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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I saw the film yesterday, and I thought it was wonderful. It was not for children or the faint of heart, but I didn't think the violence was there for the sake of violence. He portrayed the scenes as they are written in the scriptures. And they were gory. But every time I thought I couldn't take any more, there was a flashback scene. And the scenes were always peaceful, beautiful scenes. I think that was part of Gibson's genius. He knew what most people could take, he took us to that point, and then he pulled back.
I think believers will get the most out of this film. Nonbelievers can see the film as the life of a man who did nothing to deserve the torture he had to endure. Or just not see the film at all. But bashing the man because you don't agree with the message is just not right.
Robin in MS
Before seeing this movie I thought I may take my 8 year old son to see it. My attitude was that they are exposed to violence all the time, even if you try to protect them from it. They see it outside of your influence. I felt if he was going to see violence, it needes to be violence with an impact. After seeing the movie, I feel he still needs to wait a few years. Some of the violence I had to turn my head away from. I was in tears for about 50% of the movie. I can not take my son to this movie unless I am sure that he would fully understand it's impact on his life.
Elizabeth
Regarding critics who haven't seen the film: I wonder if personal fear is taking the wheel? What else might cause an individual to criticize and reject a film that they haven't yet seen? When I consider that fear reigns underlying at least some of the critics' sour notes, I can approach with understanding.
Mel Gibson did an excellent job!!!
I'm a person of faith, and Andy Rooney's editorial remarks do not bother me. He has a right to express his opinion on the film / filmmaker, even if he hasn't seen the film; so do you - so do I. I think that we often give away the power in our own beliefs / feelings / experience by focusing on another's (very human) reaction.
I took it differently.
IMHO, he was pointing out the silliness of Pat Robertson's 'revelations from God' about the Presidential elections.
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!)
But that's what the world needs at this time.
"The film omits the canonical line from John's gospel in which Caiaphas argues that it is better for one man to die for the people that the nation be saved.
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