The Passion of the Christ

iVillage Member
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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iVillage Member
Registered: 02-03-2004
Mon, 03-01-2004 - 1:12pm
John 18:14... "It was Caiaphas who had counseled the Jews that it was better that one man should die rather than the people."

it obviously wasn't as "cut and dry" as the movie portrays - Gibson should and could have acknowledged this.

it was before the crucifixion and before the trial befoe Pilate.

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-25-2003
Mon, 03-01-2004 - 1:46pm
He did. I heard it on tape over the weekend, and he really did sound as snarky & juvenile as the quote read. Unbelievable.

Renee

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-01-2004
Mon, 03-01-2004 - 3:26pm
I have not seen the Passion Of Christ. I really do not want to see it. I believe that Mel Gibson was trying to do a good thing. I do not think it should be so very violent. I know that Jesus died for our sins. I know that Jesus died for my sins. I think the fuss about the movie is silly. If you want to see it than see it. Otherwise don't. I cannot look at my Lord being treated in that violent manner. I know it happened to him. But it is very upsetting to watch it. There was a mini-series on a long time ago. It was on NBC it was very good. I could not watch the Good Friday part of the series. It is coming up on Easter a joyous occassion. I know it is preceeded by the Crucifiction. I think we should focus on the joy of Christ's coming again. That is what I try to focus on in this period of Lent. I know that many people are going to see it. If it gives the positive message that we Christians should pray and focus our thoughts on Our Lord. Then it will be worth all the fuss.
Avatar for katmandoo2001
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Mon, 03-01-2004 - 3:31pm
I've read this article before and I still disagree with it. This is a movie for THIS and all times in history. I think many of the most vocal critics are more concerned about stirring up the "Christian Right" in an election year(!) than protecting the innocent eyes of children!

And since most popular and critically acclaimed movies today (which typically are aimed at those same children) have enough gratuitous violence and sex to choke a horse, then I don't understand what the uproar is really about? Violence has always been a part of the human experience, no matter what the century...we're just more sophisticated/hypocritical about it now.

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-07-2004
Mon, 03-01-2004 - 3:46pm
And yet I didn't find this movie grossly violent. It was actually tame compared to Hollywood's babies such as Kill Bill. However, I did find it graphically real.

To finally see what Christ went through is awe inspiring. To hear it is horrific but to see it and realize this was not some sugar coated action on Christ's part is beautiful. I would and am still numb from the movie and feeling completely unworthy of His sacrifice. He is truly the Lamb.

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-07-2004
Mon, 03-01-2004 - 3:48pm
There were showings for the last year as Mel Gibson tweaked it. My pastor has been on the screening panel for over a year.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Mon, 03-01-2004 - 3:55pm

That's how I feel.

Tonya
iVillage Member
Registered: 01-07-2004
Mon, 03-01-2004 - 3:58pm
I will have to say that this is beyond art. To a believer it is beyond words. I am still numb and to be honest I keep putting it on the back burner in dealing with the effect it has on me. I truly know now that Christ's death was not a vain one and He suffered much to save us from sin and death.

I will respectfully disagree that you need to be an alter boy to understand the extreme weight of what He did for us. As a Christian I was in so much pain that my Savior sacrifice Himself for me that is was at first painful but so wonderful that He loves me so much to die for me.

I applaude and pray for Mel Gibson for his faith, courage, and leading to do a film that is Bibical and accurate in how Christ the Savior died for each one of us so that we may have eternal life.

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-07-2004
Mon, 03-01-2004 - 4:01pm
I will agree with most of your assumptions. When I have seen him interview I am amazed at the conviction adn peace that he has within. I am awe struck by his continual stance that this is his faith statement....his witness if you will.

I only wish that I can get in contact with him to let him know that this Christian has prayed for him and continues to do so.

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-07-2004
Mon, 03-01-2004 - 4:01pm
Amen

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