‘The Passion of the Christ’ is a stirring story of violence and faith

By John Soltes

The Passion of the Christ, one of the most controversial films of all time, is not exactly a movie intended for repeat viewing. I saw it for the first time when it hit theaters on Ash Wednesday in 2004, and until recently, never sat through the Mel-Gibson-directed film a second time. Would it lose some of its undeniable power? Would Gibson’s recent negative press pollute the way in which I viewed the story? Has The Passion of the Christ aged well as a cinematic venture?

In many ways, the feelings I encountered when first watching the film still prove true. I find the movie to be an unquestioned labor of love on the part of both Gibson and his talented cast. James Caviezel is still haunting as Jesus Christ, and Maia Morgenstern’s heat-wrenching performance as Mary, His mother, still brings tears to the eyes (in fact, her performance is undoubtedly the highpoint of the film). The very story of the Passion, which follow Jesus from his arrest to his condemnation to his ultimate death, is a highly emotional sequence of events that has been reimagined in various art forms throughout the years. Gibson’s film is not the ultimate testament to the Passion story, but a worthy addition to the pantheon of religious art. If a movie instigates discussion and gathers the best talents of its cast and crew, then it must earn some credit. The other specific critiques about the film will have to be left with theologians and historians; after all, the film is in Aramaic, and I’m judging it based completely on my experiential feelings.

The violence is still so extreme that it ultimately proves numbing. The scourging of Jesus is painful to watch and difficult to sit through. There is more whipping, bleeding and torture in this film than most horror movies. Although Gibson has said that the violence is meant to call to mind the true sacrifice, the argument loses some of its steam as the unrelenting blood continues to spill. If one is meant to actually experience and appreciate the Passion, then a film capable of being watched from beginning to end is required. The Passion of the Christ borders the line on how much is too much. Interested filmgoers may want to check out Gibson’s scaled-down version of the film, which leaves much of the scourging on the editing room floor.

But even amid all the violence, there is a beauty to the film. For believers, the sacrifice is made evident, and Jesus, even until his last breath, is seen in all of his humanity. He has a mother. He is able to bleed. He feels pain. He hurts.

Many of the images, including the opening scenes in the Garden of Gethsemane, are visually arresting. Gibson is able to use light, whether the glow from the moon or the darkness of an empty tomb, to full effect. And perhaps most admirable of all, the director is able to harness real emotion. The Passion of the Christ, in spite all of its criticisms, is a highly emotional film. It’s very difficult not to be moved by the biblical adaptation.

The Passion of the Christ

2004

Directed by Mel Gibson

Written by Gisbon and Benedict Fitzgerald, based on the Gospel accounts of the New Testament

Starring James Caviezel, Maia Morgenstern and Monica Belluci

Running time: 127 minutes

Rated R for sequences of graphic violence

In Aramaic, with English subtitles

Bubble score: 3.5 out of 4

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