The Passion of the Christ

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Registered: 07-25-2003
The Passion of the Christ
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Thu, 02-26-2004 - 12:58am
Has anyone been able to see it yet?

I knew it would be opening big, but I was surprised to find out this morning that one of the local 20-plexes was showing it to sold out crowds on every screen from 6:30 this morning to around 11:00 when their usual lineup started and The Passion only continued on a few screens.

I've been reading incredibly moving reactions to it like this one in National Review--

"THE PASSION IN HARLEM

I just got out of a screening at the Magic Johnson Theatres up at 123rd and Frederick Douglass in Harlem. The theatre was packed, with an audience that was about 85 percent black, and included many seniors (of course: daytime). The response to the film was just about universal: Loud applause at the end, and vocal endorsements of the movie as we exited. One sweet elderly lady, I’d say about 80 years old, was shaking her head on the way out, saying: “If you read the Bible, that’s exactly what happened.” Another woman, in her 30s, was brushing away tears. “It’s not the movie,” she said,” it’s the reality of the thing.” During the screening, the man I set next to—a guy in his 20s, tall, strong, and vigorous-looking, nobody’s wimp—gasped at some of the cruelties inflicted on Jesus. (When Jesus’ cross is turned over on its face so He can be nailed to it more securely, this man blurted out, “Oh, s***, that’s too much.”) Before the movie started, there was a little film in which Magic Johnson explained the rules for his theatres: “No talking. . . . No hats or colors . . . . If you have a problem on the street, don’t bring it inside.” I couldn’t help thinking: There is a problem on the street, every street, and this movie is about the solution."

I wanted to see it this weekend, but now the local news is reporting that virtually every showing in Dallas through the weekend is already sold out, so now I have to wait til next Saturday.

Renee

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Avatar for car_al
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Thu, 02-26-2004 - 2:28am
Yes, I’ve seen it and I would recommend it, but with a strong caution about the extreme violence – definitely not for children - several people left the theatre during an extremely violent passage. I consider film an art form and here Gibson is graphically depicting his vision of what the violence of the passion and crucifixion of Jesus Christ really entailed.

Unfortunately, for me, the violence not only detracted from the power of the film’s message, but also made me see James Caviezal, as James Caviezal covered in blood, not as Jesus the Christ. But I don’t fault him for the over done gory make-up, that wasn't his creative decision.

Many of the actors were extraordinarily effective particularly: Maia Morgenstern, as Mary; Hristo Shopov, as Pontius Pilate; Claudia Gerini, as Claudia and I don’t remember his name - the actor who played Simon.

Perhaps, because I’m a mother, I was very moved by Maia Morganstern's performance – it brought a sensitivity that is spectacularly lacking in this movie. Of course, this is not a sensitive movie – it is a very, very violent one.

C


Edited 2/26/2004 2:32:55 AM ET by car_al

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-29-2004
Thu, 02-26-2004 - 11:06am
I have read in a few places that the role of Mary (mother) was a significant part at defining the "sacrifice" element.

I feel almost obligated to see it. I don't necessarily look forward to it though. I know my emotional limits and I am not sure that a public place will be comfortable for me to experience it.

I'm almost nervous about the affect it will have on me. I consider myself a Christian, but I feel sure that this will really point out how I have not been living as one.

I thought it took great courage and conviction for Mel Gibson to really put himself "out there" for his beliefs. It seems to be freaking everyone out in Hollywood. (probably not the most Christian friendly place!)

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-18-2000
Thu, 02-26-2004 - 11:41am

>"It seems to be freaking everyone out in Hollywood."<


I haven't heard about this. Can you substantiate this comment?


The only

 


Photobucket&nbs

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-29-2004
Thu, 02-26-2004 - 2:21pm
I'm sorry,I misspoke...I meant to say media freaking out. The reviews are ALL over the place...Diane Sawyer tried to make Gibson out to be a fanatic in her interview, Andy Rooney's demeaning portrayal of Gibson and the movie, etc.
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Registered: 03-18-2000
Thu, 02-26-2004 - 2:39pm

>"reviews are ALL over the place"<


There were 'reviews'

 


Photobucket&nbs

Avatar for car_al
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Thu, 02-26-2004 - 3:28pm
<> Art to be valid – and film is art – should always have an effect on the viewer. The problem for me was that the violence was so extreme that it overshadowed what I thought would be the “message” - redemption and forgiveness. Instead, the film is an interesting - and in some ways creative - look at evil and its manifestations.

I saw this movie before reading any reviews and now that I’ve read many, I can only conclude that one gets from this film what one brings to it. If you were an altar boy in the Roman Catholic tradition, as Rodger Ebert was, you would certainly see and feel something that others – myself included – did not. This is not a movie I would see again - once was quite enough.

As far as the controversy surrounding this movie, remember that Gibson is a smart businessman and in the arts there is no such thing as “bad” publicity. All publicity generates interest and can bring in an audience just out of curiosity, which means increased box office revenue. Gibson will definitely get his investment back and “bank ability” trumps everything.

C

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-25-2003
Thu, 02-26-2004 - 3:35pm
'I'm not going to spend $9 just for a few laughs' -- CBS's Andy Rooney to Don Imus on why he won't see PASSION OF CHRIST....

Renee

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-29-2004
Thu, 02-26-2004 - 4:39pm
I don't really think that Gibson was in this for the money. By putting up his own money to make this film (which he knew would be controversial at the very least), he must have known there was considerable financial risk. I think he has to be pleased that the controversies may bring more to God through the film. He seems to have very strong religious convictions. All speculation, of course.
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-25-2003
Thu, 02-26-2004 - 5:00pm
As I said, I haven't seen it yet, so I'm only speaking from hearsay at this point, but I understand that the theme is the sacrifice of Christ, ergo the title, "The Passion of the Chirst." This film is unique in that it's audience is believers, and it isn't another retelling of the Gospel to save the lost world.

The realistic violence is the whole point of the film--to show me as a Christian, exactly what Jesus willingly and without complaint endured to pay for my sins and buy my freedom.

That said, I'm glad that non-believers are seeing this movie and have been surprised and encouraged by what many of them, you included, are getting out of it. I had anticipated more negative reactions along the lines of what's been coming out in the secular reviews.


Edited 2/26/2004 5:32:10 PM ET by wrhen

Renee

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-23-2003
Thu, 02-26-2004 - 5:59pm

...Andy Rooney's demeaning portrayal of Gibson and the movie, etc.


You mean this piece?


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