The Passion of The Christ
I promised you a review, so here it is...
First, a word of warning.
This movie is not for the faint of heart, immature, or the squeamish.
You've heard all the Hollywood Hype about too much graphic and gratuitous violence.
(They should talk.)
Controversial? Perhaps. Anti-Semitic, no.
Yes, it is graphic. Lots of blood. His blood.
It is painful to watch, and at times, shocking in its depiction of the Truth.
Read The Book (The Gospels). Then see the movie. Then read it again...
Subject matter aside, it was a skillfully crafted movie.
It took a few moments to adapt to the use of sub-titles
and the pace, but I soon found that hearing the Aramaic language
as it was spoken is the only way this story could be told.
The photographic style and subtle techniques that draw you into
each scene made me feel as though I was actually there.
The use of flashbacks offered context and was not difficult to follow.
Sure, there was some poetic license, and "Mel-isms".
But nothing that should raise the hackles of biblical scholars.
As a movie-goer, I was entertained, and deeply affected.
Yes, I cried. But without giving too much away, it does have a brief, but happy ending.
Would I recommend it to children?
That of course depends on the child.
We took Spencer. He is 10. A mature 10.
He knows the story well, and was prepared for what he would see.
He thinks it is a great movie.
Dear Mel,
Thank you, the actors, and your crew for taking the risk, making the effort,
and delivering such a wonderful masterpiece.
Dear Hollywood,
See all those long lines at the box office?
Can you say,
PS: Please do not interpret this success as a desire for a series of
quick imitations with religious overtones, providing only graphic violence,
shock and eew, complete with that ubiquitous jelly slime sound effect,
and lacking any resemblence to art. No thanks. Don't even try.
Mel, an idea for the sequel...
How about the Life of Christ, his three year ministry leading up to the Last Supper?