The Passion of the Christ
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| Thu, 02-26-2004 - 12:58am |
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.â€) 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.

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>"The most important part of Christ's life was not the crucifixion but His resurrection. If He did not rise up from the dead, we would not have eternal life."<
That's what I was taught to believe. Easter is the most important celebration.
As a journalist, I am disappointed in Andy Rooney. He is supposed to be a HUMOR columnist. It is not funny to second-guess others' religious beliefs. He should stick to what he's good at.
Many of us know that Pat Robertson thinks God talks to him. I have a hard time believing God talks to anybody in an audible voice these days, but we shall see in November if that "voice" Pat heard was accurate. If it wasn't, we will know it's not God, because God never lies. As for Gibson, I sincerely doubt that God would have told Andy Rooney he has "rocks in his head." God created us all and loves us all. Gibson is merely expressing his interpretation of that and yes, he probably was hoping to make some money from it, but don't all Christians who accept any kind of payment for their work? I would never say someone God told me he has "rocks in their head" for expressing his own opinion.
Ellen
Be happy that the showtimes are sold out - it means that people are seeing it! Unfortunately, here in South Florida, there were only about 30 viewing it when we did, but it was at 12:45 in the afternoon. It is being shown on two of 18 screens here.
It will make me a better Christian, and everyone should see it!
Why are you baffled by another Christian having an intense interest in this film?? It doesn't matter one whit if you are Catholic or Protestant, both are Christians.... Last time I checked, Jesus had died for the Protestants too.
Nancy
WELL WELL SAID!!! Thank you for your thoughtful comments, and responsible journalism.
Nancy
I agree that Gibson wasn't motivated by money to make this film. I think he expected it to be a small art movie-type distribution. No one who makes a movie in Latin and Aramaic and then who has to have his arm twisted to include subtitles, is doing it for the big bucks. ;)
Renee
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