudders)

My hat's off to all who have the stomach to sit thru it all...

XOXO

 

[Moses25]

DAN BROWN:
A Christ not suitable for children
CBC News Viewpoint | February 25, 2004

First off, full disclosure: I'm not a churchgoer and my reading of the Bible is limited. If you're looking for a scholar's opinion of The Passion of the Christ, you'll have to go elsewhere because I don't have the credentials. What I am qualified to say is that this is the goriest retelling of the Christ story ever put on film.

Mel Gibson, who directed The Passion, has made a movie that is not about Christ's message of hope, but about the torture He experienced in His final hours on Earth. The theme here is pain, not love.

[...]

Yes, we Canadians have opinions, too. 🙂

(Sometimes, that's all we have) 😛

Cheers.😀

P.M.S. Source: http://www.cbc.ca/news/viewpoint/vp_browndan/20040225.html

 

[kis123]

-sigh- We really need a smiley for sarcasm. I meant the first paragraph of my post as a parody of those who explode in rage when an actor dares to, say, criticize the President. I think Gibson has a perfect right to express his beliefs, in his work or in other ways, but sauce for the goose and all that...

(I'm serious about the violence, though. If I see someone praising this movie and then denouncing Kill Bill, for instance, I'll have to point and laugh.)

Kis stands corrected and here's the sarcastic smiley for the record!🙄

 

[kis123]

i agree that its wrong to automatically label someone as anti-semitic simply for their opposition to certain Israeli political behaviour. that having been said, such issue has nothing to do with the movie in hand.

and as for the whole "blame the Jews for killing Christ" mantra - who are we kidding. believing Christians accept that God's plan of salvation, as determined before the creation of the earth, was to sacrifice His Son for the sins of the world. hence - Jesu lived to die. attaching responsability to a group is nonsense - He was going to that Cross no matter what - do you know who is responsable for that - ALL OF US. every person ever born, sinned - and that is why Jesus had to die.

Yeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

 

[tommytikl]

I saw this movie in a sneak preview on Monday...
The movie is very violent and yes the whipping scene is intense...I was teary eyed throughout the whipping scene but honestly after that the "violence" is turned down...a bit...if you make it through the whipping scene then you should be ok for the rest of it till the actual cross scene...although the total weight of the film sits on you!...this film takes you right to the edge...it makes you realize what the man went through whether you believe him to be God or not.

The film does break away from the violence by doing flashbacks to more "nice" Jesus scenes...and honestly the film could have used MORE of these moments to show why the Jewish priests of the time were so upset and their reasoning for sending Jesus to the cross and his further "Passion" for man kind. That is where I feel the movie falls a bit...because as a believer I simply FULLY UNDERSTAND what HE did for ME..however a non-Christain may not get the whole point of what He did, and be left wondering what was the point.

 

[dreamboy]

For what consolation it may provide, I learned on TV last night - only AFTER I had seen the movie, of course - that the whipping tools, as well as the scars, welts, and blood on the body during the torture scene are ALL computer graphics.
Obviously, this doesn't diminish the message, or the power of the scene.

 

[steph]

hmmm

No kidding? Thanx guys--most interesting thoughts and info...

XOXO

 

[Ticklemmmeeeeee]

Hi everyone🙂 I have emerged from semi-posting retirement to comment in this thread...🙂 ...I saw the movie lastnight and have talked to several people about it and It seems that your responses/comments to the movie here are relatively similar to everyone else I seem to be talking to or hearing from...the responses seem to fragment into a few major categories:

1. The films violence
2. The films portrayal of anti-semitism
3. Biblical/scriptural accuracy

Here are my thoughts🙂 Btw, if any part of my post appears negative or sarcastic...it is a misperception...(in other words, it's you not me,lol...) Seriously, I am just verrry passionate about this topic...call this post The Passion of Ticklemmmeeeeee if u so desire,lol. Now read what I wrote or I'll tickle u...j/k🙂 🙂

1. As far as the movie being violent...I am shocked that anyone going to see this movie was shocked that there would be violence depicted...is there anyone past the age of 5 in this country that honestly did not know that Jesus was crucified? I am sure it would make many people "feel better" if it were not so violent but the hard truth is that death by crucifixion is not pretty and I am sure Jesus would have "felt" better if He didn't have to do what He did.
Lacking any formal commentary from Mel from which to quote him, and myself being a Christian who is forever grateful for what God's only son did for ME, I feel relatively confident that the reason for the vivid brutality was not to provide portions of blood-thirsty america with yet another graphic cinematic blood bath to glorify....(to those of you who actually claim to hail the bloodflow) I believe the graphic nature was to depict as accurately as one can just what Jesus really endured physically, mentally, and spiritually during His last 12 hours of physical life so that we may , just perhaps appreciate a bit more of what He went through for us and that He didn't just die for us He was tortured, brutalized and eventually died for our sins.

It's so easy throughout our lives to cast aside the violence with which Jesus died when we say almost casually anymore how "He died for our sins"....I wonder if alot of people who say that and want to mean it really take time to even ponder what he did for us. I will repeat because it bares repeating, He didn't just die for us, he was tortured and slowly murdered. That is a biblical and historical fact, Mel didn't write the bible he merely attempted to re-enact an act of love that ended in violence. This movie is a love story. God loves us so much he sacrificed his only son for us so that we may live. A son who was sin free, praying for his torturers and soon to be murderers even on the cross as he slowly died. Do any of us know even one person in our lives who would commit such an act of love for us? I don't know that I do...not really.

On a slight tangent...many non-believers went to see the movie and I applaud them because not knowing the truth of what you believe regarding God and Jesus' death is not shameful but not investigating it and making an informed decision of what to believe , is.

I personally feel that this movie is one of the greatest evangilical tools the media has spat out in a while. It is a great way to strike up a conversation about God...and teach people the truth...some people think they know the truth, they think that there isn't one...I say if you can't explain your beliefs in a way that is non-defensive and non-judgemental and full of respect then perhaps you are not even sure what you believe, If you want to tell a person he or she is wrong and you are right but you do not offer evidence to support it, perhaps you would do better to ask rather than try and tell...if you have a conversation in which someone tells you something other than what you believe do you argue or thank them for their ideas and zealously pursue the truth on your own? When you find a conflicting fact to what someone says do you confront them with love and share what you found or are you eager to throw the mistake they made in their face? If you don't behave this way when confronted with opposing viewpoints then perhaps you wish more to possess an opposing view than an accurate one or maybe they would rather be right than know the truth or even worse, maybe you would rather prove someone inferior rather than help teach him. 🙁

To not believe is a personal choice and it doesn't make me angry it makes me sad, but to mock or ridicule Jesus or His death is something I take personally and anyone who loves Jesus should be offended as well. When we attack something we say we do not believe in rather than simply refrain from commenting it usually means we care about it more than we care to admit. I recommend that some people engage in a bit of self evaluation and intense introspection regarding why they take pleasure in being so anti everything🙂Anyway, I digress...lol.

2. As far as the film being anti-semitic..If the film transmits negative attitudes, stereotypes and caricatures about Jews it is because the media exacerbates that seed that it ever - so-cleverly planted in mainstream America of angst over imagined anti-semitic uprisings and such hype and people who want to blame the Jews fall for it...because well, let's face it, as long as you are blaming someone else you don't have to take personal responsibility, correct?🙂

I don't see how anyone can see that the film is anti-semitic unless they are looking for it. I believe it has the potential to fuel anti-semitism though. I do know one thing to be a fact, Mel is a Christian and because of that I feel confident in attesting that he is not anti-semitic because anti-semitism is anti-christian. Anyone who reads the bible knows that Jesus did not die only because of the Jews sins or the Romans sins, He died for ALL of our sins...It is difficult to depict anyones sinful behavior associated with those last 12 hours other than the romans and jews because that is who Jesus spent those last hours with....Rather than fear a semitic uprising I think a more worthwhile avenue to ponder is asking yourself this question....if YOU had been there, what would YOU have done for HIM? 🙂

3. As far as biblical and scriptural accuracy...I am facinated by this and still checking this part out but based on what I have read thus far it seemed to be pretty accurate though there is much I need to check out for myself because I am hearing many people say things that reflect discomfort with Mel's interpretations of some obscure areas in certain scriptures. One thing I actually overheard someone complain about is that he thought the film inaccurately glorified Mary. I didn't see that or get that impression , I saw a mother reacting quite typically to her son's pain.

Well, that's it for now...I probably lost most of u somewhere back between the beginnings of my little rant about attitudes and giving u homework,lol. Don't hate me because I'm ticklish...wait, where did that come from?...(just a girls feeble attempt to calm an anticipated angry mob,lol...I know I am goofy🙂 byeee 4 now...
~tm 🙂🙂🙂
🙄 😀