Mel Gibson's "The Passion" About This Page:

[simbarel]

Has anyone been following the controversy on Mel Gibson's upcoming movie The Passion? It's a movie that depicts the last 12 hours of Christ's life. The Pope likes it, the Anti-Defamation League hates it, and it turns out that Mel Gibson is a super hard-core Catholic who bought and maintains his own church because he believes Vatican II weakened the religion, and he prefers to follow to what's known as Traditional Catholicism.



Most of the concern stems from Gibson's portrayal of the Jews in the movie, which reportedly makes them look like evil, blood-thirsty mongers prone to deicide. The Village Voice printed a great article exploring the notion that Mel Gibson has been grooming his career towards a movie with such a subject for some time now.



I've read strong reviews on both sides of the anti-Semitism issue, and the movie has been widely rumored to possibly evoke bad Jewish-Christian relations. Some say the movie could be a serious miscalculation on Mel Gibson's part and could ruin his career. Frankly, I'm fascinated and I'll be one of the first in line for its Ash Wednesday premiere. How 'bout you? Is this a movie you would see for yourself, or would rather avoid, or would just chalk up the controversy to media hype. Any thoughts?

[*Pixie*Dust*]

I have been following this story as well and am looking forward to seeing it.
But I am glad Mel has changed his mind and has decided to use subtitles. My Latin is a bit rusty .

[ProChristo]

You sure do like the controversial topics, Rachel! (Religion, politics, popular morals, etc) Mee too!

D.B. and I are looking forward to seeing this, as much due to the controversy as the content. As for the anti-Semitism issue, I'll have to see it and make a judgement then. Personally, as a Christian, I don't hold Jewish people responsible for Christ's death. I hold all of humainity (including myself) equally responsible, due to the fall Adam and Eve, as recorded in Genesis.

[ QUOTE ]
Even approving viewers of Passion have recoiled at the savagery of the film, in which Jesus (played by James Caviezel, himself a devout Catholic) is endlessly beaten, scourged, and thrown about like a rag doll. In the most widely circulated publicity still, the Man of Sorrows is pictured stooped under a massive cross, drenched in blood and howling in agony. And that's before the nails come out.


[/ QUOTE ]

Sounds like this movie will be hard to stomache. A good reminder to me regarding the depth of my sin, and the depth of the love of my God, who redeemed me despite it.

[simbarel]

[ QUOTE ]
You sure do like the controversial topics, Rachel! (Religion, politics, popular morals, etc)

[/ QUOTE ]



Guilty as charged, I can't help myself.



[ QUOTE ]
I hold all of humanity (including myself) equally responsible



[/ QUOTE ]



I read that Mel's only on-screen role in the film are his hands pounding nails through Jesus' hands to the cross, in effort to recognize that he killed Jesus.



Margo: I agree re: Latin (and Aramaic...2 dead languages! I think we're all rusty! )

[mrsmaup]

Well, im a good Baptist girl and know NOTHING about the Catholic church, so I cant speak to any of the vatican II issues, especially since I have NO idea what any of it means, but I do know that Mel Gibson has at least the strength to stand on his convictions, regardless of what the typical Hollyweird crowd thinks; good for him. If Robert Downey Jr and a host of other badly behaving folks can be redeemed, then Mr. Gibson should not be castigated for making a film(financed by him) about his beliefs. Dosent this fall into freedom of speech as well, or is that just for politically correct forms of art.

From what I understand, he sticks very close to scripture. I hope so. I will see it; my husband says he cant, that it will be too painful, but will see it later. Yes, for believers, it will be INCREDIBLY painful to watch the full brutality, but it was brutal and that should not be discounted.


All I know is that I will be bringing my kleenex. Even seeing a crufix brings me to tears; thinking about the sacrafice made willingly.

[Chrissi]

[ QUOTE ]
Dosent this fall into freedom of speech as well, or is that just for politically correct forms of art.


[/ QUOTE ]

It certainly is protected as a work of art. I'm curious about the movie, but not offended that it's viewed as being one-sided. All of history is one-sided, usually because history is written by the victors of its wars. In a story, produced by a Catholic man of means and conviction, can we expect it to portray everyone in a politically correct light? Hardly. He's telling the story as he is interpreting it. Take what you will and leave the rest, I think, is the message here - for what it's worth from a third party.

[mrsmaup]

Also, as to whether or not this will sink his career. He has made it clear that he dosent care. This is his "passion"(hence the movie title) and he made enough money to take care of his family and make this film and that's enough for him.

He did just win a people's choice award for favorite movie actor the other night(last night?), so at least the fans still think of him.

I will always love him in Signs!!!!!!!

[AKLRULZ]

[ QUOTE ]
A good reminder to me regarding the depth of my sin, and the depth of the love of my God, who redeemed me despite it.

[/ QUOTE ]



Amen to that! I am very much looking forward to this film. I don't think it can be labeled as one sided since it does apparently follow scripture. I hope it does nothing more than glofify the price that Christ paid for us.

[Dumbo]

I don't want to see the film. If the Pope said it's good than it must follow the Bible. The PC police can take a leap on this on. I hope those who see it come away with a truer picture of Christ and the Bible.

[TinkerAnn]

From the history aspect alone, everything I've read makes me know that I will see this movie. We know that anyone that faced crucifixion was mauled in the worst way and so I'm not sure that what is portrayed on the screen will seem that outlandish. That type of death was always torture and so I'm not sure why there would be bad Jewish-Christian relations....I think that that is just media trying to make something bigger than necessary. It's not like we don't all know that he was put to death by his own people....and then the rest of us just because we are part of the reason that he went to the cross.

I am intrigued that he chose to do the nailing himself. I think that it shows a closer look at who Mel Gibson really is. How deeply he might believe what he is doing.