2008 Woodie Awards
A passionate experience at the theatre
Alec Troxell
Issue date: 4/15/04 Section: Features
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Many movies over the years have caused great controversy, but few have caused as much uproar as Mel Gibson's The Passion. Today's society tends to overanalyze, but because of the nature of this film, a mainstream religious motion picture, it has been scrutinized with mixed reviews.
Even before the film's release, critics were brutally beating or highly exalting this film. Many decreed that Mel Gibson's obsession with violence was finally taken too far. Others were fixated on the film's so-called anti-Semitic sentiments, but the critics who enjoyed the film's "accurate" portrayal of Jesus Christ's last hours spoke quite highly of the interpretation.
In order to stay true to the piece, Gibson chose to use two accurate but dead languages, Latin and Aramaic, and originally planned a debut without subtitles. As Gibson attempted to stay accurate with the language, he also tried to remain true with the movie's imagery. Over the years, depictions of events during Christ's crucifixion have become very tame. It was, to the faithful, Christ laying down his life - being brutally beaten and nailed to the cross - to save all humanity. This act of pure and divine kindness has been portrayed many ways over the years and a traditional image has been formed; one that lacks the true depth of the events.
The Passion takes the audience back to reality, by portraying these events as stated in the Bible. Through an emotional roller-coaster, Gibson portrays everything that mankind throughout the years has overlooked. We observe every whip, thorn, and nail as His oppressors pierce His skin and the emotional anguish Jesus feels. Mostly, we experience the emotional agony of a mother witnessing her son's murder on the cross.
Throughout the film Mary is portrayed as an emotional pillar as she witnesses the pain of her only begotten son. She remains strong and we are the ones who feel her pain. Here, Gibson accomplishes a complete catharsis for the audience as sobs and sniffles can be heard throughout the theater.
One critic, Melinda Ledman, noted, "Jesus' words on the road to Calvary remind her of his calling, and inspire hope in her fragile mother's heart. Without saying so, the movie implies that Jesus spent a lifetime preparing her for what must eventually transpire. His message of hope protected her from the despair of appearances. His suffering was great, but His cause was greater." Few words can describe this scene as it draws every emotion imaginable to the surface leaving the viewer speechless.
This film has special importance not only to the Christian faith community, but to all mankind. It is not only a spiritual event, but a cinematic masterpiece that everyone should witness. As we enter the holy season of Easter, I encourage you to view this film, especially if it is your first time. You not only watch this film; you truly experience it.
Even before the film's release, critics were brutally beating or highly exalting this film. Many decreed that Mel Gibson's obsession with violence was finally taken too far. Others were fixated on the film's so-called anti-Semitic sentiments, but the critics who enjoyed the film's "accurate" portrayal of Jesus Christ's last hours spoke quite highly of the interpretation.
In order to stay true to the piece, Gibson chose to use two accurate but dead languages, Latin and Aramaic, and originally planned a debut without subtitles. As Gibson attempted to stay accurate with the language, he also tried to remain true with the movie's imagery. Over the years, depictions of events during Christ's crucifixion have become very tame. It was, to the faithful, Christ laying down his life - being brutally beaten and nailed to the cross - to save all humanity. This act of pure and divine kindness has been portrayed many ways over the years and a traditional image has been formed; one that lacks the true depth of the events.
The Passion takes the audience back to reality, by portraying these events as stated in the Bible. Through an emotional roller-coaster, Gibson portrays everything that mankind throughout the years has overlooked. We observe every whip, thorn, and nail as His oppressors pierce His skin and the emotional anguish Jesus feels. Mostly, we experience the emotional agony of a mother witnessing her son's murder on the cross.
Throughout the film Mary is portrayed as an emotional pillar as she witnesses the pain of her only begotten son. She remains strong and we are the ones who feel her pain. Here, Gibson accomplishes a complete catharsis for the audience as sobs and sniffles can be heard throughout the theater.
One critic, Melinda Ledman, noted, "Jesus' words on the road to Calvary remind her of his calling, and inspire hope in her fragile mother's heart. Without saying so, the movie implies that Jesus spent a lifetime preparing her for what must eventually transpire. His message of hope protected her from the despair of appearances. His suffering was great, but His cause was greater." Few words can describe this scene as it draws every emotion imaginable to the surface leaving the viewer speechless.
This film has special importance not only to the Christian faith community, but to all mankind. It is not only a spiritual event, but a cinematic masterpiece that everyone should witness. As we enter the holy season of Easter, I encourage you to view this film, especially if it is your first time. You not only watch this film; you truly experience it.