The Passion

Blockbuster is staying open past midnight next Monday in order to release to their customers The Passion of the Christ which officially comes out on video Tuesday, August 31. Having noticed that I was on their list for advance sales of the DVD, the salesclerk alerted me to this news as I was checking out a movie today. Honestly, it never occurred to me that Blockbuster would treat the release of this film thusly, so the news came as a bit of a surprise. I don't plan to pick my copy up that early, but it's encouraging to know that there is still strong interest for the film as it becomes available on video. I hope that its message continues to minister to people, some of whom will probably be viewing it for the first time.

I reviewed The Passion when it first came out in theaters for the benefit of the parents of my youth group. They were curious to know what to expect if they decided to take their children to see the movie. Since it is being released next week on video, I'm posting that review here for the benefit of anyone who hasn't yet seen the film but is interested in doing so. Read on to decide if you should see this film.

Having seen the movie "The Passion of the Christ" yesterday, I must recommend that one strongly consider how their child will react to graphically depicted scenes of the crucifixion before deciding to take youth to see it. I now understand why this film received its R rating and agree with the MPAA that some scenes in this film are not suitable for younger audiences. That is not to say that the story of the crucifixion is unsuitable for young teenagers, but just that this film’s depictions of the Passion may be too violent for some. Still, I believe it is a movie worth viewing and would recommend it to those who can handle the visceral images. Please read below for further commentary on the movie, the reason for the controversy of the film, and what to expect if you do decide to view it.

The Movie and Its Rating
The movie is 126 minutes long and is rated R for the violent images it contains. (It has even been suggested by one prominent critic that if the subject matter of the film had been about anyone other than Jesus then it would have received a NC-17 rating for its violence.) The story deals with the Passion of Christ that occurred during the last twelve or so hours before He was crucified. And this term, Passion, refers to the suffering, agony, and pain He endured during that time. I cannot emphasize enough that this film focuses intensely on that Passion.

You can expect to see very realistic-looking beatings, floggings, scourging, and crucifixion scenes. This film does not hold back when it comes to seeing Jesus suffer throughout the Passion. The emphasis that Jesus was truly flesh and blood is made excruciatingly clear in scenes where he is tortured and mocked. Not only are these images intense, but also unrelenting. Though interspersed with some narratives and flashback sequences, most of the movie portrays the actual Passion of Christ, as the movie’s title suggests. Since the majority of the film includes such violent scenes, this movie is not meant for the faint of heart.

The Controversy
The controversy that has surrounded this film and made headlines concerns fears of anti-Semitism. Some Jewish leaders, aware of how such Passion Plays have encouraged hatred toward those of the Jewish faith in the past, are fearful that this film may do the same today (although their concerns are primarily concentrated on areas outside of the US). Their fears stem from the lack of context for the story in this film combined with the portrayal of the Jewish leaders’ guilt in having Jesus crucified. Since this film only covers the Passion of Christ, or the events immediately leading to His crucifixion, much of the background story of Jesus is left for those who see the film to discover for themselves. And although most of those viewing the film will be familiar with the story of Jesus and understand His purpose for dying on the cross, some will not. It is feared that this combined with the depiction in the film of the Jewish leaders’ insistence on Jesus being crucified will incite some to demonstrate against Jewish people for their part in the death of Jesus. It is unfortunate to think that some would do such a thing, especially considering how Jesus willingly hands himself over in the beginning of the movie and even commands Peter to drop his sword at the scene in the Garden of Gethsemane.

All this proves a very real point that everyone who sees this movie is going to bring something of themselves and their beliefs with them to this film. It is definitely emotionally charged in its depiction of Christ’s suffering and therefore will prove to be an emotional experience for those who view it as well. While most Christians will probably sense shared guilt (knowing that Christ died for them and everyone else upon the cross) for what they see on the screen, others may want to vent frustrations towards those they perceive as responsible without understanding why Jesus’ death occurred the way that it did. Wrongly or rightly, it is this fear that has primarily fueled the accusations of anti-Semitism.

If You Decide to View the Film
I believe that contemplating on the Passion of Christ deepens our understanding of Jesus’ sacrifice and what he went through on our behalf. And I believe that this film is a tool to help us with that contemplation. While it may leave little to the imagination in its portrayal of the events, the movie does encourage further reflection and contemplation on the mission of Jesus to reconcile us to God, the Father. In a very literal sense, “The Passion of the Christ” tries to emote to us through graphic images the words of Isaiah concerning the suffering servant that “by his wounds we are healed.”

Prepare to be overwhelmed, both by the story of the Passion and by the gore that accompanies it. This film has been described as more of an experience than a movie. Also, prepare to discuss this film and your understanding of scripture and events. This screen version of the Passion Play will prove emotional and thought provoking. Most assuredly, questions will arise both in your own mind and in conversation about the film with others. Be prepared to contemplate this movie after you have viewed it.

While most all the scenes are based on scriptures found in the four Gospels, there are some dialogues and inventive scenes used in the film that are not found directly in the Bible; most notably, the appearance of Satan tempting Jesus during this time. You may want to (and I recommend that you do) read the Gospel accounts of the Passion before or after viewing the movie. They will help you to understand at what times poetic license was taken with the script and telling of the story or to know when the image on the screen has been based on the author’s vision for the movie or the words of scripture.

In Conclusion
While I do recommend this film, please be aware of the graphic nature of its content. This film is intended for mature audiences. It should be seen as an experience to deepen one’s faith by considering the shocking price that Jesus paid by enduring such suffering on our behalf. If you do not want to be reminded so vividly of the cost of our forgiveness through Christ’s blood, then “The Passion of the Christ” is probably not for you. If you are prepared for an intense treatment of the subject however, then by all means go and see this film.

Be God’s,
Lee

My recommendation: buy it, watch it, and be moved.