I finally broke down ...

James Caviezel was better as Edmond Dantes. Mel Gibson needs to stick to acting.

 

I saw it three times at the movie and purchased it last month. I still think it was a great movie.

 

I still think it was very great.

It has not.

Like any movie, the first time is the best and most impacting time. I've seen it once on the screen, and once on dvd (although, on a 60" high-def TV). It's not the kind of movie you can't just casually watch from time to time. Kinda like Schildler's List, which was so powerful, I have only seen it twice, and have not yet been able to bring myself to see it again.

Seems like it. When people are mulling around the possibility of an Academy Award nod, it's a clear indication that the film in question had an impact.

I don't remember "Jesus of Nazareth" getting this much hype, and it wasn't any more scripturally perfect or cinematically good that "the Passion". Yet Franco Zeferelli didn't become the easy target that Gibson was. Unfortunately, when the subject matter is what it is, some will raise the bar so high that it will be impossible for the product to please them.

I'm beginning to think that it's some Christians who don't want God to be present in the media, because it makes it more difficult to complain that the media is ignoring God.

 

I saw it five times and think it was very moving. It was made from a Catholic view but I don't think anyone could have made it any more heart wrenching. The beating and crucifixion were very hard to watch (just as one would expect). We got so used to watching Zeferelli's sanitized version "Jesus of Nazareth" that we forgot that the Bible says Jesus was beaten beyond recognition. The language and Mary wiping up the blood were jewish touches. I had no problem with the language or subtitles. I can really imagine Judas being haunted by demons that drove him mad.
This movie was meant to be like none we had ever seen. It is very hard to watch and very hard to leave when it's over. Every time I went, no one moved for 10 minutes afterward and no one spoke a word aloud. I think we were all trying to compose ourselves.
I think it was one of the most awesome movies I have ever watched. I know I came away with a different perspective of what Christ actually went through for us.
We now have it on DVD and have watched it once or twice at home.

 

johnv,

I agree with your statement on holding these things to an unbelievably high standard. If we held most pastors (NFFENSE MEANT) to this high of a standard they would no lomger be preaching. This statement includes my preaching at times.

 

I admit that I was also somewhat disappointed by the movie. It has several emotionally moving passages, but then there are other parts that are puzzling and even bizarre. That detracted from its overall effectiveness for me. But that's just my opinion, and many of my friends greatly enjoyed it.

 

I thought it was great!!

 

Did anyone see the People's Choice Awards last night? The Passion won movie of the year. (I caught the last half after church and only watched becasue Johnny Depp was nominated and won actor of the year).
We are waiting for Blockbuster to put it on their previously viewed for sale rack.
I think you'll find most peole will judge the movie based on the fact it is about Jesus, and nothing more, acting, directing, writting, odd base biblically. And I think it won last night simply becasue it is a very emotion driven movie, if it effects the emotions no one cares about the rest.

 

I agree with Pastor Larry. It was nothing but Jesus getting beat to a pulp for two hours. If you find that entertaining help yourself.

 

You're right. Christians shouldn't be reminded about the beating, torture, and death that Jesus took upon himself for our sake

 

Johnv,
Have you ever spoken with someone who was under the impression that Jesus is just a great person who did great things? That somehow they were on the same level as our Savior?

Humility and gratitude seems to have vanished for some...now please don't think I'm trying to accuse anyone here of not being humbled or grateful. I'm only saying that a few believers I've encountered are this way..Be it from weak faith or a non commited heart.

Sometimes we need the reminder of HOW MUCH Jesus sacrificed for us and the graphics in the movie certainly brought it out clearly.

This movie had my full attention.

 

Try reading Isaiah 6 and then compare.

That's kind of like asking does food have any effect? You eat three meals each day and don't think about it much until you are hungry.

Try asking the people in your congregation about what you preached on eight days ago. Then see if they remember your sermon or the movie better.

 

I still think it was a wonderful movie.

The wierdest comment I've ever heard was from a friend (I mailed her the DVD for Christmas):

So, what did you think of the Passion Movie?

"I really enjoyed it. I watched it twice and enjoyed it both times."

Enjoyed?

Well...she's not real articulate, I guess.

 

The problem I have with The Passion is that the physical suffering of Jesus is emphasized far beyond the spiritual suffering. I realize the Garden of Gethsemene scene is portrayed, but on the Cross, Jesus died as our Substitute, taking upon Himself the wrath of a holy God due to our sin. That is why He cries out, "My God, My God, why have you forsaken Me!"

I think the movie has helped many to become aware of something of the sacrifice Jesus made, but I wish the spiritual suffering was emphasized more. The movie fails in that regard, and that is central to the transaction made upon the cross (2 Cor 5:21).

Bill

 

(duplicate post)

 

I don't know what it is. For a Christian movie, it was outstanding but I was somewhat disappointed.

Had the movie started with the triumphal entry into Jerusalem and ended with 20 or 30 minutes of the Lord's suffering and crucifixion, it may have been the best movie of all time. Even with the Catholic stuff.

 

Mommyperson, I don't think you realize my last post was a sarcastic one. I'm in agreement with you here.

I agree that the spiritual suffering aspect is important, but I don't think we Christians lack the comprehension of spiritual suffering. However, I think that we have become so lax in having Jesus' sacrifice be a part of our faith that we take it for granted. Phrases like "Jesus shed his blood for you" are such a cliche to us Christians that they practically lose their full context. Most movies that portray the crucufuxion sometimes make it so antiseptic that we as a community have completely lost the ability to comprehend how much of a sacrifice Jesus' blood was. Having studied the clinical aspects of Roman execution by crucifixion in college, I can tell you that this is probably the first film ever to portray with reasonable clarity the full context of what crucifixion is. And Jesus endured it all. Every moment. For me, for you, for all.

 

Amen!

 

I still think it was very great.

It has not.

Like any movie, the first time is the best and most impacting time. I've seen it once on the screen, and once on dvd (although, on a 60" high-def TV). It's not the kind of movie you can't just casually watch from time to time. Kinda like Schildler's List, which was so powerful, I have only seen it twice, and have not yet been able to bring myself to see it again.

Seems like it. When people are mulling around the possibility of an Academy Award nod, it's a clear indication that the film in question had an impact.

I don't remember "Jesus of Nazareth" getting this much hype, and it wasn't any more scripturally perfect or cinematically good that "the Passion". Yet Franco Zeferelli didn't become the easy target that Gibson was. Unfortunately, when the subject matter is what it is, some will raise the bar so high that it will be impossible for the product to please them.

I'm beginning to think that it's some Christians who don't want God to be present in the media, because it makes it more difficult to complain that the media is ignoring God. </font>[/QUOTE]I agree with John on everything except the last statement. I don't think it is as dubious as that. I just think others have honest disagreements with some of the content of the movie. Personally, I did not go into the movie looking to be moved by the Holy Spirit or have my life changed. I went in to be entertained by the music, the language, and the story. I was entertained by all three and thought the movie was wonderful.

Joseph Botwinick